Apollo 18 (2011) Movie Review
A Chilling Found Footage Journey to the Moon
Title: Apollo 18
Director: Gonzalo López-Gallego
Starring: Warren Christie, Lloyd Owen, Ryan Robbins, Anna Jacoby-Heron
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Release Date: September 2, 2011
Runtime: 86 minutes
Synopsis:
“Apollo 18” is a found footage-style horror film that explores the fictional premise of a secret Apollo mission to the Moon. The film presents itself as recovered footage from the 18th Apollo mission, which was allegedly canceled and never officially acknowledged. The story follows astronauts Nate Walker (Warren Christie), Captain Greg Powell (Lloyd Owen), and Lieutenant Colonel Anderson (Ryan Robbins) as they embark on this covert mission to place an array of listening devices on the lunar surface. As they encounter mysterious phenomena and unsettling discoveries, they realize they are not alone and must confront a terrifying extraterrestrial threat.
Review
Performances:
The cast delivers solid performances, with Warren Christie, Lloyd Owen, and Ryan Robbins bringing authenticity and urgency to their roles as astronauts. The performances are enhanced by the found footage format, which adds a layer of realism and immediacy to their reactions. While the film’s focus on suspense and atmosphere leaves limited room for deep character development, the actors effectively convey the fear and isolation experienced by their characters.
Direction and Cinematography:
Gonzalo López-Gallego’s direction effectively uses the found footage format to create a sense of authenticity and immersion. The film’s cinematography, by Álvaro Gutiérrez, employs shaky cam and close-up shots to enhance the claustrophobic and disorienting atmosphere. The lunar setting is convincingly portrayed through a combination of practical effects and CGI, contributing to the film’s eerie and isolated ambiance.
Script and Storytelling:
The screenplay, written by Brian Miller and Cory Goodman, offers a unique take on the found footage genre by placing the narrative on the Moon. While the premise is intriguing, the film’s execution is somewhat uneven. The pacing is slow at times, and the build-up to the climax may feel drawn out for some viewers. However, the film’s concept and gradual revelation of the extraterrestrial threat create a sense of mounting tension and suspense.
Horror Elements:
“Apollo 18” succeeds in creating a chilling atmosphere with its eerie setting and unsettling imagery. The use of found footage heightens the sense of dread and claustrophobia, making the encounters with the extraterrestrial creatures more effective. While the film relies heavily on suspense and psychological horror rather than gore or explicit scares, it maintains a consistently creepy tone throughout.
Streaming Services and Rental/Purchase Options
For viewers in the United States, “Apollo 18” is available on several platforms:
- Streaming Services:
- Hulu: Available with a subscription.
- Amazon Prime Video: Available with a subscription.
- Rental/Purchase Services:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase.
- iTunes: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Offers both rental and purchase options.
- Vudu: Available for rent or purchase.
Conclusion
“Apollo 18” is an engaging found footage horror film that offers a fresh take on the genre with its lunar setting and extraterrestrial premise. While the film’s pacing and narrative structure may not be as polished as some of its peers, the sense of isolation and mounting tension effectively create a suspenseful and eerie experience. If you’re a fan of found footage horror and enjoy stories set in isolated environments with a touch of sci-fi, “Apollo 18” is worth a watch.
Apollo 18 movie review, found footage, lunar horror, extraterrestrial, Gonzalo López-Gallego, sci-fi thriller, streaming services, film review, Apollo 18 streaming options
