Another Earth

2011 Sci Fi

Director/co-writer Mike Cahill (Boxers + Ballerinas) teams with producer/co-writer Brit Marling to challenge our concepts of reality and redemption with this romantic sci-fi drama about a radiant astrophysics student who endeavors to travel to Earth 2, a newly discovered mirror of our own home planet. Rhoda Williams (Marling) was driving in her car and listening to the radio when the DJ announced the discovery of Earth 2, which had just appeared from the other side of the sun. Gazing out her window at the newly discovered planet, Rhoda neglectfully careens into a minivan carrying a small family. Everyone but the father is killed instantly, and Rhoda is sentenced to four years in prison. Upon emerging, the repentant reckless driver finds herself drawn to the lone survivor. Meanwhile, Rhoda learns of an essay contest to win a seat on a civilian space shuttle to Earth 2. Perhaps, on that strangely familiar planet, an alternate version of herself exists -- one that has made different choices, and followed a different life path. The only way she will ever find out is to win the contest and secure her seat on a ride into the great unknown. more..

Director: Mike Cahill

Starring: Brit Marling, Matthew-Lee Erlbach, DJ Flava, William Mapother, Meggan Lennon

Reviews

  • Another Earth proves compellingly that science, intellect and emotion can coexist in mesmerizing synchronicity on the big screen.

    Claudia Puig - USA Today

    29 November 2012

  • What's impressive is how well this film joins its parts into a whole.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    29 November 2012

  • Quietly and movingly out of this world. Director Mike Cahill has woven sci-fi imaginings and quantum physics theories of parallel universes into a provocative meditation on the prospect of rewriting your life history.

    Betsy Sharkey - Los Angeles Times

    29 November 2012

  • Another Earth offers imagination and provocation to spare.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    29 November 2012

  • This small-scale film has more outsize ideas than it could possibly manage. Yet Mike Cahill's debut feature exerts a gravitational pull out of proportion to its size through powerful performances, a lyrical spirit, a succession of arresting images and a depth of conviction that sweeps logic aside.

    Joe Morgenstern - The Wall Street Journal

    29 November 2012

Awards

  • Best Actress

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (2012)

     
  • Most Promising Performer

    Chicago Film Critics Association Awards (2011)

     
  • Mike Cahill

    Gotham Awards (2011)

     
  • Best First Feature

    Independent Spirit Awards (2012)

     
  • Mike Cahill

    Locarno International Film Festival (2011)