The Last Days on Mars (2013): A Chilling Sci-Fi Thriller of Survival and the Unknown
“The Last Days on Mars” (2013) is a sci-fi horror film that blends elements of space exploration with the fear of the unknown and survival horror. Directed by Ruairi Robinson, the film stars Liev Schreiber, Romola Garai, and Elias Koteas and is set on the red, desolate landscape of Mars. The film focuses on a crew of astronauts on a research mission as they make a terrifying discovery in their final hours before returning to Earth.
The plot revolves around a crew of astronauts stationed on Mars, conducting research for an extended mission. As their time on the planet draws to a close and they prepare for their departure, one of the scientists, Marko Petrovic (played by Goran Kostić), discovers what appears to be evidence of microbial life. Eager to make a groundbreaking discovery, he secretly ventures out into the barren Martian landscape, hoping to gather further proof before their mission ends.
However, Marko disappears under mysterious circumstances, and when the crew goes to investigate, they find more than just traces of Martian life. The microorganisms they encounter are far deadlier than anticipated. These Martian microbes infect and reanimate human bodies, turning them into violent, zombie-like creatures. The infection quickly spreads, and what was supposed to be a routine mission turns into a desperate fight for survival as the crew members realize they are facing a force beyond their understanding.
Liev Schreiber stars as Vincent Campbell, an engineer with a troubled past who is forced to confront both his inner demons and the horror that is consuming his crew. As the infection spreads, the surviving astronauts must rely on their wits and courage to battle both the infected crew members and the harsh, unforgiving environment of Mars.
“The Last Days on Mars” stands out for its eerie atmosphere and tension-filled narrative. The Martian landscape, depicted with stark, red desolation, serves as a haunting backdrop for the events that unfold. The isolation and vast emptiness of Mars heighten the film’s sense of dread and helplessness as the crew realizes there is no way to escape the planet or call for help.
The movie effectively combines the claustrophobia of being trapped in space with the body horror of infection and transformation, reminiscent of classics like “The Thing” and “Alien.” The pacing is deliberate, building up the tension as the crew’s situation spirals out of control, while the action scenes, when they occur, are intense and visceral.
The cast delivers solid performances, with Liev Schreiber anchoring the film as the reluctant hero forced into action. Romola Garai and Elias Koteas also provide strong support, playing astronauts grappling with both fear and the ethical dilemmas of their mission. The emotional tension between the crew members adds depth to the story, making their inevitable fates even more tragic as the infection spreads.
While “The Last Days on Mars” received mixed reviews upon release, with some critics noting the film’s reliance on familiar sci-fi and horror tropes, it has been praised for its suspenseful tone and atmospheric visuals. The film doesn’t try to reinvent the genre but instead delivers a tense, well-executed survival story with the added horror of alien infection.
In conclusion, “The Last Days on Mars” (2013) is a gripping sci-fi horror film that combines space exploration with the terror of the unknown. Its eerie atmosphere, intense action, and psychological tension make it an engaging watch for fans of survival horror and space thrillers. Although it may tread familiar ground, its execution and setting make it a chilling tale of what happens when humanity pushes too far into the mysteries of space.
