50 Essential Sci-Fi Films of the 21st Century (So Far)

Duncan Jones’ Moon pays homage to the history of science fiction while creating something new.

Sam Rockwell plays Sam Bell, a miner on the dark side of the moon who lives a solitary existence, waiting for his work cycle to end so he can get back to Earth and see his family again. But just like any hard-boiled cop on the last case of his career, there’s no way he’s getting out of this alive. Sam uncovers a unit full of his doppelgängers on the base where he lives, ready to replace him in the very likely event of his death. Thus, he is thrust into action, seeking a way to outlive his limited lifespan, break the cycle, and get home.

A wry commentary on capitalism, filtered through science fiction, Moon wraps up a compelling story with grounded, believable characters in a nifty, 97-minute package. The retro aesthetic no doubt stemmed from budget constraints, but it works perfectly for the material, and while the Kevin Spacey-voiced AI companion may not have aged so well in light of more recent events, this is all too easy to overlook.

A small, satisfying indie flick, Moon still feels fresh thanks to its charismatic lead, smart writing, and central mystery. And it beat Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17 to the punch by over a decade and a half.