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The Discovery
2017 102 min United States of America, United Kingdom 16+
★5.9
Drama, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Mystery
Director: Charlie McDowell
Trailers
Description
In the near future, due to a breakthrough scientific discovery by Dr. Thomas Harbor, there is now definitive proof of an afterlife. While countless people have chosen suicide to reset their existence, others try to decide what it all means. Among them is Dr. Harbor's son Will, who has arrived at his father's isolated compound with a mysterious young woman named Isla. There, they discover the strange acolytes who help Dr. Harbor with his experiments.
Budget:
$5M
Starring
Robert Redford
Actor
Mary Steenburgen
Actor
Brian McCarthy
Actor
Key opinion
The Discovery is an ambitious but polarizing philosophical drama that explores the societal implications of scientific proof of the afterlife. While the high-concept premise earns praise for its intrigue, the film is frequently hampered by a uneven screenplay and a slow, monotone execution.
| Acting | The strong central cast, particularly Rooney Mara and Robert Redford, provides a solid anchor that elevates the otherwise sparse material. | |
| Cinematography | The film is visually consistent, utilizing a cold, gray, and atmospheric aesthetic that mirrors the characters' internal malaise and existential themes. | |
| Originality | The high-concept premise regarding the aftermath of proven post-mortem consciousness provides a provocative and engaging foundation for the narrative. | |
| Acting | Jason Segel’s departure from his traditional comedic persona to deliver a more restrained, serious performance divides opinion, with some finding him worthy and others finding him bland. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is heavily criticized for its flat, overly philosophical dialogue and lack of emotional stakes, though it succeeds in generating curiosity through its mysterious structure. | |
| Pacing | The slow, meditative pacing is a major point of contention, with some viewers finding the contemplative atmosphere rewarding while others experience significant fatigue and boredom. | |
| Ending | The film’s final twist is a significant source of debate; some viewers feel it successfully redeems the experience, while others find it unsatisfying or derivative of other science fiction films. |