10 Best Sci-Fi Movies Of 2017

5. Marjorie Prime

blade runner 2049
FilmRise

Marjorie Prime, though perhaps the least recognisable sci-fi film on this list, was actually adapted from a famous, Pulitzer Prize-winning play written by Jordan Harrison - one dealing with the potential dangers of artificial intelligence.

The premise of the movie is a little Black Mirror-esque, being set in a world where humans are permitted to purchase hologram versions of their dead loved ones. It also features Jon Hamm in a starring role, who starred in the festive episode of Charlie Brooker's Emmy award-winning sci-fi show, "Black Christmas."

Majorie herself, an aged window, is played by Lois Smith, and the film deals with her obsession with Walter (Hamm), a hologram who appears as a younger version of her now-deceased husband. This idea, of course, opens up the floor for countless ethical debates - especially since the artificial representation of Walter disturbs Majorie's daughter, Tess , to the point that she refuses to interact with him.

The movie is simple and effective in execution (if a little "stagey"), the kind of film you watch only to find yourself thinking about it for days afterwards, lingering in the aftermath of its subtle, haunting questions about memory.

Contributor

Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.