WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
To rise up. While it may seem a very basic concept, this can be far more challenging to achieve with ease, or perhaps it’s that we make it so. As people, we innately desire to understandably protect that which we hold most dear, even when it might actually come at the cost of other things which, in our own minds, don’t find a degree of importance enough to conquer our own selfish will. In the face of decisions that could mean the difference between our own “contentment” vs. the well-being of the whole, what will it take for us to release our own “needs”, in spite of it being difficult, so that a higher purpose can be fulfilled? James (Dominic Bogart) has a past he’s tried to forget, treasuring newfound freedom with his wife Sarah (Piercey Dalton) and son George (Elijah Maximus). But, as an extraordinary event comes to bear that threatens to undermine it all, will James be able to maintain his hold on what he cherishes, or return to a larger, more ancient calling?
Next, my Mind:
Combining the underlying magnitude and universal ramifications of “Avengers: Endgame” with the potency of illustrating the human spirit, notions of reluctant heroism, and ultimate selflessness conveyed in “Rogue One” but on an overall smaller scale, there’s no denying the wonder of independent cinema’s character and story-driven focus that’s present in this surprising, engaging, and well-executed feature film from writer/director/producer/editor Eric Esau, writers/producers Anna Esau and Douglas Haines, co-producers Jaime Gallagher and Shaun Goodman, plus executive producers Gregory Adams, Lisa Adams, Charlie Barrie, Wendy Bird, Steve Esau, Susan Esau, Linda Femling, Kristine Lavin, and Terry Lavin. Visually captivating while not sacrificing the more important centering on character and story development FOR the sake of ONLY special effects, this dramatic science-fiction adventure wholly captures you and elicits that atmosphere and mood found in the mainstream efforts mentioned above while remaining grounded in its scope and genuinely heartfelt soul.
Finding its footing through a narrative that sees a former being known as a Shepherd having relinquished the duties he was created for in order to seek a peaceful existence on Earth with his wife and child having to now confront his enduring calling once more in the wake of a newly forming event that threatens all he has since established, the film’s pacing certainly reflects its indie pedigree. Choosing to deftly utilize the pairing of present and past events to methodically fill in the tale of obligation’s burden, the loss of hope for what we were fighting for, the innate hesitations we possess to give up what we believe we’re in control of, reflecting on what is most valued to not only us but the greater whole, battling against one’s true destiny, attempting to find loopholes to avoid it, being shown the possible consequences of inaction or wrong choices, facing the unavoidable reality of it, and then moving forward in the only actual direction that’s given for the betterment of all involved, it’s the highly necessary story to tell, as I often state, in this stormy world we’re in where such self-centered demeanors are present rather than aim to help others.
Additionally, it’s the also previously hinted at facet of what such altruistic heroism really can look like when we’re willing to be open to at least understand what a sacrifice made now can cause a ripple effect of massive impact both in the current time and the future, and this critic personally relished how the film ends up addressing this through a series of sequences during the third act that manifest into an emotionally stirring and persuasively compelling finale that brings everything about in a totally credible manner, even if you might have gleaned ahead of time how certain things would unfold. It doesn’t remotely take away from the hit to your heart and mind, the sheer humanness of the narrative and how we can grasp onto it even with the fantastical, otherworldly aspects we enjoy for straight up entertainment. For me, though, the real power of this film IS the portrait of the inner conflict we so often encounter when it comes to having to accept responsibility, let go of things we need to in order to be liberated, and know everything WILL be ok, even when it’s hard to see it at first.
Top all of this off by other thematic veins that address fear and paranoia about the unknown and seemingly pending doom, the essential value of family, coping with addiction, domestic abuse, reminders of the past and how it can imprison us, and how we are called to STEP UP to be an aid to things bigger than ourselves and for others. As the film states “We MUST answer!!”. Bogart provides a very adept performance here, filled with raw as well as nuanced and emotive energy through his role as James, a man who is actually more than he appears, having made a choice to abscond from a decidedly monumental origin and life of duty to settle into a far more calm existence with his wife and young son. But, as can tend to occur with the past, it comes racing back to haunt him, forcing a decision that will alter all of their lives forever. I like Bogart’s overall “everyman” approach to the role while still successfully turning on the needed “superhero” mode when appropriate to the story.
Dalton both breaks your heart and endears you to her, exemplifying both utter inner brokenness with the absolute fire of a woman with purpose and depth of love for her family via her turn as Sarah, James’ wife whose already fighting her own demons which are trying to destroy her, especially when it seems the world and everything she treasures is about to end. Even as she tries to overcome her fears, frustrations with James’ preoccupation with something she doesn’t even yet know about, and the total love for her son she’s unwaveringly devoted to, it’s likewise an moving performance Dalton brings to the table, filled with believable urgency and delivered with well-founded poise. Maximus is both adorable and unexpectedly filled with dramatic intensity through his role as George, the couple’s young son who already sees Dad as a superhero, which only increases once revelations about James come about. But with this comes the upending of all he’s known as their child, and the state of being that follows puts George through a deeply volatile series of instances that will elicit apprehension, awe, doubts, admiration, sadness, and courage, a credit to Maximus’ acting.
Primary supporting roles come about first through Matt Angel as Mark, an harsh figure from Sarah’s tumultuous past who’s decided it’s time to try and re-enter her circle, Marc Rissmann as Titan, this time someone from James’ past who is insistent he not only remember who he was, but needs to be again and to re-embrace his calling, Marimar Vega as Nibiru, whose direct and personal connection with James’ life, in addition to her much more intensely diabolical plans for Earth, put the two at odds, and Jonathan Stoddard as The Strange Man, as associate of Titan’s who could play a very key role in the outcome of James’ choices and the events at hand. Also making appearances here are Elizabeth Grullon as Selene, a catalyst for what the future of Earth’s defense might hold for a major player in the story, Olivia Sui as Samantha, Christopher Morson as Brian, Robyn Cohen as Dr. Tracy Weiland (voice only), Maya Aoki Tuttle, Keaton Talmadge, Bob Barnes, and Elizabeth Saydah as various reporters (voice only), along with Raymond Power and Josh Kibbey.
So, in total, “Saturn”, with its well-placed and conceived twists and turns, delivers a gem of a science fiction-meets-superhero film that explores the dichotomy of what we SHOULD do for a greater good vs. what we don’t WANT to do for the sake of what we will lose, placing it in a context that is not only valid and necessary, but distinctly accessible, all while challenging us to conquer our past, protect the future, and LIVE in the present moments we’re given, our time never guaranteed, while realizing, accepting, and being about doing so to the benefit of ALL, even if it calls for our own surrender, whatever that might look like.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
