With recent offerings like EX MACHINA, coupled with the ever-volatile status quo in today’s world, affected by both climate and political issues, science-fiction cinema is returning to a more cynical, grounded approach that was superseded when the original version of STAR WARS bowed in 1977 and lightened up the cinematic potential of the genre.
ASSASSINAUT, written and directed by Drew Bolduc, is certainly a movie that returns to the darker tone of films like DARK STAR and even has a touch of John Boorman’s classic 1972 film thriller DELIVERANCE thrown into its’ mix, with a touch of David Cronenberg’s 1970s work.
The Earth has suffered the tragedy of a nuclear apocalypse and the President of Earth lives in a high-quality, high-security space station that happens to be orbiting a distant planet which could provide a new home for the Earth’s inhabitants.
Four children become the latest potentials for universal peace, Sarah (Shannon Hutchinson), Tom (Johnathan Newport), Charlie (Jasmina Parent) and Brooke (Yael Haskal) and are invited in honour by the current President of Earth (Irene Santiago) to the station. However, before the tour of the facility begins, an infiltrator attempts to assassinate the President, whilst carrying a bomb on his person.
People escape in pods to the planet, but the danger is not over, as more perils and challenges await the quartet of youth…..
Thanks to a lean, tight narrative, coupled with its’ manageable eighty-two minute running time, ASSASSINAUT is a cult classic in the wings. Bolduc relies less on spectacular CGI and more on a natural environment, heightening the tension for the characters and the conflict inherent here.
Bolduc, as the head of the special effects department as well, demonstrates a talent for deliciously gory make-up effects as a key artist alongside his main roles as writer and director that Cronenberg and Savini fans will acknowledge and appreciate in equal measures.
Older generations will sense a touch of the second half of DELIVERANCE here, but will also recall some of their favourite Saturday night VHS binges watching the likes of Aaron Lipstadt’s ANDROID and THE BROOD. The use of kids as the key protagonists also elevates the film to a more tense experience, with the gory moments gradual rather than in your face.
Well worth a look.
ASSASSINAUT IS AVAILABLE ON VOD AND BLU-RAY NOW!!
