Infini review: “Terrifying and claustrophobic…”
Infini review
The sci-fi genre was quite possibly the most affected by the arrival of CGI. It allowed for all those unimaginable creations and locations to become something much more ‘real’. At first it was used sparingly, as it gradually became one with the imaginations of filmmakers. Then, like a parasite, it took over its host. Even a big name franchise like Star Wars – which was produced in a time of miniatures and models – gave in and became synthetic and distant. Infini is completely different, offering us a low-budget sci-fi thriller that uses CG sparingly and relies more on ideas and atmosphere than it does spectacle and awe.
Infini review
In the future, human beings are able to download and transfer themselves in a form of teleportation. This is a future that initially goes for that sparkling clean but bland look, where troubles are not so telegraphed. Soon, after a perplexing and mysterious attack, a group of soldiers must teleport to an off-world colony for safety, only to discover that world is not so safe. The film then follows a rescue mission formula where not all is at it seems. Infini certainly doesn’t embrace originality, with parralels easily drawn between other deeper science-fiction movies such as Sunshine, Event Horizon, and Alien. But thankfully, in a market where the genre is oversaturated in its tamer forms, Infini takes us back to a time when sci-fi was dark, brooding, and rather powerful.
With no big names in its cast it makes the extensive band of characters even more interesting. Outside of Macpherson’s lone survivor in need of rescue – space’s very own Private Ryan – the rest of the ensemble all get moments to shine and their safety can’t be linked to their surname. It makes for a shooting-gallery plot that actually has some tension. Said tension is also emphasised by the gorgeously grim sets. Dark metallic corridors, flickering monitors, and grisly imagery are all scattered around the ghost town settlement, creating unease.
Infini review
As the film falls into chaos, it is quite surprising to experience a script that adds more ideas and explanations throughout the havoc. Usually a film would pause, or explain and then reward us with action, but Infini gives us a well mixed balance of impressive theological discussion and bone-crunching bad assery. This is also well executed by a cast who, given the nature of the infection related plot, must change their characteristics believably in a matter of seconds. Despite such sudden switches the cast are always convincing.
As things start to become clearer, Infini leaves us with a feeling of both hope and despair. It’s a film that has tried its best to exhaust its audience, while also forcing them to think. Fans of the genre may not experience anything particularly new, but they will most definitely appreciate the unforced callbacks to favourites, without making cringeworthy references. Infini mixes equal parts Alien, The Thing, and Event Horizon, for a terrifyingly claustrophobic sci-fi with a classical feel. Haunting visuals, a brooding atmosphere, and brilliant production design make this a great addition to the genre, and is far above its big name Hollywood peers.
Infini reviewed by Luke Ryan Baldock, September 2015.
Infini is released in cinemas and on demand on 18th September. It is released on DVD on 21st September.
