Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

I loved the premise if Sunshine. And, I loved the first two-thirds of the movie. There was so much drama and tension, plus terrific special effects. Armed with my popcorn and soda, I sat mesmerized, knowing I was in for a treat. But then the third act happened.

Here's the basic plot: It's 50 years in the future, and the sun is dying. Earth's in a perpetual winter, with little hope for survival. A team of eight has set out on a mission several years long. Their plan: travel to the sun, and blast a giant bomb into it, reigniting it, and saving mankind. Thus we meet the crew of Icarus II, a spaceship covered with a really cool-looking sunshield.

By the time we come into the story, the ship is already close to Mercury. Everything's going smoothly. They have plenty of fuel and oxygen. Sadly, they're about to enter a communication dead zone, whereby they'll be unable to contact anyone back home. But, still, they're optimistic that this mission will be a success.

Note that I said the ship is called Icarus II. Why? Because Icarus I set out seven years ago, with the same goal. But it disappeared and no one knows why or where. When the current crew hears a distress signal that could only belong to the original ship, a decision needs to be made. Continue on the current path, or veer off a bit, to investigate the signal?

Physicist Capa makes the final decision. He feels there is possible a benefit to retrieving the equipment from the first Icarus. This decision changes the course of events for the rest of the movie. Without giving too much away, let me just say that nothing will be the same for this crew.


Written by Alex Garland, and directed by Danny Boyle, the movie is both tension-filled, and beautiful. The scenes of the sun are brilliant. Even the scenes of the ship sailing through space, carrying its bomb (the size of Manhattan) are amazing, and manage not to look too cheesy.

Capa is played by Cillian Murphy (with those hauntingly blue eyes). We also have Chris Evans as the explosive Mace, and Cliff Curtis as Searle, the ship's psychologist. There are no mega-stars in this movie, but that's OK. I think the performances were all decent.

I can't really comment on the "realism" of the movie's science. Sure, I had a few questions while watching, but I certainly don't know what's technologically possible, nor what might be so, in the future. When watching sci-fi movies, I think it's best not to dwell on these matters. Just take for granted that it's "possible" and move on. That's my philosophy, anyway.

So what's my beef with this movie? The third act. So out-of-place relative to the rest of the movie. So unnecessary for the plot. And so annoying to watch. It's as if this act were written by a completely different team than the rest of the movie. There I was, enjoying a relatively simple movie about good people willing to sacrifice themselves to save the rest of mankind. And them, BAM! It all changes. Suddenly we have a slasher/horror movie. Yes, it was "different". Yes, it was "shocking". But that's not the same as saying it was enjoyable. In my mind, it wasn't.

OK - that rant aside, the rest of the movie was wonderful. I really enjoyed it for its storyline, and its visuals. It's rated R for some bad language, and some violence. But I think most adults will enjoy it. Well, the first two-thirds, anyway.


Recommended: Yes

Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age