132 reviews
Wow, where to start.....
This is one of those movies that has so many layers to it's story, that all pieces together finely to make one, great piece of film making. Now I'm no expert reviewer, or even amateur scientist, but I'll do my best to explain this one.
Isaac Bruno is a scientist obsessed with finding a new planet, with the potential to harbour life, around distant stars. But he's a troubled man, having to deal with a very recent loss in his life, which greatly affects his work and career. Enter Clara, who agrees to be his unpaid research assistant, but has a very unscientific way of explaining her view of the universe. Together, when new data is released following the launch of a new space telescope, they attempt to find the elusive planet, whilst helping each other to deal with more earthly problems.
The relationship side of the story between Bruno and Clara, never becomes boring. The characters are so well played by the two lead actors, that you actually end up caring for their lives and situations, something that is rarely achieved in many movies nowadays. And their story is so well intertwined with the main plot.
The science behind the planet searching is explained in a way that doesn't treat you like an idiot (even one like me!!), so even those not used to this kind of movie should at least grasp the basics, and it certainly doesn't distract ones attention from the story.
We seem to be bombarded nowadays with so many sci-fi movies about alien invasions and superhero daring do, that movies like this seem to get lost in the ether. Indeed I don't remember this movie getting a cinematic release in the UK (but I could be wrong there). And that's a real shame because this is probably (in my opinion), one of the best "thinking mans" sci-fi movies out there.
If movies like Aliens, Independence Day or Predator, are your thing, then you will want to avoid this one. If, however you prefer the likes of Contact, 2001 etc, then this movie is an absolute must.
This is one of those movies that has so many layers to it's story, that all pieces together finely to make one, great piece of film making. Now I'm no expert reviewer, or even amateur scientist, but I'll do my best to explain this one.
Isaac Bruno is a scientist obsessed with finding a new planet, with the potential to harbour life, around distant stars. But he's a troubled man, having to deal with a very recent loss in his life, which greatly affects his work and career. Enter Clara, who agrees to be his unpaid research assistant, but has a very unscientific way of explaining her view of the universe. Together, when new data is released following the launch of a new space telescope, they attempt to find the elusive planet, whilst helping each other to deal with more earthly problems.
The relationship side of the story between Bruno and Clara, never becomes boring. The characters are so well played by the two lead actors, that you actually end up caring for their lives and situations, something that is rarely achieved in many movies nowadays. And their story is so well intertwined with the main plot.
The science behind the planet searching is explained in a way that doesn't treat you like an idiot (even one like me!!), so even those not used to this kind of movie should at least grasp the basics, and it certainly doesn't distract ones attention from the story.
We seem to be bombarded nowadays with so many sci-fi movies about alien invasions and superhero daring do, that movies like this seem to get lost in the ether. Indeed I don't remember this movie getting a cinematic release in the UK (but I could be wrong there). And that's a real shame because this is probably (in my opinion), one of the best "thinking mans" sci-fi movies out there.
If movies like Aliens, Independence Day or Predator, are your thing, then you will want to avoid this one. If, however you prefer the likes of Contact, 2001 etc, then this movie is an absolute must.
- freezageeza1966
- Oct 5, 2020
- Permalink
I got to see this film at an advance screening ahead of general cineplex release, in a small but dedicated audience who came out on a windy subzero Thursday night. I happily recommend it. The storyline is built on the modern search for Earth-like planets and evidence for life elsewhere in the universe, and the most important thing I want to say is that the science (the astronomy part especially) is real, credible, and gripping. The storyline is clever, the acting is good, and it's engaging from start to finish. We know from the start that a 'discovery' is going to come along, one way or another, and the way it emerges is really nice -- a quite clever twist on what we might have expected. No spoilers, because it's worth seeing for the way it resolves. The director and writer, Akash Sherman, had the basics for the story in place right from the start, but he also had the sense to hire a couple of legitimate science consultants to nail it all down. So the script (mostly) isn't built on "junk science" like most scifi films do (although the use of ideas from "quantum entanglement", which is increasingly popular these days, also has an important role but turns out to be a bit of a stretch).
