‘Saturn‘ blends science fact with the possibility for science fiction in a dramatic film that examines the human condition, even if you are not human at all.
The first screening of ‘Saturn‘ at the 25th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) left audiences in awe, igniting a wave of excitement and anticipation for this captivating West Coast premiere.
This character-driven science fiction film not only captivates with its stunning use of natural light, but also challenges viewers to reflect on profound themes of love, sacrifice, and identity.
‘Saturn‘ follows James (Dominic Bogart), a man striving for a peaceful family life in a picturesque seaside town, while enduring marital issues with his wife Sarah (Piercey Dalton). However, when a mysterious planet appears on a collision course with Earth, his world is turned upside down as his old acquaintance Titan (Marc Rissmann) forces him to acknowledge is destiny as this celestial event triggers a series of personal revelations, forcing James to confront his tumultuous past and make a heart-wrenching choice: to flee from his fate or face it head-on.
Director Eric Esau masterfully intertwines James’s internal struggle with external chaos, exploring the complexities of human relationships as his seemingly near perfect life begins to unravel (not bad for a guy who thought his movie would only exist on a hard drive). ‘Saturn‘ challenges us to consider who we are and what we’re willing to fight for amidst our own struggles. Esau’s poignant narrative that was co-written by his wife Anna Esau and Douglas Haines, suggests that every choice for good sends ripples of change into the universe, even if that change isn’t immediately visible.
Drawing inspiration from iconic sci-fi classics like ‘The Day the Earth Stood Still‘ and ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind,’ as well as Alan Moore’s poignant one-shot, ‘Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?‘, ‘Saturn‘ brilliantly navigates the intersection of personal and universal challenges. It encourages audiences to reflect on their potential for courage in the face of adversity.
With ‘Saturn‘, Esau, known for his internationally acclaimed docu-narrative ‘The Heart of Man‘, showcases his unique vision and depth of storytelling. His background in documentary filmmaking and commercial projects enriches the film’s emotional and thematic layers, provoking thought and inspiring change.
‘Saturn‘ has its second screening at the Newport Beach Film Festival, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 5 p.m. at Big Newport.
To purchase tickets for ‘Saturn‘ visit: https://nbff2024.eventive.org/.
Visit ‘Saturn‘s official website at: https://www.saturnmovie.com/.
Follow ‘Saturn‘ on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/saturnmovie.
Summary
As viewers embark on this reflective journey, ‘Saturn‘ offers more than just a gripping story; it invites us to contemplate what truly matters in life. ‘Saturn‘ is a cinematic experience that resonates long after the credits roll.
