The Exigency is a 2019 science fiction thriller directed by Cody Vibbart and starring Tom Haney, Alexis Danner, and Warren Halderman. The film takes place in a future where humanity has colonized different planets and discovered a way to artificially prolong life. However, the advanced technology that has allowed for this progress is also the source of a new threat to humanity.
The story follows John Thomas (Tom Haney), a space explorer who has been sent to investigate a mining operation on a distant planet. He arrives to find that the mining colony has been infiltrated by an unknown entity, which has taken control of the robots and enslaved the workers. With the help of the colony's AI, John must uncover the truth behind the entity's invasion and stop it before it can spread to other planets.
The Exigency explores themes of artificial intelligence, the ethics of technological advancement, and the dangers of relying too heavily on technology. The film uses a blend of practical and digital effects to create a visually stunning world, with vast landscapes and detailed machinery.
From the opening scene, the film sets a fast pace, throwing the audience into the action as John navigates the robot-controlled mining colony. The tension never lets up as the protagonist comes face to face with the sinister force controlling the colony, and the stakes only increase as the entity's reach becomes clear.
The film's three leads deliver strong performances, with Tom Haney carrying much of the weight as John Thomas. His character is a lone wolf, a man who is more comfortable in space than on Earth, and his gruff exterior masks a deep sense of responsibility for the safety of those around him. Alexis Danner plays the role of the colony's AI, serving as both guide and confidant to John as he seeks to unravel the mystery. Warren Halderman delivers an excellent turn as John's former commander, providing a humanizing foil to the film's high stakes action.
One of the film's most impressive aspects is its attention to detail. From the intricacies of the mining equipment to the subtle changes in the colony's atmosphere, the film is cleverly constructed to immerse the audience in its world. The special effects too, are well done, with the seamless integration of practical and digital effects producing some truly awe-inspiring visuals.
The film's script is clever and keeps the audience guessing, with twists and turns that are both unexpected and satisfying. There are moments of levity as well, with the film mining humor from the odd-couple dynamic between John and the AI.
Overall, The Exigency is a well-crafted and exciting science fiction film that will satisfy fans of the genre. With its stunning visuals, strong performances, and clever writing, it rises above many of the B-movie sci-fi offerings that tend to dominate the genre. It's a film that manages to be both thought-provoking and entertaining, and serves as a promising debut from director Cody Vibbart.
The Exigency is a 2019 science fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.