The way this kind of science is done is also on the money, even if understandably overdramatized just a little. The plot develops just like most real science does: it's both competitive (who's going to "get there" first?? are our heroes going to get scooped by someone else?) and cooperative (many people have to combine their expertise and resources to finish the project). The leading pair are Isaac (Patrick J. Adams) and Clara (Troian Bellisario) but as things develop they get help from Isaac's professional friend Charlie (Ennis Esmer), his former wife and colleague Rebecca (Kristen Hager), and eventually the senior director of TESS, Dr. Rickman (R. H. Thomson). Though Isaac is the leader, all of them quite properly share the credit at the end. The facilities that are part of the proceedings including the Kepler and TESS telescopes, CalTech, U.Toronto, and SETI, are also quite real.
Even in big-budget market-driven Hollywood there are a few good movies based on real astrophysics -- think Contact (1997), Interstellar (2014), or Arrival (2016) for example. They used the right consultants too. The difference between those films and "Clara" is more a matter of tone and scale -- in an indie film it's less necessary to jack up the tension, drama, and big effects and so it can feel more realistic. And it does. The whole process of research, of following a key idea step by step through getting more and better measurements, interpreting them, and moving on to the next stage, are a little oversimplified but they look and feel real, and they don't tax the audience's patience. The actual Discovery Moments aren't big screen-melting "Eureka!!!" deals either; they're lower-key "hmm, that's odd --" kinds of events that are actually just as dramatic but far more real.
Another important thing: scientists like the protagonist, Isaac Bruno, do research because they are flat-out curiosity driven. They're not doing this for glory or riches. They're doing this because that's who they are. This movie shows that curiosity is a fundamental human driver that can actually compete successfully (as we see) against other basic human drivers like food, sleep, sex, shelter -- you name it. Of the big-budget films that follow the same lines I'd place this one closest to Contact.
The cast is just fine and the two young lead actors Adams and Bellisario are quite good. I'd be happy to see them again in other things. Though the planet-hunting is the scaffolding for the storyline, it's really supposed to be a love story with a very human cycle of awkward engagement, joy, regret, and commitment with no fairy-tale ending. Once again, all of this steers away from Hollywood-style Big Moments. Isaac needs to get fully beyond his recent past history of pain and loss, and Clara has to come to terms with being an unwitting (and probably unwilling) conduit for a Message. My thought is that Clara isn't given a last name because of her somewhat mythic place in the plot, but see what you think when you watch it.
The way this kind of science is done is also on the money, even if understandably overdramatized just a little. The plot develops just like most real science does: it's both competitive (who's going to "get there" first?? are our heroes going to get scooped by someone else?) and cooperative (many people have to combine their expertise and resources to finish the project). The leading pair are Isaac (Patrick J. Adams) and Clara (Troian Bellisario) but as things develop they get help from Isaac's professional friend Charlie (Ennis Esmer), his former wife and colleague Rebecca (Kristen Hager), and eventually the senior director of TESS, Dr. Rickman (R. H. Thomson). Though Isaac is the leader, all of them quite properly share the credit at the end. The facilities that are part of the proceedings including the Kepler and TESS telescopes, CalTech, U.Toronto, and SETI, are also quite real.
Even in big-budget market-driven Hollywood there are a few good movies based on real astrophysics -- think Contact (1997), Interstellar (2014), or Arrival (2016) for example. They used the right consultants too. The difference between those films and "Clara" is more a matter of tone and scale -- in an indie film it's less necessary to jack up the tension, drama, and big effects and so it can feel more realistic. And it does. The whole process of research, of following a key idea step by step through getting more and better measurements, interpreting them, and moving on to the next stage, are a little oversimplified but they look and feel real, and they don't tax the audience's patience. The actual Discovery Moments aren't big screen-melting "Eureka!!!" deals either; they're lower-key "hmm, that's odd --" kinds of events that are actually just as dramatic but far more real.
