✅ Distant (2024) is an intriguing science-fiction comedy-drama that takes viewers on an unexpected journey of survival and connection across an alien world. Directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck, the film stars Anthony Ramos as an asteroid miner who finds himself stranded and alone on a hostile planet, with his only hope of survival resting on the voice of another survivor, Naomi Scott, trapped in her escape pod far away. While its release history has been somewhat elusive, the premise promises a blend of sci-fi adventure, humor, and human resilience.

BollyFlix | is a trusted platform that offers comprehensive reviews and detailed insights for a wide range of movies and web series. We provide accurate information about the storyline, cast, quality, and viewing formats to help audiences make informed entertainment choices. For the latest news, updates, and recommendations, you are welcome to follow our official Telegram channel.

6.346/10

Distant

Director: Josh Gordon

Writers: Spenser Cohen

Stars: Anthony Ramos, Naomi Scott, Kristofer Hivju

Country: United States of America, India

Genres: Science Fiction, Comedy, Action

Languages: English

Overview: After crash-landing on an alien planet, an asteroid miner must contend with the challenges of his new surroundings, while making his way across the harsh terrain to the only other survivor – a woman who is trapped in her escape pod.

TMDb: View on TMDb

Distant (2024) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Distant (2024)
• Language: English
• Budget: Undisclosed (Reported to be substantial, but exact figures not public)
• Revenue: Undisclosed (Limited release, primarily in Vietnam, with no significant public box office reporting. Likely intended for a wider distribution that did not materialize.)
• Runtime: 87 Minutes (1 Hour 27 Minutes)
• Release Date: July 12, 2024 (Vietnam Theatrical Release); Limited/Delayed International Distribution
• Genres: Sci-Fi, Comedy, Drama, Thriller
• Cast: Anthony Ramos, Naomi Scott, Kristofer Hivju, Zachary Quinto (voice), Izzy Jones, Leon Nurse-Joseph, Milan Walls-Smith (voice)
• Directors: Josh Gordon, Will Speck
• Screenplay: Spenser Cohen
• Studios & Producers: DreamWorks Pictures, Reliance Entertainment, Automatik, Amblin Partners (Producers: Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Fred Berger, Anna Halberg)
• Voice Cast: Zachary Quinto (L.E.O.N.A.R.D. – Andy’s AI survival suit), Milan Walls-Smith (A.M.I.E.)
• Animation & Style: Not Applicable (Live-action with CGI elements)

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

“Distant” introduces us to Andy Ramirez (Anthony Ramos), an asteroid miner whose routine journey through space is violently interrupted when his spaceship is struck, causing him to crash-land on an unfamiliar and seemingly desolate alien planet. Stranded and alone, with his oxygen supply dwindling and an advanced, yet somewhat snarky, AI survival suit named L.E.O.N.A.R.D. (voiced by Zachary Quinto) as his only companion, Andy faces an immediate existential threat. The planet’s harsh terrain is not merely challenging; it’s also home to strange and potentially dangerous creatures, adding to his desperate struggle for survival.

Amidst this perilous isolation, Andy discovers he’s not entirely alone. He establishes a fragile radio connection with another survivor, Naomi Calloway (Naomi Scott), who is trapped inside her escape pod, seemingly immobile, at a considerable distance across the hazardous landscape. This crucial connection becomes Andy’s singular focus. Guided by Naomi, who has a more objective and perhaps calmer perspective from her stationary position, Andy embarks on a perilous journey across the alien surface. His mission is twofold: to reach Naomi’s escape pod and rescue her, and in doing so, to find his own salvation. The film explores themes of isolation, the unexpected formation of human connection in extreme circumstances, and the resilience of the human spirit when faced with overwhelming odds, all infused with elements of sci-fi adventure and dark comedy. Their long-distance communication forms the backbone of the narrative, highlighting their struggle against the planet’s dangers and the emotional complexities of relying solely on a voice in the void.

Cast & Crew

The success of a film like “Distant,” which largely relies on its lead performances given its confined setting and remote interactions, hinges heavily on its cast. Anthony Ramos leads the film as Andy Ramirez, the marooned asteroid miner. Known for his roles in “In the Heights” and “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” Ramos brings a blend of vulnerability, desperation, and unexpected humor to Andy, portraying a relatable everyman thrust into an extraordinary survival situation. His ability to convey fear, frustration, and fleeting hope, often with only his voice and physical reactions against a green screen, is crucial. Naomi Scott, known for “Aladdin” and “Charlie’s Angels,” plays Naomi Calloway, the other survivor trapped in her pod. Her performance is primarily voice-based, but she effectively conveys the character’s intelligence, resourcefulness, and emotional fortitude, serving as Andy’s guide and lifeline. The vocal performances are vital for their chemistry and dynamic.

