Life

On the International Space Station a six person crew from different nations studies a Martian sample that might prove the existence of life beyond Earth. What begins as careful curiosity quickly grows tense as the organism responds with resilience and uncanny behavior. The scientists wrestle with questions about life and the limits of observation when every action carries risk in a tiny, fragile ship orbiting far from home. Communication with Earth becomes a lifeline and a pressure point, while fatigue and isolation magnify doubt and fear. As the crew pushes forward, safety protocols collide with scientific ambition, forcing hard choices about consent, containment, and how far humanity should go in the name of discovery.

Directed by Daniel Espinosa, Life is adapted from a story by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick and released in 2017. The film blends clinical procedural tension with slick sci fi visuals, leaning on tight indoor blocking and glossy effects to evoke a high risk environment. It nods to classic space horror while keeping a modern pace and a focus on character dynamics.

The worldwide gross stands at $100,541,806 against a budget of $58,000,000, making Life a solid mid range performer in genre cinema. It earned steady returns across North America and international markets, validating the appeal of a tense, claustrophobic thriller that emphasizes mood and atmosphere over big set pieces.

While it didn’t ignite a broad cultural phenomenon, the film did spark discussions among sci fi fans about the ethics of microbial life and the dangers of rapid scientific discovery. Its practical effects and tense set pieces offer a contemporary nod toward Alien and The Thing, while presenting new faces and dynamics for the genre.

Reviews were mixed, with praise for the cast performances, the restrained direction, and the mounting tension, but some critics found the plot familiar. The film examines curiosity versus restraint, the cost of pushing boundaries, and the loneliness of space, delivering a compact thriller that sticks to mood and suspense.