TL;DR
Scott Derrickson's remake of *The Day the Earth Stood Still* stars Jennifer Connelly and Keanu Reeves as an alien messenger warning of Earth's impending destruction due to humanity's environmental impact. While the film boasts impressive special effects and touches on relevant modern themes like ecological crisis, it suffers from structural issues. The alien's overwhelming power limits narrative tension, and the plot quickly loses momentum after the initial premise is established, featuring lengthy travel and philosophical tangents. Despite its contemporary message, the adaptation feels dated, struggling to justify its runtime and a less-than-satisfying resolution. Dive into the full review to see if this sci-fi remake is worth your time!
Scott Derrickson, previously known for directing the compelling Exorcism of Emily Rose, returns with his second film. This time, he undertakes a remake, choosing to reinterpret the 1951 “cult film,” The Day the Earth Stood Still. Set in the modern era, this version introduces us to Jennifer Connelly, portraying a biology researcher specializing in extraterrestrial life. Her son, Jacob (played by Jaden Smith), is central to her life. When Earth is confronted with the arrival of large spheres landing globally, she is urgently called upon as an expert. At one of these spheres, an alien emerges, aptly played by Keanu Reeves, identifying himself as Klaatu. He declares himself a messenger, stating that Earth faces imminent destruction and humanity’s eradication to ensure the planet’s survival. Accompanying him is GORT, an intergalactic robotic entity, seemingly an indestructible weapon.
The trailer and tagline, “We thought the earth was ours. We were wrong,” quickly reveal the film’s direction. It functions, in some respects, as an apocalyptic morality tale, echoing biblical themes, highlighting the consequences of humanity’s treatment of the Earth. The film posits that the Earth’s survival is contingent upon our own, and vice versa. Despite its contemporary message, the film encounters significant structural problems. A key issue is the imbalance of power – Klaatu and GORT possess near invulnerability, limiting the narrative’s potential resolutions. Another challenge is the lack of a compelling plot. Once Klaatu’s motivations and the aliens’ purpose are established, the narrative stagnates, filled with protracted travel sequences and philosophical digressions. While the film briefly explores intriguing themes – such as the catalysts for genuine change (featuring a cameo by John Cleese) – its 105-minute runtime feels excessive, a significant detractor.
The attempt to adapt an idea, potentially innovative in the 1950s, into a contemporary message film proves problematic. While I haven’t viewed the original film, this adaptation feels dated, even when addressing pertinent modern issues such as environmental degradation. The allusions to Old Testament narratives, including Noah’s Ark and the seven lean years of Egypt, initially appear intriguing but ultimately serve as superficial devices. The film’s resolution also leaves much to be desired.
I was, unfortunately, not particularly impressed with The Day the Earth Stood Still. While the remake exhibits lavish production values in terms of special effects, visuals, and surround sound, these elements are insufficient. The core narrative fails to fully engage the viewer, and certain plot resolutions feel inadequate. If you’re a dedicated science fiction enthusiast, it might warrant a viewing. Otherwise, alternative cinematic options may be preferable.
