Oblivion - Movie Review

Whenever I think Tom Cruise and science fiction, my mind goes to that crap film Vanilla Sky that Cruise starred in a decade ago. Yeah, I know he did Minority Report a year later, to sort of make up for things. But I generally associate Cruise with Vanilla Sky when I think science fiction. This left me with mixed feelings going in to Oblivion. I knew the film was based on an unpublished graphic novel, which really piqued my interest. So, I had elevated expectations for this film, in spite of myself.

The year is 2077. It has been sixty years since the world battled against a foreign invader. Forced to use nuclear weapons to secure the “win,” Earth quickly became uninhabitable. A way-station was created in space where humans wait for relocation to Titan, Mars’ largest moon. A small cadre of workers has been left behind on Earth to repair drones that are routinely sabotaged by Scavs. Commander Jack Harper (Cruise) is mechanic 49. His job is to ensure the security of large reactors that suck the world’s seawaters into giant receptacles for transfer to Titan. He is augmented by a legion of drones, which he manages to keep operational with scarce resources and a bit of ingenuity.

Harper lives in an apiary-like house perched high in the atmosphere. Contamination is a constant issue, which is apparent from his germaphobic communications officer, Victoria (Andrea Riseborough). The pair became “matched” by Mission Control. Harper finds distraction from his daily routine by reading and collecting books, which he hides in a secret cabin he has built in a valley that seems unaffected by the radiation. His mission moves off track when a capsule crashes near the radiation zone, carrying human cargo. Harper disobeys orders to allow the drones to handle this mission. At the crash site, Harper discovers Julia (Olga Kurylenko) who has been a frequent visitor to his dreams. These dreams might be memories, if not for the memory wipe he underwent five years ago. The discovery sets Harper on course to discover the truth about the planet.

The concept for Oblivion is solid enough for a feature-length film. The plot is a bit thin and linear, as well as predictable. However, the characters are intriguing and the method used to develop the characters was effective. I would have enjoyed a meatier script, but was not entirely disappointed with the premise. The strength of the story was in its graphic novel roots. Director Joseph Kosinski orders up a spectacular perspective that is imaginative, detailed and visually stunning. The picturesque framing of the scenes adds dimension to the story. The special effects are augmented by an excellent soundtrack, as well. While the story was mediocre, the concept, visuals and soundtrack held this film together.

Oblivion includes a cast anchored by Cruise, who has redeemed himself in my eyes for that Vanilla Sky fiasco. Maybe sci-fi is in his wheelhouse after all. Cruise carries the heft of this film, with support from Morgan Freeman and Olga Kurylenko in minor roles. Riseborough has a larger role, which she also handles with finesse. The casting was another factor that moved this film into a solid recommendation.

Oblivion was tagged with a PG-13 Rating from the MPAA. The first thing that pops into my mind is a scene where Riseborough disrobes to skinny dip in the world’s most awesome suspended swimming pool. We get a behind shot with lots of shadowing. But I think the nudity is pretty evident. There is also a nudity-free shower scene, but there are some adult themes there. The violence is sparse, but intense on a couple of occasions. The film has a few spots of strong language to round things out. Nothing all that objectionable.

I am going to give a positive recommendation to Oblivion. Its graphic novel roots are evident in the stunning visual qualities that are artfully conveyed. The film has great costumes, an awesome soundtrack and strong performances. If only we had more meat on the bones, it would be a classic. Unfortunately, the plot is linear and thin. It is also fairly predictable, although I admit that I missed a significant plot twist that effectively tied the story together in the end. This film could have been done poorly. Kosinski manages to bring the best elements to bear on a meager script to deliver a work of art. Not exceptionable, but enough positive elements to earn a solid recommendation. 7/10.