Both unnerving and soothing.

Rating: 7/10 (20 February 2019)

I almost didn't watch this film but I am glad I did. I am not usually into sci-fi but it appeared under the horror category on Netflix and I've always liked Natalie Portman so I figured I'd give it a go.
Within the first ten minutes I suspected it might end with it all being 'just a dream' or all some grand metaphor for Portman's mental state and I'm not sure I was entirely wrong to assume that. I'm also not sure if I am just stupid and don't understand the true artistic depth of the film or if I am thinking way too deeply into it. However, I think it is one of those movies that everyone looks up an explanation for after they leave and are left to come to their own conclusions.
I did like how the source of scariness came from the unknown, the beauty of nature and the mundane. I also found it interesting how classic horror tropes such as the 'final girl', 'clones' and 'found footage' are appropriated and reinvented. Similarly, the merging of genres including psych-thriller, sci-fi, fantasy, romance and drama are combined to tear the viewer between a false sense of security and an underlying sense of suspense. I think this also emphasises the importance of paradox and balance throughout the film.
This is an enjoyable film with an interesting concept only let down by its ambiguousness and questionable science.