Nova

Enjoyable independent sci-fi film with a compelling narrative about a small crew composed of humans and humanoid robots en route to the Mars colony. Was pleasantly surprised that despite the low budget, the production quality was high enough and consistent throughout the film to keep me captivated. The acting is okay, my favorite actor being the one who played the ship's captain, but also the woman who played the titular character had me forgetting she was human. Also the film handled the challenge of having a young child actress quite well and she did a great job in her role.

All in all a technically solid and fun indie film.

No matter the budget, it's a miracle if you can get a film made and worth it if you have something to say. Nova attempts to ask questions about how we treat our own creations, especially at moments of crisis when the choices only become tougher along the way. Aside from the scenes of peril that offer excitement, Nova works best when it leans on its dramatic aspects, most notably with Lelia Anastasia. Her performance as the Captain leading a doomed ship lends authenticity and dimension to a character with both nobility and bias- especially against the AI of the film- played with haunting understatement in the case of Juliet Chevelle's title character. For a shoestring budgeted sci fi film, it's nice to see that it concerns itself with drama between characters and allowing the performances to be the film's greatest special effect.

To be completely honest, I did consider turning it off after a few minutes. But as the film progressed I did not mind the acting style. In fact, it started to provoke feelings. I really do not know why, but I did get pulled into this film.

The plot is cliche, but there is something I cannot put my finger on. I just wanted to keep watching. It might be that the illustration of the moral dilemmas facing the crew is so clear and highlighted. Maybe it is because there is not much else to focus on. Either way it works. I found myself getting emotionally involved in the characters in ways that even star studded casts have failed.

I don't know if my experience is unique or not, but I like this film.

Poor acting, poor choice of cast, poor script, poor dialog. Looks like a student film. The kid did the best acting.

The long eyelashes looked silly, but are needed to distinguish the androids (the 'Uncanny valley').

During the dance with Nova and Abilene, the conversation suggests that Nova volunteered for the mission and Abilene followed. If an android can volunteer, that goes against the premise that androids have no freedom.

Poor acting, poor choice of cast, poor script, poor dialog. Looks like a student film. The kid did the best acting.

Poor acting, poor choice of cast, poor script, poor dialog. Looks like a student film. The kid did the best acting.

Lucky to get 3 stars, must have been made in a garage. I think if your looking for a really good story with a high quality finish you will be happy to skip this one. On a journey to Mars to set up an android colony, android Nova is given a program to mimic human emotions. She struggles to understand and express her feelings to her human crew mates, but another android on board rallies the rest to mutiny against their human masters. Just put that in to fill in the required minimum. The sci-fi flick has difficulty choosing a narrative and struggles to create a world. Do yopurself a favour and skip it.