When it comes to the space and science fiction films everyone loves, Passengers adds an interesting spin on previously made films of the same genre. Not only does the film include everything you would expect from a science fiction film with hibernating spaceships, but the film also includes a twist on the romantic element between the two main characters.
While there may be some aspects of the film that might raise questions about what’s right and wrong, Passengers leads audiences to empathize with the characters and find meaning within the story. The small cast allows each of the main characters, especially Aurora Lane (Jennifer Lawrence) and Jim Preston (Chris Pratt) to be developed further than in many other films.
The film begins with Jim Preston being awakened from his hibernation pod, 90 years too early. As he explores the ship alone, we learn about his background and why he is traveling to Homestead II. His only companion, Arthur, is an android working as a bartender on the ship. After an entire year of being awake on the ship, Jim’s emotions are clearly displayed. He becomes depressed and completely isolated, leading him to contemplate suicide.
He eventually is saved when he purposefully awakens Aurora Lane, from her pod. Jim frames the situation so that she believes her pod had malfunctioned, keeping the truth away from her. Aurora and Jim grow close, forming a strong relationship with each other. On her birthday, a year later Arthur unintentionally reveals the secret that Jim had been keeping from Aurora from the day they met.
Although the film does not completely enforce what is currently happening in the space and scientific field, it adds a new perspective on what could become of Earth and what space travel could possibly look like in the future. The film’s themes also allow for the contemplation of what humans will do to help themselves survive, even if that means risking someone else’s life and their future. Jim’s loneliness and want for a companion in his suffering turns into selfishness. As Jim lives alone on the ship he becomes more depressed. A sympathy for his character is felt, but what he does to Aurora puts his moral and ethical individuality into the spotlight. Jim has to choose between giving himself a companion so he is no longer alone or letting Aurora hibernate until the ship arrives at Homestead II in 90 years.
Because Jim in a sense takes away Aurora’s life that she would have had as a writer on Homestead II, the audience is left with negative feelings toward his character instead of the sympathy felt previously. Sympathy is turned toward Aurora, who had no choice in her path because someone else interfered with it.
Those who have liked Jennifer Lawrence in some of her more dramatic roles will find her performance of Aurora Lane intriguing, yet familiar. However, for fans of Chris Pratt, the film might make you think differently about his serious acting career. Some may find this serious side of Pratt refreshing while others may wish for him to return to comedic characters such as his role of Andy Dwyer on Parks and Recreation.
Whether audiences will enjoy the film or not will depend on what they’re looking for. If one is expecting a dramatic scientific fiction thriller, it might feel lacking. If the romance is what draws the viewer, they might find something they like about the film. If you’re seeking a combination of the two then this is the perfect film for you.