Native

A distant planet receives a signal which intrigues the inhabitants to the extent that they plot a colonisation come invasion. Chosen for this mission are Cane (Rupert Graves) and Eva (Ellie Kendrick). To function efficiently they have to establish a telepathic link, as well as maintain one with their partners and the home planet: the inhabitants of this planet live in a hive-like society where partners are linked for life.

Cane has difficulties from the start becoming obsessed by the musical transmission, much to the frustration of Eva who is absolutely clear about their mission and objectives. As they travel farther from their home planet so their links to it weaken.

To compound the problems Cane is informed of a tragedy at home and becomes unstable, endangering the mission. This forces Eva to try to keep his focus through their link but can’t and Cane is removed from the hive.

Reaching their destination Eva begins to explore, taking in the mixture of sounds, colours and cultures around her. There’s an independence of thought that she’s attracted to, and so begins to question the motives of the mission.

There are fair few ideas stemming from the pen of writer and director Daniel Fitzsimmons, chiefly looking at the will of an individual in a regimented society, along with musings on loss and isolation.

The Hive could be construed as our increasing interlinking (interdependence?) with each other through social media, but also the ability of others to monitor, what are effectively our thoughts. The premise being that we are increasingly incapable of thinking outside certain parameters, and that we need a ‘like’ or a ‘thumbs up’ to be validated. That is a debate but this is a film review.

Ideas aside Native is bleakly logical in almost every aspect of its execution: direction, music, sets and effects. It is not a naturally engaging film visually; the ship’s inside grey décor and its lines have the appearance of a concrete bunker. On a limited budget the effects are solid, functional and a means to an end.

But that is not to say its dull. That’s thanks in large part to robust performances from Rupert Graves and Ellie Kendrick, who carry much of the film, as they wrestle with their own, and each other’s consciences.

This is pensive science fiction that isn’t going to appeal to everyone but a tip would be the likes of Stalker, Things to Come and Forbidden Planet.