Another important thing: scientists like the protagonist, Isaac Bruno, do research because they are flat-out curiosity driven. They're not doing this for glory or riches. They're doing this because that's who they are. This movie shows that curiosity is a fundamental human driver that can actually compete successfully (as we see) against other basic human drivers like food, sleep, sex, shelter -- you name it. Of the big-budget films that follow the same lines I'd place this one closest to Contact.
The cast is just fine and the two young lead actors Adams and Bellisario are quite good. I'd be happy to see them again in other things. Though the planet-hunting is the scaffolding for the storyline, it's really supposed to be a love story with a very human cycle of awkward engagement, joy, regret, and commitment with no fairy-tale ending. Once again, all of this steers away from Hollywood-style Big Moments. Isaac needs to get fully beyond his recent past history of pain and loss, and Clara has to come to terms with being an unwitting (and probably unwilling) conduit for a Message. My thought is that Clara isn't given a last name because of her somewhat mythic place in the plot, but see what you think when you watch it.
Is our universe an infinite masterpiece of order and structure? Or is it merely a limitless amalgamation of randomness and chance? These are the questions posed and explored in the new sci-fi drama "Clara".
Writer and Director Akash Sherman has fashioned a most intriguing tale of science, distant space exploration, traumatic loss and unlikely romance. That's a lot of fertile, yet tricky, ground to cover in any story, and Sherman does so most adroitly here. Using equal parts special effects, human drama and deep existential issues, his film presents an embracing and genuinely thought-provoking chronicle of man and his place in the great cosmic unknown surrounding and dwarfing him.
If I have an issue with Sherman's film, it would be this: That what is apparently presented to us as one version of Heaven is, to put it both mildly and quite literally, way out there, man. Yet, as with all of the themes the filmmaker thoughtfully investigates in "Clara", whose to say, or know, that this version of The Afterlife may not be at least in the ballpark of actuality? Certainly not we of mortal man and woman status, and this is for DAMN sure.
Patrick J. Adams (TV's "Suits") and real-life spouse Troian Bellisario (The tube's "Pretty Little Liars") are excellent individually and in tandem as two shattered souls who come together to make a spectacular discovery. Was it the data-driven product of complex analysis and precise calculations? Or could it all have come to pass as simply an accident of luck, happenstance, and, perhaps, even love?
This is the ultimate quandary presented in "Clara". The grand answer may lie embedded in the lyrics of Bob Dylan, whom Sherman prominently features, when the iconic musician suggests it..."is blowin' in the wind."
It's as good a place to start as any.
Writer and Director Akash Sherman has fashioned a most intriguing tale of science, distant space exploration, traumatic loss and unlikely romance. That's a lot of fertile, yet tricky, ground to cover in any story, and Sherman does so most adroitly here. Using equal parts special effects, human drama and deep existential issues, his film presents an embracing and genuinely thought-provoking chronicle of man and his place in the great cosmic unknown surrounding and dwarfing him.
If I have an issue with Sherman's film, it would be this: That what is apparently presented to us as one version of Heaven is, to put it both mildly and quite literally, way out there, man. Yet, as with all of the themes the filmmaker thoughtfully investigates in "Clara", whose to say, or know, that this version of The Afterlife may not be at least in the ballpark of actuality? Certainly not we of mortal man and woman status, and this is for DAMN sure.
Patrick J. Adams (TV's "Suits") and real-life spouse Troian Bellisario (The tube's "Pretty Little Liars") are excellent individually and in tandem as two shattered souls who come together to make a spectacular discovery. Was it the data-driven product of complex analysis and precise calculations? Or could it all have come to pass as simply an accident of luck, happenstance, and, perhaps, even love?
This is the ultimate quandary presented in "Clara". The grand answer may lie embedded in the lyrics of Bob Dylan, whom Sherman prominently features, when the iconic musician suggests it..."is blowin' in the wind."
It's as good a place to start as any.
- jtncsmistad
- May 10, 2019
- Permalink
In this film I experienced sadness, wonderment and ultimately hope. It is a love story not only between two people, but also a love story with the cosmos. The film tantalizes with possibilities.
The acting and deliberate pacing were good, as were the visuals. There are no fancy special effects, just good storytelling, combined with solid astronomy.
The only criticism I might have, is that I wanted the story to continue.