A notable addition to the cast is Zachary Quinto, who lends his distinctive voice to L.E.O.N.A.R.D., Andy’s AI survival suit. Quinto’s voice work adds a layer of dry wit and sardonic humor, often acting as a foil to Andy’s frantic attempts at survival. Kristofer Hivju (from “Game of Thrones”) also appears as Dwayne, adding another dimension to the limited human presence. Directors Josh Gordon and Will Speck (known for “Blades of Glory” and “Office Christmas Party”) navigate the unique challenges of a sci-fi comedy-drama, focusing on character-driven humor and tension amidst the otherworldly setting. Their experience in comedy likely influenced the film’s lighter touches within a survival narrative.

Critical & Audience Response

“Distant (2024)” has had a somewhat unusual release trajectory, which has impacted its public critical and audience reception. While the film has been completed for some time, a wide theatrical release has been notably elusive, with a confirmed theatrical release only in Vietnam as of July 2024 and no major international distribution announced at the time of this review. This lack of widespread release means there aren’t extensive official critical reviews from major publications or aggregated audience scores on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic.

However, early buzz and limited viewership suggest a mixed to positive reception, particularly among those who have managed to see it. Informal discussions and early viewer comments indicate that the film is generally found to be “pretty fun” and that the main characters, Andy (Anthony Ramos) and Naomi (Naomi Scott), “do carry the movie.” Zachary Quinto’s voice performance as the AI, L.E.O.N.A.R.D., is often highlighted as being “really enjoyable.” The film is described as a “bare bone, sci-fi horror, action movie with a little comedy thrown in there,” with visuals that are “very well done.” The biggest hurdle for the film seems to have been its distribution, which many speculate was due to its potentially high budget making a traditional theatrical release challenging, especially considering its production around the time of the pandemic. While lacking a broad consensus, the existing sentiment points to a watchable and entertaining sci-fi adventure, driven by its lead actors and unique premise.

Direction & Cinematography

Directors Josh Gordon and Will Speck faced a unique challenge with “Distant,” steering a film that is largely a two-hander, relying heavily on vocal performances and the psychological interaction between its leads, set against a vast and hostile alien backdrop. Their direction effectively balances the film’s genre elements—sci-fi, survival, comedy, and drama. They maintain a steady pace, building tension in Andy’s perilous journey while injecting humor through the dialogue, particularly with the AI companion. Given their background in comedy, they skillfully leverage the comedic potential of Andy’s predicament and the dynamic with Naomi’s distant guidance. The emotional core of human connection amidst extreme isolation is also handled with sensitivity, preventing the film from becoming solely a spectacle.

Jeff Cutter‘s cinematography for “Distant” plays a crucial role in bringing the alien world to life. Despite the likely reliance on green screen and visual effects, Cutter’s work ensures the environments feel expansive and dangerous. The visual aesthetic captures the stark, unfamiliar beauty of the alien planet, from its desolate landscapes to the strange creatures that inhabit it. Lighting is used to emphasize Andy’s isolation and the shifting moods, from moments of desperate struggle to fleeting glimpses of hope. The camera work likely focuses on immersing the viewer in Andy’s perspective, capturing his physical and emotional toll, while also showcasing the scale of the alien environment. The combination of direction and cinematography aims to create a compelling and visually engaging survival story.

Music & Background Score

The original music for “Distant” is composed by Steven Price, an Academy Award-winning composer known for his work on “Gravity” and “Baby Driver.” Price’s expertise in crafting atmospheric and tension-filled scores for sci-fi and action films is a significant asset to “Distant.” His background score is instrumental in establishing the mood of isolation, danger, and wonder on the alien planet. It likely incorporates a blend of orchestral and electronic elements to create a futuristic soundscape that complements the visual effects. During moments of peril, the score would undoubtedly build suspense, while quieter, more introspective moments might feature melancholic or hopeful melodies that underscore Andy’s emotional journey and his budding connection with Naomi.

Given the film’s dual genre of sci-fi and comedy-drama, Price’s score would also need to subtly shift tones, perhaps incorporating lighter, more whimsical motifs during comedic exchanges or moments of quirky character interaction. The music serves to amplify the narrative’s emotional beats, whether it’s the thrill of discovery, the fear of the unknown, or the warmth of burgeoning human connection. The score would be crucial in conveying the vastness of space and the alien environment, making the audience feel Andy’s solitary struggle and the immense distance separating him from Naomi.

Visuals & Special Effects

For a science-fiction film set on an alien planet, “Distant” relies heavily on its visuals and special effects to create a believable and immersive world. The film’s visual design is central to conveying the hazardous and unfamiliar environment that asteroid miner Andy finds himself in. The production would have utilized extensive CGI and possibly practical effects to render the alien landscape, its unique flora and fauna, and the damaged spacecraft. The creature designs are particularly important, as they represent a significant threat to Andy, and early descriptions suggest they are spider-like. These creatures would require detailed animation and integration into the live-action footage.

