High Life

A group of death-sentenced criminals is dispatched on a daring mission to extract energy from a black hole, embarking on a journey through space aboard a massive ship equipped with living quarters, gardens for food cultivation, a common area, cockpit, water recycling systems, and medical facilities. Three years into their voyage, the ship’s continuous acceleration has created artificial gravity, enabling them to travel at nearly 99% the speed of light.

Within this confined space, the prisoners are subjected to the whims of Dr. Dibs, a scientist intent on creating a child through artificial insemination. Yet, she has yet to succeed in her experiments despite the various incentives she offers; male crew members receive minor rewards for sperm “donations.” Dr. Dibs is haunted by her own dark past of murdering her children and spouse, proudly carrying a notorious criminal record among the crew.

Among the prisoners is Monte, the only celibate inmate who staunchly rejects Dr. Dibs’s advances. He carries the burden of a life sentence stemming from an act of violence committed as a child, while his only companion in this desolate environment is Tcherny, whose connection to the ship’s garden evokes bittersweet memories of Earth.

As the ship nears its destination, efficiency and time become critical. However, the captain, Chandra, faces grave health issues from radiation exposure, ultimately leading to his euthanasia at the hands of Dr. Dibs. Seizing control of the ship post-mortem, she manipulates essential protocols, putting everyone at risk should they fail to report their status.

Tragedy strikes as pregnant inmate Elektra perishes along with her newborn due to radiation. Amid escalating tensions, a night of violence unfolds when Ettore attempts to assault Boyse, prompting fierce retaliation from Monte. Unfortunately, the cycle of violence doesn’t end there, leading to a series of events that spiral further out of control.

In a chilling twist, Dr. Dibs forcibly impregnates Boyse with Monte’s sperm, leading to the birth of a child unbeknownst to Monte. As they approach the black hole, Nansen prepares the shuttle while Boyse, fueled by desperation, assassinates her to take over the role. What follows is an explosive transformation for Boyse as the shuttle traverses the molecular cloud inside the black hole.

As chaos ensues, Monte grapples with the immense responsibility of parenting the baby he names Willow amidst the wreckage of his fellow prisoners. He desperately tries to keep the spacecraft operational, often distracted by Willow’s cries. The weight of their solitary existence is palpable while Monte continues to preserve the bodies of his deceased crew members in cryogenic suspension, facing the grim reality of their fate and the ship’s autonomous function.

After decades away from Earth, an unexpected development arises when another ship approaches. Meanwhile, Willow, who has grown into a teenager, desires companionship, urging Monte to bring back a stray dog from the newly arrived vessel. Monte declines, fearing the contaminations that could jeopardize both their lives.

With the looming black hole drawing nearer, Willow persuades Monte to journey through it. Their fates converge as they reach toward an awe-inspiring yellow light that flickers ahead, leaving the future uncertain yet undeniably poignant.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 16:24