High Life

A group of death-sentenced criminals embarks on a high-stakes mission to extract energy from a black hole. They board a massive spacecraft equipped with essential living facilities, embarking on a journey that will test their limits in ways they never imagined.

After three years in space, the ship’s continuous acceleration creates artificial gravity, enabling the crew to travel at nearly 99% the speed of light. The transformation changes life aboard the ship, introducing new dynamics among the crew members.

Dr. Dibs, the ship's scientist, becomes obsessed with creating a child through artificial insemination, using male crew members for sperm donations. Her personal history of violence and regret hangs heavily over her as she offers incentives for participation.

Among the inmates is Monte, a celibate prisoner who vehemently rejects Dr. Dibs's advances. His past—a violent act committed as a child—haunts him, and he finds solace in the ship's garden alongside his friend Tcherny.

As the ship nears its destination, Captain Chandra suffers from grave health issues linked to radiation exposure. The situation becomes dire, leading to Dr. Dibs performing euthanasia on him, ultimately claiming control of the ship following his death.

Tragedy strikes when pregnant inmate Elektra dies along with her newborn due to radiation. This event escalates tensions aboard as the crew confronts the harsh realities of survival in their cramped and alien environment.

Amidst rising tensions, a violent altercation occurs when Ettore attempts to assault Boyse. Monte intervenes, resulting in a fierce escalation of violence that further fractures the fragile community aboard the ship.

In a disturbing turn of events, Dr. Dibs forcibly impregnates Boyse with Monte's sperm. This shocking manipulation sets off a chain reaction of chaos aboard the ship as the crew grapples with the implications of this act.

As the ship approaches the black hole, Nansen prepares the shuttle for their critical mission. Fueled by desperation, Boyse assassinates Nansen and assumes control of the shuttle, leading to unprecedented changes in leadership.

With the birth of his child, Monte faces the harrowing responsibilities of parenthood while surrounded by death and decay on the ship. He struggles to keep the vessel operational as he tends to the cries of his newborn daughter, Willow.

Monte preserves the bodies of deceased crew members in cryogenic suspension, confronting the stark realities of their situation. The loneliness of space weighs heavily on him as he tries to provide a semblance of normalcy for Willow.

Decades into their voyage, another ship approaches, sparking hope and trepidation for Monte and Willow. The unexpected arrival poses new challenges as Monte grapples with what this means for their isolated existence.

As Willow grows into a teenager, she yearns for companionship, urging Monte to retrieve a stray dog from the incoming ship. Monte, however, remains cautious, fearing any contamination that could threaten their fragile lives.

Willow convinces Monte to venture through the black hole, a risky decision that promises uncertainty. As they reach for an alluring yellow light, they confront their hopes and fears in a pivotal moment that could reshape their destinies.