The Last Days on Mars (2013)
“The Last Days on Mars” (2013) is a sci-fi horror film that merges space exploration with the dread of the unknown and survival horror. Directed by Ruairi Robinson, the movie features Liev Schreiber, Romola Garai, and Elias Koteas, set against the stark, desolate backdrop of Mars. The plot centers on a group of astronauts on a research mission who make a terrifying discovery in their final hours before heading back to Earth.
The story follows a crew of astronauts stationed on Mars, engaged in research for an extended mission. As their time on the planet comes to an end, one of the scientists, Marko Petrovic (played by Goran KostiΔ), stumbles upon what seems to be evidence of microbial life. Eager to make a groundbreaking finding, he secretly ventures into the barren Martian landscape, hoping to collect more evidence before their mission concludes.
However, Marko mysteriously vanishes, and when the crew investigates, they uncover more than mere traces of Martian life. The microorganisms they encounter are far more lethal than expected. These Martian microbes infect and reanimate human corpses, transforming them into violent, zombie-like beings. The infection spreads rapidly, turning what should have been a routine mission into a frantic struggle for survival as the crew realizes they are contending with a force beyond their comprehension.
Liev Schreiber plays Vincent Campbell, an engineer with a troubled history who must confront his inner demons alongside the horror consuming his crew. As the infection spreads, the surviving astronauts must depend on their resourcefulness and bravery to combat both their infected comrades and the harsh, unforgiving Martian environment.
“The Last Days on Mars” distinguishes itself through its chilling atmosphere and suspenseful narrative. The stark, red desolation of the Martian landscape serves as a haunting backdrop for the unfolding events. The isolation and vast emptiness of Mars amplify the filmβs sense of dread and helplessness, as the crew realizes thereβs no escape or chance to call for assistance.
The film effectively merges the claustrophobia of being trapped in space with the body horror of infection and transformation, evoking classics like “The Thing” and “Alien.” The pacing is measured, gradually escalating tension as the crewβs situation spirals out of control, while the action scenes are intense and visceral when they do occur.
The cast delivers strong performances, with Liev Schreiber grounding the film as the reluctant hero thrust into action. Romola Garai and Elias Koteas also provide notable support, portraying astronauts grappling with fear and the ethical dilemmas of their mission. The emotional tension among the crew adds depth to the narrative, making their inevitable fates even more tragic as the infection spreads.
Although “The Last Days on Mars” received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics pointing out the filmβs reliance on familiar sci-fi and horror tropes, it has been lauded for its suspenseful tone and atmospheric visuals. Rather than attempting to reinvent the genre, the film offers a tense, well-crafted survival story infused with the horror of alien infection.
In summary, “The Last Days on Mars” (2013) is a gripping sci-fi horror film that intertwines space exploration with the terror of the unknown. Its eerie atmosphere, intense action, and psychological tension make it a captivating experience for fans of survival horror and space thrillers. While it may traverse familiar territory, its execution and setting render it a chilling tale of what occurs when humanity ventures too far into the enigmas of space.
