This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
Christian Sinclair’s review published on Letterboxd:
This review may contain spoilers.
The main core of Another Earth is a story done many times before, person involves themselves in the life of someone they've hurt to try make them feel better because of guilt. In Another Earth however, core is loomed over, conceptually and literally, by a replica Earth.
Sci fi fans may be disappointed by this film after the way it was advertised as it's mostly a drama film against the backdrop of a sci fi concept that isn't remotely close to scientifically accurate but that never feels necessary throughout the piece as it's more a film about self-loathing.
Lead character Rhoda is overcome with it due to her guilt from killing the family of John while drink driving. John meanwhile, is wallowing in a bad case of survivor syndrome, letting his once prestigious lifestyle go to waste. All the while, there's a nice little subplot surrounding one of Rhoda's co-workers and his own self-loathing and self-abuse.
For a low-budget film this feels very well made. Some of the camerawork becomes almost documentary style handheld at times but it never feels out of place with the slowed paced shots they're intercut with.
Brit Marling, who also co-wrote this, is fantastic as Rhoda and it's no wonder critics are now dubbing her as one to watch though that's not to take away from the performance from William Mapother as the grieving John.
Despite, like i said, the story being one that's been done many times before, there's something about this film that just feels very fresh and is a very positive debut feature from Mike Cahill.