Prospect (2018) is a gripping science fiction film directed by Christopher Caldwell and Zeek Earl, which takes viewers on a tense journey of survival, moral choices, and personal growth. Set on a desolate alien moon, the film explores how the pursuit of valuable resources can test human nature, challenge relationships, and force people to face the darker sides of themselves.
The story follows a young girl named Cee (played by Sophie Thatcher) and her father Damon (played by Jay Duplass) as they venture to a remote alien moon with the hope of extracting precious gems that could ensure their survival. The premise seems simple—retrieve the valuable minerals, return home, and survive. However, things quickly take a deadly turn when they encounter hostile individuals, setting off a chain of events that leaves Cee to navigate the dangers of this alien world on her own.
Cee’s journey becomes one of survival, not just against the hostile environment and alien creatures, but also against the unpredictable and often treacherous nature of the people she meets. After the death of her father, Cee reluctantly forms an uneasy alliance with a mercenary named Ezra (played by Pedro Pascal), who has his own hidden agenda. As they struggle to survive, the film focuses on themes of trust, betrayal, and greed, as their dangerous mission pushes their instincts and moral boundaries to the limit.
At its core, Prospect is a story of survival and the complexities of trust. Throughout the film, Cee learns that surviving in such an unforgiving world is not just about physical strength, but about knowing when to trust others and when to rely on her own instincts. Her character arc is central to the narrative, as she transitions from a naive young girl into someone capable of making tough decisions and surviving in an increasingly hostile environment.
The theme of greed is also prevalent, as the film explores how the desire for wealth—embodied in the search for the precious gems—can lead people to make morally questionable decisions. The characters are driven by the need to survive, but their pursuit of the minerals exposes the darker sides of their personalities, revealing how the harsh conditions of the alien moon mirror the darkness within the human psyche.
Prospect also touches on the coming-of-age theme, as Cee must mature quickly to navigate the dangers of her world. The film shows her transition from dependence on her father to independence as she learns how to make alliances, face danger head-on, and, ultimately, understand the complicated dynamics of human nature. Her growth is marked by her changing relationship with Ezra, who begins as an ally but ultimately proves to be a morally ambiguous figure.
In conclusion, Prospect is an intense, visually stunning sci-fi thriller that blends survival elements with deep psychological and emotional themes. The bleak, alien landscape amplifies the sense of isolation and danger, while the performances—especially by Sophie Thatcher—bring emotional depth to a world dominated by violence and greed. The film’s slow-burn pacing, combined with its exploration of trust, survival, and human nature, makes it a unique and thought-provoking experience, offering a fresh take on the sci-fi genre. The harsh realities of the world in Prospect remind us that, in the end, survival is not just about physical endurance, but about the choices we make and the relationships we form along the way.
