'Another Earth'

'Another Earth' (PG-13) (3 STARS)

Writers: Brit Marling and Mike Cahill
Director: Mike Cahill
Starring: Brit Marling, William Mapother, Matthew-Lee Erlbach, Flavor Flav

"Another Earth" is a provocative and highly original science fiction movie that is also a compelling pshycological drama. It also has a new actress to look out for much in the same way that Jennifer Lawrence was after "Winter's Bone". Her name is Brit Marling and she gives a very solid, wise, quiet and effective performance in a tricky role.

Marling plays Rhoda Williams who is a young female student who gets involved in a tragic accident that sends her away to prison for a few years. Rhoda's accident killed the wife and son of a composer and when Rhoda gets out she tries to reach out to him. Also as Rhoda gets out and tries to straighten out her life something strange has developed. Scientists have found a duplicate planet Earth where our doubles might reside at. Rhoda takes part in an essay contest to be one of the lucky ones to visit this duplicate Earth.

I loved the image of this duplicate Earth that director Mike Cahill displays in this movie. It is a haunting shot that gets stronger the more we see it. It always remiinds us and the characters what a wonderful opportunity this new Earth provides. This juxtaposition of the image in the sky with the drama going on in Rhoda's life is quietly powerful. Can we erase our mistakes and past hurts and heartache by visiting this new planet and living vicariously through our doubles?

Rhoda might get that chance if she wins the contest but she has grown close to the man whose life she has destroyed and she wants to stay and heal him. This dilemma is smartly played by Marling and we never see her acting. It is a raw and careful performance and Marling plays it like a veteran actress. The movie is quietly powerful, sad, haunting and it is a movie that will make you think as you leave the theatre. This is one of those movies that can create a great after viewing conversation over coffee with friends. I can't wait to study it again on DVD. This is an unique and wonderfully acted movie that is an original experience with a very promising writing and acting talent in Brit Marling.