Spectral (2016) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Spectral (2016) is a Netflix Original sci-fi action thriller directed by Nic Mathieu. Blending intense military action with supernatural elements, Spectral follows a team of soldiers and a DARPA scientist as they confront a mysterious and deadly force that defies the laws of physics. The movie stands out for its intriguing premise, stunning visual effects, and tight action sequences. In this review, we’ll explore the plot, performances, and where to stream Spectral in the U.S.
Plot Overview
Set in a war-torn Eastern European city, Spectral opens with U.S. Special Forces encountering ghostly apparitions on the battlefield—beings that cannot be killed by conventional weapons. These mysterious entities are highly dangerous, able to kill with a mere touch. The military is perplexed by the nature of these “spectral” beings, which appear on advanced battlefield optics but are invisible to the naked eye.
Enter Dr. Mark Clyne (played by James Badge Dale), a scientist working for DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), who is called in to investigate the strange phenomenon. As the military scrambles to understand and neutralize the threat, Clyne works with soldiers on the ground, including Colonel Orland (Bruce Greenwood) and Sergeant Major Sessions (Max Martini), to devise a way to stop the spectral entities.
The plot unfolds with a mix of tactical military operations and scientific sleuthing. As Clyne and the team dive deeper into the mystery, they discover a shocking truth behind the origin of the spectral forces. The film builds suspense through a balance of action-packed sequences and cerebral moments as the characters uncover the dark secrets that underpin their enemy’s existence.
Performances
James Badge Dale delivers a solid performance as Dr. Mark Clyne, a pragmatic scientist who serves as the audience’s gateway into understanding the nature of the mysterious entities. His character is well-developed, portraying a man driven by logic but faced with a situation that challenges everything he knows about science. Dale carries the film with a balance of intellectual curiosity and stoic resolve, making Clyne both relatable and admirable.
The supporting cast is also strong, particularly Max Martini as Sergeant Major Sessions. Martini excels in roles requiring a rugged military presence, and here he provides the muscle and bravery needed to balance Clyne’s cerebral approach. Bruce Greenwood brings authority to his role as Colonel Orland, commanding respect in every scene he’s in. Emily Mortimer’s brief but important role as Fran Madison adds a layer of urgency to the situation, though the film primarily focuses on the camaraderie and tension between the soldiers and Clyne.
Action, Visuals, and Sci-Fi Elements
One of Spectral‘s biggest strengths is its stunning visual effects. The spectral entities themselves are a masterclass in visual design, appearing as ghostly figures composed of energy that seem to flicker in and out of reality. The effects team successfully balances these ethereal creatures with the gritty war-torn environment, creating a juxtaposition that feels otherworldly yet grounded in the film’s military aesthetic.
The action sequences are intense and well-paced, with the team navigating urban warfare while being hunted by an unstoppable enemy. The tension escalates as the soldiers try to survive an enemy they can’t even touch, leading to a thrilling climax when Clyne and the team must devise innovative technology to combat the spectral threat.
While Spectral delivers on its action front, the movie’s sci-fi aspects are equally compelling. The central idea of an enemy that transcends physical limitations introduces fascinating questions about the intersection of technology, warfare, and the unknown. The film touches on themes of ethics in scientific experimentation, the unintended consequences of technological advancements, and the moral gray areas of warfare.
Spectral’s Unique Take on the Military-Sci-Fi Genre
In a genre crowded with films about extraterrestrial threats or dystopian futures, Spectral manages to stand out by mixing supernatural horror with military sci-fi. The mystery of the spectral beings and their scientific origins gives the film a fresh edge, allowing it to be both an action-packed war film and a cerebral exploration of what happens when technology crosses the boundaries of nature.
Although Spectral received little fanfare upon release, it has since developed a loyal following on Netflix. Its balance of intelligent storytelling and visceral combat makes it appealing to both sci-fi enthusiasts and fans of military thrillers.
Where to Watch Spectral (2016) Online
As a Netflix Original film, Spectral is exclusively available to stream on Netflix. Here’s where you can watch it in the U.S.:
Streaming Services
- Netflix – Spectral can be streamed on Netflix with a subscription. Since it is a Netflix Original, it is available to all Netflix users, regardless of location, as long as they have access to the platform. Netflix frequently updates its library, but given Spectral‘s status as an original, it’s likely to remain available for the foreseeable future.
Unfortunately, Spectral isn’t available on other streaming platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or HBO Max, making Netflix the sole destination for watching this film.
Rental and Purchase Options
As Spectral is a Netflix Original, it is not available for rent or purchase on other digital platforms like Amazon, Google Play, or iTunes. Your best bet for viewing is to subscribe to Netflix, which offers a wide variety of other sci-fi, action, and original films.
Why You Should Watch Spectral Today
Spectral is a hidden gem in the sci-fi and action genres, offering a perfect mix of military tactics, supernatural horror, and high-concept sci-fi ideas. If you’re a fan of films that challenge the norms of both military thrillers and supernatural horror, Spectral provides a unique and thrilling experience.
Its story, centered around a scientific mystery with grave implications, gives the film depth beyond the typical action-packed blockbuster. The exploration of cutting-edge technology, combined with the mystery of the spectral entities, creates a narrative that keeps you engaged throughout its 107-minute runtime. The characters are compelling, and the film’s pacing ensures that it never lags or feels stretched.
Moreover, the film’s visuals are exceptional for a Netflix production, rivaling many big-budget blockbusters in terms of special effects and design. The ghosts, or “spectrals,” are hauntingly beautiful, and the film’s setting—an abandoned, war-torn city—adds a layer of bleak realism that contrasts the supernatural elements.
Conclusion
Spectral (2016) is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi, action, and supernatural horror. With a unique premise that combines military strategy with an enigmatic supernatural force, it delivers a thrilling and visually stunning experience. For those looking for a fresh take on the genre, the movie’s intellectual approach to warfare and the unknown sets it apart from typical action flicks.
Since Spectral is a Netflix Original, it is exclusively available on the platform, making it easily accessible to subscribers in the U.S. and beyond. Don’t miss out on this underrated gem—grab your Netflix subscription and dive into the thrilling world of Spectral.
