As the ship travels closer to the sun, the crewmembers are transformed in the magnificent power of direct sunlight. Of course, human error and technological shortcomings inevitably lead to unexpected danger, and unknown variables soon enter into the equation as well. They intercept the first Icarus’ distress signal, and take an even greater (and only somewhat calculated) risk in an attempted rendezvous with the lost spacecraft. As the eight men and women discover the cause of Icarus I’s aborted mission, they come to accept the fact that none of them will survive – much less ever return home to earth again.
An amazing science-fiction premise is carried out with disappointing results. Director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, 28 Days Later) shows some flair behind the camera, quilting a wondrous tapestry of arresting visuals. But much of the film’s majestic vistas and haunting poetic visuals remain merely reminiscent of earlier pioneering sci-fi masterpieces (namely Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey). The cast does a decent job with a script that could have used another draft or two, with semi-star Cillian Murphy picking up most of the slack as physicist Capa. However, poor pacing and a half-baked story undo the film’s potential energy. The twists and turns promised to the viewer are nothing more than tired and unwanted film clichés – some of which can be seen coming from miles away. All in all, Sunshine leaves one wishing for something more powerful, and regrettably remains an average New Age space melodrama.