I want to talk about science fiction films, in particular, underrated films. Why? Because I love underrated projects in mediums like film, comics, novels, etc. They can be diamonds in a cart full of coal, and they can stay with you a lot longer than a successful mainstream version.

I’m a geek, so I want to celebrate and highlight underrated films across different genres, so I’ve selected science fiction to start with, because…well…it’s sci-fi, why the hell not?! Maybe you have seen or heard about these films or maybe you haven’t. Maybe you would agree with me; if you were to make a list of underrated science fiction films, what would you choose?

Also a film being classified as underrated; at least to me, can cover lower box office earnings, winning little or no awards, conflicting receptions to the film; but still be an amazing science fiction film.

In addition to this, films within sci-fi franchises will not be considered, because they could fall under their own list. I’ve also listed them in chronological order of release. Clear as mud? Awesome, let’s do this, without giving away too many spoilers!

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1.) The Quiet Earth (1985)

I have to admit, I am a little bias here, because my first selection is a New Zealand film. The Quiet Earth was released in 1985 and it was directed by Geoff Murphy, of Young Guns II, Under Siege 2: Dark Territory, and XXX: State of the Union fame. The film is based on the book of the same name, written by Craig Harrison.

A quick summary of the film, is that one day a scientist named Zac Hobson (Bruno Lawrence) wakes up to discover, that potentially, he is the last human on Earth. Hobson can find no trace of any humans; alive or dead, so he needs to try and figure out what has happened to the human race, and whether his research is linked to the disappearances or not. Hobson also has to grapple with the concept of being the last human on Earth; hence the title. There are other things within the film going on, but…spoilers!

The Quiet Earth is not a traditionally 1980’s science fiction film about space battles, alien worlds, or futuristic cities. It’s set in 1985, New Zealand, along with everything that was crazy about the 80’s, that goes with it. As a New Zealander, I can’t but smile about it.

I feel because of the above reasons, The Quiet Earth is quite often over looked in the science fiction genre. It’s a shame, because the film’s good. Really good, because it’s a slow burner. As the viewer, you are learning about what happened, at the same rate Hobson is.

There is no CGI (it’s 1985, not 2015), there are not dozens of different actors; just one guy trying not to go crazy at the concept of being the last human of Earth. It’s character driven, along with the notion of science pushing boundaries, because of society’s need for more resources.

And as the ending, it’s famous because of the music, the gorgeous imagery, and the feeling of, “I don’t know what I’m looking at or what has happened, but it’s so beautiful!”

Seriously, if you have never seen The Quiet Earth, please correct that mistake as fast as you can. You won’t regret it.

2.) Enemy Mine (1985)

I don’t quite remember how or where I saw Enemy Mine, but I remember the impact it had on me as a kid. Enemy Mine was released in 1985 and directed by Wolfgang Petersen. The two main actors were Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett, Jr, and the film had a budget of US$29 million, while box office takings were US$12.3 million.

Enemy Mine was set sometime during the 21st century, where humans and an alien race called the Dracs, were at war. One day, Willis E. Davidge (Dennis Quaid), a human pilot and Jeriba Shigan (Louis Gossett, Jr.) a Drac pilot, were engaged in a space battle, when both spaceships are damaged, where they land on a hostile world.

The two pilots have to work together, in order to survive the horrible environment, as well as overcoming their own hatred from each other and their species. As the movie progresses, there are many obstacles to their survival and freedom. I’m trying not to include spoilers here, but the third act of the film; at least to me, is where the core of the film rests.

I had always thought Gossett, Jr’s portrayal of Jeriba Shigan; was outstanding. From his alien speech, movements, mannerisms, costume, and make up, it left me thinking this was a very believable alien, by Hollywood standards of course.

I think one of the reasons Enemy Mine is underrated, is because of it’s poor box office performance. However in it’s defence, Enemy Mine was released in the same month as Hollywood heavyweight films like Spies Like Us, The Jewel of the Nile, The Colour Purple, and Out of Africa. Enemy Mine came in over budget and was lost in the 1985 December cinematic carnage.

It’s difficult to discuss more of the film, without talking about spoilers, but let’s just say, once upon a time, Hollywood gave us a science fiction film with the perfect balance of special effects, set designs, evolving characters and an ending, that may bring a tear to your eye. Do yourself a favour, go out and watch Enemy Mine.

3.) Primer (2004)

Primer is one of these films, that lives between science fiction and possible believable Hollywood science. What if time travel was actually possible and it was discovered by a happy accident? Primer was released in 2004, and it was directed, written, produced, edited and starred Shane Carruth; he also did the music as well.

The budget for Primer was US$7,000 and the box office performance was US$841,926. However, at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, Primer won the Grand Jury Prize. The film centres around two engineers, that while working on a garage project, they accidently create a way to time travel. After some tweaking of the design, the two engineers can travel back in time for 6 hours for money making purposes, only to discover things are not that simple.

Over the years, Primer has become a cult film, because of the various aspects that mark this film different, from other time travelling films. To me, it’s one of the best believable time travelling films I have ever seen.

It’s underrated for many reasons; poor box office performance, a low budget and no big-time stars attached to the project. However; again only to me, I think that’s why it works. The plot is simple, but the huge amount of closed loop time travel used, means past, present and future versions of characters are walking around, causing untold shenanigans. Sorry, spoilers!

The implications of the time travelling engineers, brings up a lot of scientific and technical terminology, moral and ethic questions, but also the notion that if time travel was possible, would you use it to change your life? And if you did, how would you know if someone else has not already messed with your timeline?

Primer is a dangerously underrated science fiction film, because it has taken a simple concept of fictional time travel, and built twists and turns into it; along with the idea that the first people to ever time travel, were not exactly good people. This film is seriously amazing, so please watch it.

All of the three films that I have mentioned here, deserve a lot more attention and credit, than they have received. They all rock in different ways, but they all help push the boundaries and assumptions on what makes a great science fiction film. The Quiet Earth, Enemy Mine and Primer. Remember their names, because after you’ve seen them, you won’t forget them.

Thanks for reading and I’ll see you next week.