The acting and deliberate pacing were good, as were the visuals. There are no fancy special effects, just good storytelling, combined with solid astronomy.
The only criticism I might have, is that I wanted the story to continue.
- TheAlmightyFinger
- Feb 19, 2019
- Permalink
I am not usually the person who would decide to share his movie opinion publicly, just felt like I should. On an otherwise bleak and anorexic poster list for the 2019 stage, where true fans of motion pictures are spinning the bottle blindfolded to experience some decent level of movie high, this is the oddball most of us are looking for. It might unfold a little predictable and slow at times, but it's worth the wait and in the end it's all about how it makes you feel, and sharing that feeling.
Mind meets heart. You could argue that one is better than the other. And that might be true for certain things - for other things maybe not so much. One thing is sure: they work best together. If you find the balance ... you win - even if you lose. Although lose may be too big a word. And win may not be exactly right.
We have a love story here - but also a story of two individuals who try to prove something. Mostly to others - at least it appears so. Because actually they try to prove something to themselves. And both alone cannot achieve that - but together: they actually can.
Some really fine dialog here and some really heartbreaking dramatic moments too. Central performances are more than decent and the movie has some other ideas to share with you too. For some it may be a bit too much (it could have focused on one thing, like the science part or the love part), but I think it does walk the line quite nicely. And maybe you can believe too ... if you suspend your disbelief that is.
We have a love story here - but also a story of two individuals who try to prove something. Mostly to others - at least it appears so. Because actually they try to prove something to themselves. And both alone cannot achieve that - but together: they actually can.
Some really fine dialog here and some really heartbreaking dramatic moments too. Central performances are more than decent and the movie has some other ideas to share with you too. For some it may be a bit too much (it could have focused on one thing, like the science part or the love part), but I think it does walk the line quite nicely. And maybe you can believe too ... if you suspend your disbelief that is.
OK, it's not profound, and you, like me, may well guess the ending before it arrives. But I still shed a tear of loss and joy at the end. I think the sci-fi is incidental to the story of human relationships. If you can overlook the worn and tired cliches, there is something to enjoy...... if you can summon the patience to see it through to the end.
There's a lot of K-Pax here, maybe to the point of plagiarism, but I still enjoyed it.
- Fourstrawberries
- Feb 20, 2020
- Permalink
I'm a Sci-fi fan as well as an Astrophile. The movie got me hooked from the start, with a storyline anyone in Astrophysics knows and can relate to. It might easily be my favorite Sci-fi after The Martian.
"Clara" just feels like a bad remake of the 2014 gem "I Origins". However, unlike "I Origins" (a brilliant film that I would urge everyone to watch), "Clara" falls short in almost every single way.
Isaac Bruno is an unreasonably bitter astronomy professor who has a difficult time dealing with an emotionally traumatic experience from his past which meant the end of his previous romantic relationship. After being fired from his job for secretly using university equipment for his own personal research he yearns to further pursue his ultimate goal of finding habitable planets outside the solar system. Soon he is joined by Clara, his new research assistant, whose spiritual outlook on life contrasts Isaac's explicitly rational scientific views.
The shallow, unrounded characters and poor writing don't make up for the low story density and slow pacing. The romantic segments of the film seem awkwardly worked in in order to progress the story further and forcibly develop Isaac's character. I could not empathize with their relationship at all. The final act of the film doesn't compensate for any of that either and the twist was far fetched, even for sci fi standards.
A nice takeaway was that I learned a little bit about how exoplanets are discovered and studied, which was pretty well conveyed on screen.
5/10
Isaac Bruno is an unreasonably bitter astronomy professor who has a difficult time dealing with an emotionally traumatic experience from his past which meant the end of his previous romantic relationship. After being fired from his job for secretly using university equipment for his own personal research he yearns to further pursue his ultimate goal of finding habitable planets outside the solar system. Soon he is joined by Clara, his new research assistant, whose spiritual outlook on life contrasts Isaac's explicitly rational scientific views.
