Astronauts stuck on Earth’s last space research station watch as the planet is consumed by a toxic fog. Rubikon is a sharp sci-fi thriller about the deadly consequences of unfettered human behavior. There are no aliens or asteroids to blame for our sudden downfall. Mankind pays the price for arrogance and hubris. The film tackles sobering themes of environmental disaster, economic disparity, and interpersonal relationships in a critical situation. It’s an absorbing character study of the worst case scenario’s hard choices. Rubikon defies convention by going in an unexpected direction.
Set in the year 2056, the Earth’s atmosphere has become polluted. Corporations have replaced governments as ruling entities. The wealthy live in specialized domes with air filters. Rubikon is the only remaining space station. Searching the stars for answers is deemed a waste of time.
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The Nibra Corporation sends a capsule to Rubikon with Commander Hannah Wagner (Julia Franz Richter) and chemist Gavin Abbott (George Blagden). They are assigned to replace the primary crew and assess the research of Dr. Dimitri Krylow (Mark Ivanir). His algae filtration system has proved successful in maintaining the station’s life support system. It’s a rough start when Wagner has difficulty docking due to a navigation problem.
Commander Jensen (Nicholas Monu) is surprised by Wagner’s arrival. He dutifully obeys orders and preps his team to leave. Jensen thought Nibra viewed Rubikon as an afterthought. Wagner, a nervous Abbott, and a skeptical Dr. Krylow remain. They watch as the returning capsule suffers a similar malfunction. Their concern turns to horror as a catastrophic event unfurls before them. A mysterious cloud engulfs Earth at lightning speed. They lose all ground communication. Abbott’s analysis comes to a terrifying conclusion. Could they be the last humans left alive?
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A Slow Burn
Rubikon takes a slow burn approach to the narrative. The characters are all strangers. They are thrust together in a bizarre survival dilemma. Wagner is a tough as nails soldier looking for a better life. Abbott is an activist rich kid sent away by his parents. Krylow distrusts and hates Nibra. He knows the value of his algae’s capabilities. Three different personalties and agendas must quickly achieve common ground. They have to plan for their future.
The survivors react to the apocalypse in different ways. What does someone do in the end of the world? The characters learn to work together in the face of doom. Rubikon’s second act delves into the meaning of community. They reach an understanding until startling new developments reframe what actually happened. The plot thickens as tenuous bonds are tested. Should they return to Earth as possible saviors or stay in space and chart their own course?
IFC Midnight
Magdalena Lauritsch’s Feature Debut
Austrian director/co-writer Magdalena Lauritsch shows aptitude in her feature debut. Rubikon is not overblown with heavy-handed action. Don’t watch this film expecting the theatrics of Gravity. The visual effects and production design create an honest realism that builds palpable tension. Class divisions come into play. The well-written characters have existential conflicts with a surprising outcome on several fronts.
Rubikon sells its premise with a thoughtful approach. It strikes a believable balance between rational and emotional responses. The dystopian future predicted isn’t pure fantasy. Crossing the Rubicon means accepting the consequences of an irreversible decision. Sooner or later the environment will reach a tipping point without radical change.
Rubikon is a production of Samsara Filmproduktion and Graf Film. It will have a theatrical and VOD release on July 1st from IFC Midnight.
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