Movie Review: The Colony (2021)
Director: Tim Fehlbaum
Starring: Nora Arnezeder, Iain Glen, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina
A Haunting Vision of Humanity’s Future
Tim Fehlbaum’s The Colony (also known as Tides) is a visually striking and thought-provoking sci-fi thriller that delves into the consequences of humanity’s mistakes and the struggle for survival in a desolate world. Set in a future where Earth has become uninhabitable due to climate change and wars, the film explores the moral dilemmas faced by those who return from a distant space colony to see if life on the planet can be restored.
The story follows Blake (Nora Arnezeder), an astronaut sent back to Earth from Kepler-209, a space colony where the elite fled decades ago. Her mission is simple: assess whether the planet is habitable again. However, upon landing, she discovers that Earth is not as lifeless as expected. Instead, remnants of human civilization still exist, clinging to survival in the barren wasteland. As she uncovers secrets about both the past and present, she is forced to choose between duty and the future of those left behind.
Cinematic Brilliance and Atmosphere
One of The Colony’s biggest strengths is its cinematography. The bleak, washed-out landscapes of Earth emphasize the desolation and hopelessness of the planet, while the haunting score complements the film’s themes of isolation and desperation. The visuals are reminiscent of Children of Men (2006) and Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), creating an immersive world that feels eerily plausible.
Nora Arnezeder delivers a compelling performance as Blake, balancing toughness with vulnerability. Iain Glen, known for Game of Thrones, plays a mysterious and morally ambiguous figure who adds depth to the story. While the supporting characters are not as developed, they serve their roles in painting a grim picture of survival and desperation.
Themes of Power, Survival, and Redemption
At its core, The Colony is not just about survival—it questions humanity’s right to reclaim what it once destroyed. The film explores themes of class divide, environmental destruction, and the consequences of abandoning Earth. While it doesn’t reinvent the sci-fi genre, it provides a fresh perspective on post-apocalyptic storytelling with ethical dilemmas that resonate beyond the screen.
Verdict
Though The Colony sometimes falls into familiar sci-fi tropes, its gripping atmosphere, stunning visuals, and engaging lead performance make it a worthwhile watch. Fans of dystopian cinema will appreciate its world-building and the questions it raises about humanity’s future.
