Sputnik (2020) Review: A Riveting Russian Sci-Fi Thriller

If you’re a fan of oozy sci-fi horror like Life (2017), you will enjoy Sputnik. This film also appeals to fans of the dank thrills found in the Alien franchise. Released in 2020, this Russian sci-fi thriller provides a chilling atmosphere. It showcases compelling character dynamics and impressive special effects. Together, these elements deliver a memorable cinematic experience. Set in 1983, it tells the story of a catastrophic space mission that leaves only one survivor, but not without consequence.

What Is Sputnik About?

The film begins aboard Orbit-4, where three cosmonauts encounter something beyond comprehension. Upon recovery, the space shuttle returns with one dead, one comatose, and Valery Basov (Pyotr Fyodorov), the lone survivor. He has no recollection of what happened, but the blood-drenched aftermath hints at something vicious. Valery is placed under the care of Colonel Semiradov, who enlists the expertise of neuropsychiatrist Tatyana (Oksana Akinshina). However, this isn’t a case of professional curiosity. Semiradov manipulates Tatyana. He promises her the freedom to pursue any career path she desires. She must help him control the horrifying secret hiding inside Valery.

The stakes escalate as Tatyana uncovers the shocking truth: Valery isn’t alone. A parasitic alien resides within him, emerging under certain conditions with deadly results. The film navigates Tatyana’s moral dilemmas as she grapples with loyalty, humanity, and survival in a facility where power dynamics are as dangerous as the creature itself.

A Dark, Soviet-Era Sci-Fi Vision

Filmed in Moscow during the frigid winters of 2018 and 2019, Sputnik uses its setting to perfection. The stark, clinical aesthetics of the facility mirror the cold, calculated decisions made by its inhabitants. The visual effects, particularly the alien parasite, are understated yet unsettling, striking a perfect balance between realism and dread.

The parallels to Alien are impossible to ignore. Tatyana’s resolute demeanor evokes Ellen Ripley’s determination. The intimate bond between Valery and the alien mirrors the unsettling companionship seen throughout classic space horror. One can’t help but imagine how Alien might have unfolded if Ripley’s cat, Jonesy, had been replaced by a human companion harboring such a secret.

Themes of Companionship and Control

The title Sputnik translates to “companion” in Russian, a fitting metaphor for the parasite’s symbiotic relationship with Valery. The film delves into themes of control, both over others and oneself, and the cost of survival. Tatyana’s character arc is particularly compelling as she navigates her role in a system that thrives on manipulation and exploitation.

Final Thoughts on Sputnik

Sputnik excels in balancing its high-octane moments with a deeply introspective narrative. While the parasitic alien is a striking centerpiece, the film’s real strength lies in its exploration of human connection and moral conflict. The chemistry between Tatyana and Valery anchors the story. The Cold War-era backdrop adds a layer of urgency and intrigue.

Rating: 4 no comic relief in these four walls out of 5.

High-octane blood in the snow meets Soviet-era sci-fi drama.

Where to Watch Sputnik (2020)