Another Earth

Rhoda Williams (Brit Marling) has a bright future ahead of her. Her dream of one day becoming a famous astrophysicist is propelled to new heights by the discovery of a new planet that appears to be an identical replica of Earth. But a moment of carelessness changes everything. Rhoda causes a car accident that takes the lives of a woman and her young son. While Rhoda serves her debt in prison, the life of widower John (William Mapother), a celebrated composer, falls completely apart. When she is released from prison, Rhoda wants to admit her guilt in front of John. But as she stands outside the man's house, she lacks courage. And she makes a decision that will permanently change her life and John's.

Another Earth engagingly explores the question of what we would do if we were given a second chance to make things right in our lives. What if there was suddenly a second Earth, a sort of mirror image where a second version of each person lived. Would you want to meet their second self? What would they say to him/her? And can fate really be changed? With a restrained yet all the more effective visual language, Mike Cahill's directorial debut creates a unique atmosphere that is hard to resist, despite the very leisurely pace of the narrative.

The fantastical aspect of the story, which Cahill co-wrote with lead actress Brit Marling, plays only a secondary role. This is not about the plausibility of a story about a second Earth, not about the logic that may lie behind it. Rather, it is about the mystery of man himself. About whether there really is the one right path we can take, or whether every decision, no matter whether it brings positive or terribly negative consequences, is not an important step on the way through our lives.

In passing, the question is also raised whether criminals should be given a second chance to redeem themselves in society. Rhoda applies for a flight to Earth 2, and in her application virtually asks herself whether she, who has destroyed several lives at once, deserves the chance to start over herself.

Besides addressing these questions, the relationship that develops between Rhoda and the unknowing John is the heart of the film. Many scenes here come off without much in the way of words. Newcomer Brit Marling proves to be a real discovery. Her reserved acting seems completely natural, her sadness, inner emptiness and quiet hope is almost palpable in most scenes. But also William Mapother, who could be seen as Ethan in a recurring role in the series Lost, acts simply great. The way he slowly but surely brings John back to life from the darkness, always with the looming black of the truth about Rhoda in the background, is a superb piece of acting.

Another Earth is a quiet drama, an atmospheric, melancholy piece of American independent cinema that took home two awards at the prestigious Sundance Festival, and not for nothing. From the first glimpse of Earth 2 to the intense final image, this film is captivating, although in many moments hardly anything happens. Anyone who appreciates first-class program cinema fare should definitely not miss this film. Not light mainstream fare, but in its own way a great film. Absolutely worth seeing

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp