Rubikon is a semi-enjoyable space drama. The science-fiction balance is heavily tipped towards fiction since the technical side is messy.
The film is an excellent example of what would happen if 'Prometheus' or 'Alien Covenant' astronauts were sent on a critical mission but with no xenomorphs. Everyone acts extremely selfish and unprofessional, no sane analysis is carried out, and no problem-solving is undertaken. Everybody pursues their selfish interests, some of which are closer to humanity's saving, and some are far away from it.
The film's weakest element was probably the acting since the production quality and design were pretty good. The main lead cannot act, and her voice lines convey no emotion whatsoever. And considering her choices, she fits pretty well; she is just a fictional person you wouldn't want to be in charge. An attempt to reach the pinnacle of a strong female lead in space - Ellen Ripley - failed miserably. You can't top this character's strong will and solid feminine mother side (especially with this kind of acting).
The film pushes a message of inequality among people, solidifying it by doing the same. The possibility of pregnancy is far more important than providing a life-saving opportunity for (at least) 300 people. It's ok to abandon them since they are CEOs. The fact that they would do the same justifies the inhuman treatment - an excellent screenwriting choice.
Overall, while the film left quite a bitter aftertaste, which wasn't intentional, it was still an ok watch. Some scenes needed more tuning and tighter editing, but the core is there. If not for the acting, I'd appreciate it much more.
I'd give it a (10 - 3 for the acting, - 1.5 for the slow pace and wasted run-time) = 5.5/10. Excellent production, interesting (but horrible) ideas, some thought put into it, but not quite polished.
As for a recommendation, it's hard to recommend this to sci-fi fans since it's closer to a drama in space rather than an entertaining sci-fi. Rubikon would probably play well for female audiences, especially those unfamiliar with science fiction.
The film is an excellent example of what would happen if 'Prometheus' or 'Alien Covenant' astronauts were sent on a critical mission but with no xenomorphs. Everyone acts extremely selfish and unprofessional, no sane analysis is carried out, and no problem-solving is undertaken. Everybody pursues their selfish interests, some of which are closer to humanity's saving, and some are far away from it.
The film's weakest element was probably the acting since the production quality and design were pretty good. The main lead cannot act, and her voice lines convey no emotion whatsoever. And considering her choices, she fits pretty well; she is just a fictional person you wouldn't want to be in charge. An attempt to reach the pinnacle of a strong female lead in space - Ellen Ripley - failed miserably. You can't top this character's strong will and solid feminine mother side (especially with this kind of acting).
The film pushes a message of inequality among people, solidifying it by doing the same. The possibility of pregnancy is far more important than providing a life-saving opportunity for (at least) 300 people. It's ok to abandon them since they are CEOs. The fact that they would do the same justifies the inhuman treatment - an excellent screenwriting choice.
Overall, while the film left quite a bitter aftertaste, which wasn't intentional, it was still an ok watch. Some scenes needed more tuning and tighter editing, but the core is there. If not for the acting, I'd appreciate it much more.
I'd give it a (10 - 3 for the acting, - 1.5 for the slow pace and wasted run-time) = 5.5/10. Excellent production, interesting (but horrible) ideas, some thought put into it, but not quite polished.
As for a recommendation, it's hard to recommend this to sci-fi fans since it's closer to a drama in space rather than an entertaining sci-fi. Rubikon would probably play well for female audiences, especially those unfamiliar with science fiction.