Following the critical success of “28 Days Later,” Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Battle of the Sexes, Yesterday) and one of my favorite writers, Alex Garland (Dredd 2012, Ex Macina, Annihilation) collaborate for the second time. Set in the future, The Sun’s dying with Earth freezing. A group of astronauts and scientists embark on a mission to restore The Sun by piloting a spaceship carrying a nuke in the hopes of saving Earth. The Premise I’m referring to is an underrated space adventure known as “Sunshine.”
Released in 2007, (same year Uncharted came out) it received praise from critics. However, it was a commercial flop. I consider Sunshine as one of my favorite films of 2007. Anyway, Alex Garland’s latest film, “Warfare” earned huge praise. He also wrote “28 Years Later” with Danny Boyle who returned to direct the third installment. The next one, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” will be released on January 16, 2026. Cillian Murphy will reprise his role as Jim in the aforementioned entry. One more thing, he’s working on “The Immortal Man.” A follow-up film to “Peaky Blinders.”
I’m stoked to see ’em. Besides that, I’ll be watching and reviewing Horror films during Halloween Month. I consider Sunshine a Sci-Fi/Horror hybrid. Which Horror film should I review? Please leave a comment.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Bright & Dark Qualities
Bright: Cillian Murphy, Rose Byrne, Chris Evans, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michelle Yeoh, Benedict Wong, Cliff Curtis, (the bad guy from True Lies) Troy Garity (Isaac from Barbershop) & Mark Strong all did an amazing job for their respective performances.
Danny Boyle did a great job directing.
Alex Garland wrote the script. Made sure plot points weren’t interfered.
The film’s influenced by “2001: A Space Odyssey, “”The Right Stuff,” & “Alien.”
Random Thought: The goal to reignite The Sun reminds me of that one episode of “Courage the Cowardly Dog.” “Mission to the Sun.” The one with Courage, Eustace & Muriel volunteered to restore the sun. Much like Ceaser’s plan from “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” took a page form Mojo Jojo’s evil plan from “The Powerpuff Girls,” I think Mr. Garland took some notes on Courage. Like a rapper sampling a one song or two combining something new. In this case, mixing Alien, 2001, The Right Stuff & Courage, you get Sunshine.
Fun Fact 1: Linkin Park made a music video for “Leave Out All the Rest.” Which is inspired by the film. I miss the old Linkin Park when Chester Bennington was alive. Shame they recruited Emily Armstrong. She’s not a very nice person. She defended Danny Masterson who sexually assaulted women. Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis also defended him. They’re both terrible people. I lost a huge amount of respect to Linkin Park. They used to be my number one band.
Fun Fact 2: Cillian & Rose also starred in separate entries in the 28 Days Later series. The former was in the first one. The latter was in the second.
John Murphy (Snatch, 28 Days Later, James Gunn’s Superman) and electronic group, Underworld orchestrated the soundtrack.
Practical Effects were heavily involved. Visual Effects were used effectively.
According to Mr. Boyle, the spacesuit’s helmet is designed after Kenny from “South Park.”
Cinematography captures brilliant imagery of Icarus II carrying the nuke that resembles The Sun.
Chemistry between the crew members serve as the main highlight. Every single character was interesting.
My favorite part is when Capa jumps to the airlock while “Adagio in D Minor” plays in the background. That track earns Bonus Points. Hearing it reminds me of Clint Mansell’s “Leaving Earth” from “Mass Effect 3.” Clint’s probably a fan of Mr. Boyle & Mr. Garland. I’m appalled John Murphy and Underground didn’t get an Oscar nomination for Sunshine.
Pacing didn’t feel off or rushed. Felt balanced.
Fox Searchlight logo starts backwards. The sun match dissolves to the first scene. A unique way to take you on a space adventure.
One of the crew members shouts, “KANEDA!” A reference to “Akira.” I guess Alex couldn’t resist referencing a classic anime film.
The first half’s a space adventure. The second hale becomes a Horror movie. I consider Sunshine as a Sci-Fi Horror Adventure Thriller film.
A Plot Twist will make you gasp. I did not see that coming.
Underworld’s “Peggy Sussed” plays during the End Credits.
If you own a DVD/Blu-Ray copy, Danny provides audio commentary reflecting on making the film.
Dark: A Plot Hole involving the Third Act. It’s difficult for me to explain this in a non-spoiler review.
The Final Verdict: A-
Sunshine’s an underrated Sci-Fi Adventure Horror Thriller film that’ll invest you right from the get-go. If it weren’t for one gripe, I would’ve given it my highest grade, an A, FOR APEX. An A- will do. If you haven’t seen Sunshine, I highly recommend it.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 