The shallow, unrounded characters and poor writing don't make up for the low story density and slow pacing. The romantic segments of the film seem awkwardly worked in in order to progress the story further and forcibly develop Isaac's character. I could not empathize with their relationship at all. The final act of the film doesn't compensate for any of that either and the twist was far fetched, even for sci fi standards.
A nice takeaway was that I learned a little bit about how exoplanets are discovered and studied, which was pretty well conveyed on screen.
5/10
- Gaarnemelk
- Feb 19, 2019
- Permalink
Yeah, I'm a sap. But I also enjoy good story telling. Especially within a SciFi film.
This movie started slow and ended just a bit faster, but not by much. This is not a bang up action movie, it is all character development and a slow build. The main characters are easily identified with, especially if you have gone to a college or university. Scientific discoveries are usually found after time and hard research, and this is what the movie builds up to - a momentous discovery that would bring our planet into a sense of cohesion, giving us a purpose.
Give the film a chance and take a slow ride for once, and then enjoy the conclusion of this movie. I did.
This movie started slow and ended just a bit faster, but not by much. This is not a bang up action movie, it is all character development and a slow build. The main characters are easily identified with, especially if you have gone to a college or university. Scientific discoveries are usually found after time and hard research, and this is what the movie builds up to - a momentous discovery that would bring our planet into a sense of cohesion, giving us a purpose.
Give the film a chance and take a slow ride for once, and then enjoy the conclusion of this movie. I did.
- dave-is-where
- Feb 17, 2019
- Permalink
The movie is not about the question of "whether there are aliens in the universe" in the first place.
The deep message behind "Clara" will be revealed at the end of the movie.
The most important and valuable thing for us humans is right in front of our eyes and we shouldn't underestimate it, whilst looking into another star system to find out, whether we are alone. Love and friendship, not being alone down here on earth, and having someone to love are the things that we are living for, so don't overlook them. Clara sends that message to the viewer very convincingly. This is a great movie, because of its message.
The deep message behind "Clara" will be revealed at the end of the movie.
The most important and valuable thing for us humans is right in front of our eyes and we shouldn't underestimate it, whilst looking into another star system to find out, whether we are alone. Love and friendship, not being alone down here on earth, and having someone to love are the things that we are living for, so don't overlook them. Clara sends that message to the viewer very convincingly. This is a great movie, because of its message.
- xxxxxdarkmoon
- May 7, 2021
- Permalink
If this was "just" a love story then it would be good. Writer/director Akash Sherman portrays two broken people well and both the main actors are up to the task, so this should be a slam dunk, but it isn't.
The science isn't quite right, but it's mostly like Hollywood movies i.e. it has a central premise that is slightly exaggerated and then spins that way too far. For me that part, while not great, is still bearable. The part that makes it pretty intolerable stems from films use of god. It starts well enough: he has a scientist who does not believe in a god and we learn his motivation and his counterpart who has very good reasons to believe in god. It's when the film decides it knows the answers the it falls flat, not because the film takes a side, but because it does so in ridiculous ways. The last ten minutes are a travesty with one ludicrous thing after another. Before the last twist I was heading for 7 out of 10, but in the end 4/10 is generous.
I've read the other reviews and really there's nothing more I would add as far as any kind of particular insight. User reviews on IMDB are my go-to vs. external reviews because many people posting their reviews here are really great at reviewing film!! :-) Personally, if I say 'I watched it', that's almost two thumbs up right there, because it means it held my attention, it wasn't stupid, the acting was decent - and so on. Anyhow, I watched it. Beyond that, I was honestly hooked from the first minute and shed tears at the end.. It's worth your time. It has my recommendation.
- AvidWatcher101
- Apr 27, 2020
- Permalink
For a sci-fi movie with almost no special effects nor futuristic scenes it's still an entertaining movie worth at least a watch. There are some existential questions, not necessarily with answers, but that makes the movie interesting. Are we alone or most likely is there another civilisation? Sometimes it was a bit slow and the character of Dr. Isaac Bruno played by Patrick J. Adams is not particulary a pleasant character to watch but the story is what makes Clara a good sci-fi movie. The acting was okay, nothing special nor terrible. Clara is an easy movie to watch, nothing too complicated.
