An under-appreciated dystopian, sci-fi drama starring Tom Cruise is coming soon to Netflix. FromTop Gun: Maverickdirector Joseph Kosinskiand based on his unpublished comic, which paid homage to 1970s sci-fi, 2013’sObliviondepicts a love story in 2077 on a war-torn Earth left in ruins by an alien invasion.
The film stars Cruise as a maintenance technician, Jack, who crosses paths with a survivor (Olga Kurylenko) from a spaceship wreck, leading him to doubt his purpose and uncover the truth about the war. The visually stunning film offers an immersive blend of sci-fi thrills and emotionally gripping storytelling. UponOblivion’s arrival to Netflix on November 1, it’s a must-watch for those seeking an underrated entry in the sci-fi genre.
Did You Know: Jessica Chastain was originally cast as Kurylenko’s character, but when she was offered the lead role in Kathryn Bigelow’sZero Dark Thirty,Cruise helped her get out of her contract.
Oblivion
Cast
Produced and directed by Joseph Kosinski, Oblivion tells the story of Jack Harper (Tom Cruise), a technician living in 2077, 60 years after scavenger aliens destroyed Earth’s moon. While remaining on the abandoned Earth to repair drones, Jack encounters a sleep pod containing Julia, who has been in stasis since 2017. Finding her sees Jack embark on a journey to unlock the secrets of the past, all while fighting to save what remains of the Earth.
Cruise delivers a compelling performanceas a man torn between duty and love, supported by Kurylenko as Julia, a woman who holds the key to Jack’s forgotten past. Morgan Freeman as Malcolm—the enigmatic leader of an underground resistance movement—offers a gripping challenge to Jack’s understanding of the war. As the story unfolds, and the characters entangle,Obliviontransforms from a post-apocalyptic thriller intoa philosophical meditation on identity, love, and the search for freedom.
Oblivion & 9 Other Best Dystopian Films About Nuclear War
Whether they show the build-up, detonation, or aftermath of a nuclear war, these movies portray those disasters better than others.
Furthermore,Kosinski’s mastery of VFX is on full displayinOblivion, with stunning depictions of Earth’s barren landscape, from the eerie ruins of New York City to the tranquil oasis of Jack’s hidden lakeside cabin. The film is also packed with homages to iconicsci-fi classics likeBlade Runnerand2001: A Space Odyssey, providing a nostalgic treat for regular viewers of the genre. These homages, along with M83, Anthony Gonzalez, and Joseph Trapanese’s hauntingly beautiful score, create a fully immersive experience that stays with viewers long after the credits roll.
What Screen Rant has said aboutOblivion:
Oblivionis full of homages big and small to 1970s and 1980s science fiction, from dream sequences reminiscent of the original 1984 neo-noirBlade Runnermovie to the sweeping visuals that helped make2001: A Space Odysseya standout among not only science fiction but movies in general. A strong performance from Cruise and a twist that is hinted at just enough liftOblivionto the next level. -The 10 Best Apocalyptic Movies of the 2010s, According to IMDb
$286 million
53%
61%
Major Awards
ASCAP Award for Top Box Office Film (Winner), Teen Choice Award for Sci-Fi/Fantasy (Nominated), Art Directors Guild Excellence in Production Design Award for Fantasy Film (Nominated)