The design of Andy’s AI survival suit, L.E.O.N.A.R.D., including its holographic displays and robotic functionalities, would also fall under the purview of special effects. The interactions between Andy and his AI, as well as the visual representation of Naomi trapped in her pod, would be achieved through careful visual effects work. Given the significant involvement of major studios like DreamWorks Pictures and Amblin Partners, the film likely boasts high-quality visual effects that are crucial in selling the premise and immersing the audience in this distant, dangerous, yet strangely compelling alien world. The success of the film’s world-building would largely rest on the seamless execution of these visual elements.

Editing & Screenplay

The editing of “Distant” by Gregory Plotkin (known for his work on thrillers like “Get Out”) is critical in maintaining the film’s pace and balancing its various genres. In a story that primarily involves one character navigating an alien world and communicating with a distant voice, the editing must ensure that the narrative remains engaging and suspenseful. Plotkin’s work would focus on cutting between Andy’s perilous journey and Naomi’s stranded perspective, creating a sense of urgency and connection between the two characters. The comedic timing, essential for a sci-fi comedy-drama, would also rely heavily on precise editing, ensuring that jokes land and moments of levity provide a necessary break from the tension.

The screenplay by Spenser Cohen is the backbone of “Distant’s” intriguing premise. Cohen’s script manages to create a unique blend of survival thriller, sci-fi adventure, and character-driven comedy. The challenge lies in crafting compelling dialogue for characters who are physically separated, making their verbal exchanges carry the weight of both plot progression and emotional development. The script introduces the threat of the alien environment while developing the relationship between Andy and Naomi solely through their long-distance communication. The comedic elements arise naturally from Andy’s exasperation and L.E.O.N.A.R.D.’s dry wit, preventing the survival narrative from becoming too bleak. Cohen’s screenplay aims to provide an original take on the stranded-in-space trope, focusing on human connection and resilience with a refreshing comedic touch.

Positives / What Works

“Distant” offers several compelling elements that are likely to resonate with audiences. The intriguing premise of an isolated survivor guided by a distant voice through a hostile alien world provides a fresh take on the sci-fi survival genre. Anthony Ramos’s performance as Andy is a significant strength, bringing a relatable humanity and comedic timing to the character’s desperate situation. Naomi Scott’s vocal performance as Naomi effectively creates a strong, guiding presence despite her physical absence. The comedic elements, particularly the interactions with Zachary Quinto’s AI voice (L.E.O.N.A.R.D.), provide much-needed levity and distinguish the film from more serious sci-fi thrillers. The visual effects and production design appear to create a convincing and visually striking alien environment. The film also seems to explore themes of unexpected human connection and resilience, which are universally appealing. The overall blend of sci-fi adventure, comedy, and drama makes it a unique and potentially engaging cinematic experience.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

Despite its intriguing premise, “Distant” faces certain challenges that might limit its overall impact or appeal. The most significant “negative” to date has been its extremely limited release and distribution. Without a widespread theatrical or streaming release, the film has struggled to find its audience, leading to a scarcity of critical reviews and public discourse, making it difficult for many to even access the film. This lack of visibility is a major impediment to its success. In terms of the film itself, some elements, while serving the comedic aspect, might lean into predictability for seasoned sci-fi viewers. The creature designs, while effective, might draw comparisons to other sci-fi horror franchises, potentially reducing their originality. Additionally, the heavy reliance on a single character’s journey and voice-only interactions, while unique, could potentially lead to moments of narrative slowdown for some viewers who prefer more ensemble-driven or visually diverse action. The resolution of its central conflict might also feel a bit simplistic for a complex sci-fi scenario.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Distant” is a fascinating entry into the sci-fi genre, offering a refreshing blend of survival drama, unexpected comedy, and the enduring power of human connection. While its journey to audiences has been somewhat circuitous due to its limited distribution, the film itself presents a compelling and often humorous take on being stranded in the vastness of space. Anthony Ramos delivers a strong lead performance, capably conveying the protagonist’s isolation and resilience, while Naomi Scott’s voice performance provides a crucial emotional and intellectual anchor. The film benefits from sharp direction that balances tension with witty dialogue, largely carried by Zachary Quinto’s entertaining voice role as the AI companion. Despite its challenges in reaching a wider audience, “Distant” is a well-crafted sci-fi adventure that manages to be both thrilling and endearing. It’s a film that warrants discovery for those who appreciate character-driven narratives set against expansive, otherworldly backdrops, and a testament to ingenuity in dire circumstances.

Movie Rating

Disclaimer: We do not host, upload, or link to any files on our server that violate copyright laws.

OFFICIAL TRAILER

FAQs