Screamers (1995)

 

'Screamers' is a science fiction film that has slowly but surely gathered a cult following and for good reason. It might not have performed wonderfully when it was first released, but over the years more and more people have started to appreciate the vision and ideas that the makers wanted to bring. And you know what? This film is a lot better and more gripping than one would expect. Based on a short story by Philip K Dick and with a script written by Dan O'Bannon, this does have some relatively predictable beats to it, but it still manages to suck you in and for first time viewers has some pretty creepy moments. 

In the not too distant future of 2078, there is a war on a planet called Sirius 6B. This all started when an ore was discovered that could solve the energy crisis, but it turned out to be radioactive and two factions of the same company started fighting. Now the war has been going on for 10 years or so and both sides are weary and mostly bored, as everything is a stalemate and no one actually really fights anymore. Heck, they don't even see soldiers from the other side anymore. 

That is, until a lone soldier from what is known as the NEB side ventures into Alliance territory. He is quickly killed by Screamers, which are mechanical beings designed by the Alliance to be exterminators. They hunt for live things and slice it to bits. They've been around for a while and are pretty much autonomous. It transpires that the lone soldier carried a message to start peace negotiations. Commander Joe Hendricksson is sceptical at first, but when he discovers that they've been lied to, thanks to a soldier that crashed nearby, he sets out for the NEB camp with this new guy in tow. 

And then the tale starts to thicken, as they pick up a child who isn't what he seems to be, only discovering this when they run into some NEB soldiers, who tell them that the Screamers are evolving and now have several versions that appear to be human... 

Yes, you know where this all is heading, especially if you are familiar with science fiction stories. Nevertheless, that doesn't take away from the enjoyment of this little flick. With a limited budget, they manage to make the best out of some pretty desolate environments. The factory they used for indoor scenes looks dilapidated enough and the outside landscapes are fittingly grim and gnarly. But the film is most definitely saved by the acting chops of Peter Weller and Jennifer Rubin, who are both clearly the heart and soul of this film. Some of the other actors are a bit much, as Roy Dupuis does ham it up just a bit too much as Becker, and Charles Powell as Ross is downright annoying at times. Sure, he's traumatised, but they could have made him less of an annoying prick. 

Gritty science fiction wasn't always in vogue and sometimes, the audience wanted something flashy. This isn't flashy. This is more akin to a war film crossed with some elements of 'Who Goes There?' thrown in. Yet, despite it sparse runtime and clear setup (you can see the twist coming a mile away), it manages to lure you in. It is still thoroughly enjoyable and has some excellent scares and jumps. The scene in the NEB headquarters gave me the willies the first viewing and it still is tense now. 

'Screamers' is a very decent film. Don't be fooled by the silly title or the more downbeat story. It is pretty well made and stays relevant, thanks to everyone involved trying their best to make this more than just a silly B-film. It's why it has endured and more people could grow to appreciate this one if given a chance.