Pella Kågerman and Hugo Lilja’s Aniara (2018) is a bleak, thought-provoking sci-fi drama that explores isolation, existential despair, and the fragility of human nature. Based on the 1956 Swedish epic poem, the film follows passengers aboard a luxurious spaceship bound for Mars. When an accident knocks them off course, their journey stretches indefinitely, forcing them to confront a slow, inescapable drift into the void.
Rather than focusing on action or heroics, Aniara delves into psychological breakdowns, the need for meaning, and the ways people cope with hopelessness. Its stunning cinematography, minimalistic yet immersive production design, and emotionally raw performances make it a harrowing yet captivating experience. If you appreciate existential sci-fi like Solaris (1972) or 2001: A Space Odyssey, Aniara is an unforgettable journey into the abyss.
