The Silent Planet

The movie opens with a quotation from the Ocean Book of Escape, setting a tone of solitude and introspection. Earth has become partially occupied by an alien species called the Oieans, whose growing population causes social unrest among humans. Conflicts arise, and some humans are sent to uninhabited planets for life imprisonment.

An aging man, Elias Koteas, is shown living in complete isolation on Solitary Penal Planet #384. He spends his days mining alien ore, which is sent to a satellite, while managing his thoughts and memories to stay sane. He writes letters to an unreachable wife and watches AI sitcoms for comfort.

A purple alien gas approaches the prisoner's habitat, which the aging man fears as it induces negative thoughts and possibly has sentience. His life monitor warns him he's terminally ill, prompting him to remove the implant that monitors his health.

A new prisoner, Niyya, is sent to the same penal colony after the man's implant is removed. The aging man suspects she was sent to kill him and sneaks into her habitat to take her journal before confronting her.

The prisoners Theodore (the aging man) and Niyya introduce themselves and begin working together in the mines. They share personal stories, revealing their backgrounds and crimes—theft, murder, and terrorism—and bond over whiskey and medicinal cannabis.

Theodore confesses he was framed for murder, while Niyya admits she was charged with terrorism for attempting to assassinate the prime minister. Theodore also questions his memories, hinting at uncertainty about his past.

Theodore reveals that his real name might be Nathan Flanagan, the soldier who shot the Oieans that raised Niyya. Niyya considers her Oiean family as her own, deepening their emotional connection and conflict.

Under the effect of the purple alien gas, Niyya becomes suspicious of Theodore, blaming him for her Oiean family’s death. She hits him with a shovel, leading to a violent confrontation where Theodore remembers killing his wife Mona and breaks down crying.

The derelict habitat ship of an unnamed third prisoner appears graffitied with disturbing images and words like 'Filth! They all deserved to die!', illustrating the buildup of negative thoughts from affected prisoners influenced by the gas.

Niyya rereads her journal, noticing her thoughts are overwhelmed by negative feelings not her own, triggered by the gas. She questions if her real name is Nathan Flanagan, realizing her mind is being influenced and her identity is fragile.

Theodore offers to have his life monitor implant removed and put on Niyya, hoping that his imminent death will free her from the mines and allow her to escape. She consents, symbolizing a desperate attempt at salvation.

Theodore passes away after his health deteriorates. Niyya covers his body with a blanket, mourning him silently before leaving his habitat ship and heading to a nearby mountain to reflect on her future.