Part of Ridley Scott’s prequel series to the widely successful “Alien” franchise. Prometheus may not provide answers to all of its promised questions, but it certainly set the stage for them. A supposed sequel in the mix which was apparently the plan all along, Prometheus, regardless of a follow up is able to stand on its own. Scott reminds us that science fiction is his genre wheelhouse and he’s returned to set the curve once again. Giving a sense of wonder and amazement to our existence, Prometheus and its intergalactic, cosmic journey is spellbinding. A formidable cast led by Michael Fassbender (Shame), Guy Pearce (Memento), Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Charlize Theron (The Italian Job), and Idris Elba (28 Weeks Later), Prometheus is definitively original and visually baffling. Do not expect to be swept up in the search for our creators, Prometheus is a tough blow of  what could possibly be reality.

A group of scientists and astronauts travel through space on an unknown mission. Upon being woken from their sleep pods, the group is informed of their mission. Their goal is to investigate ancient markings found on Earth that could lead to the discovery of humanities existence. Following the markings, they arrive at a planet numerous light years away from Earth. They discover signs of a distant civilization and investigate. During the search, they encounter artefacts believed to be linked to humanity and our beginnings. Soon, their breakthrough turns violent and the planet becomes hostile. What follows is a dark descent into the search for humanities existence.

Before it completely rips apart the very fabric of humanities hopes, beliefs, and purpose, Prometheus is actually quite enthralling. Vast landscapes and oceanic skylines backdrop the birth of our world as we know it. A beautifully baron spaceship zooms across light years passing cosmic materials as its crew sleeps soundly. Scott and company once again flawlessly design awe and wonderment while conversely depicting dread and horror. Fassbender, as a robot, is the performance to look out for in Prometheus. Seemingly malicious and corrupt while contradicting these traits with a caring face and helpful acts, Fassbender expectedly delivers. Followed by Rapace and Pearce who, despite butting heads have similar motives and values. Their collective disappointments and optimisms echo throughout their performances and ring out to the viewers and pluck at our sympathy. Prometheus is smartly written and visually stunning. A welcome return to the genre for Scott and leaves us begging for a sequel.

Prometheus: 8.5 out of 10.