- deloudelouvain
- Feb 28, 2019
- Permalink
Of the sci-fi films that have been made over the past yrs..this is a good one! & unlike most, it does not rely on cgi or A list Actors, yet it has it all..Basically it has depth, emotion a good dialogue & coupled with very good acting by relatively unknown actors which make it that bit more special or real perhaps, either way it is a very interesting movie that touches the spot on what were all thinking, with a nice twist!..so no spoilers, but do give it a watch, you will not be disappointed. A solid 10/10
- andymaranam
- Feb 17, 2019
- Permalink
- ivanis-53193
- Jul 5, 2020
- Permalink
The movie was very nice to look at, but textbook "manic pixie dream girl" story. I wanted to like it because the visuals and metaphors were so lovely, but one dimensional characters took away from the story a lot.
- stevepat99
- Mar 8, 2019
- Permalink
This film is slow burning & sweet; it's the polar opposite of popcorn shovelling sci-fi. I've given it 7 stars, but, it's probably somewhere between 6 & 7.
Clara is a touch hippie-dippie, you can almost smell the incense burning whilst watching, nevertheless, it is worth watching. It tackles loss with a silk scarf draped over a lamp & that's fine as it works with the overall film.
The lead actor does a good job; he captures isolation in his performance & grasps onto hope at the end. In fact the whole cast do a good job.
This movie isn't great, but, it's okay, verging on good at times & well worth the watch on a rainy day.
Clara is a touch hippie-dippie, you can almost smell the incense burning whilst watching, nevertheless, it is worth watching. It tackles loss with a silk scarf draped over a lamp & that's fine as it works with the overall film.
The lead actor does a good job; he captures isolation in his performance & grasps onto hope at the end. In fact the whole cast do a good job.
This movie isn't great, but, it's okay, verging on good at times & well worth the watch on a rainy day.
- LouieInLove
- Mar 3, 2019
- Permalink
The characters are way too predictable, It does not explain several situations that occurred, but they were all the same predictable also. Even thoe the science is well used, and gives a lot of support. It could be less corny eliminating the end.
- fergvillanueva
- Apr 9, 2019
- Permalink
This is a pure love story, based on one man seach for infinity and new livable exoplanets in other cosmoses, and as he tries his best to find the reason for existensiality, he makes existential choices about how to exist. hes trying to dig gold in the deep space, and needs help, and crashes into an existential beauty of a female assistent, not a scholard, but with will and guts and some mysterious abilities, they hit a goal in the end. you will learn about hidden spaces in the human mind when watching this movie, it has almost all just not the big bang .
the cinematography are wonderfull and the story are engaging even though the speed of the plot are slow at times. the chosen score are perfect for this kinda movie, just like the score carl saga made to his cosmos docu.series.in the 70's . do watch this labyrintick story of love and emotions.recommended
the cinematography are wonderfull and the story are engaging even though the speed of the plot are slow at times. the chosen score are perfect for this kinda movie, just like the score carl saga made to his cosmos docu.series.in the 70's . do watch this labyrintick story of love and emotions.recommended
Found this mooching around in the darker depths of Amazon Prime and came out very pleasantly surprised.
It's a love story set around two scientists with all their emotional baggage, looking for the possibility of habitable planets. Think Big Bang Theory with less laughs and more emotion.
The male lead from Suits and his real life wife are excellent as are the direction and writing, even though it doesn't quite nail its third act when everything is happening, it does pack a powerful punch at the end.
I love finding little gems like this. Made for peanuts compared to other movies that have bigger budgets as long as you remove your brain whilst watching.
It's a love story set around two scientists with all their emotional baggage, looking for the possibility of habitable planets. Think Big Bang Theory with less laughs and more emotion.
The male lead from Suits and his real life wife are excellent as are the direction and writing, even though it doesn't quite nail its third act when everything is happening, it does pack a powerful punch at the end.
I love finding little gems like this. Made for peanuts compared to other movies that have bigger budgets as long as you remove your brain whilst watching.
- stevelivesey67
- Dec 29, 2022
- Permalink