Has sci-fi finally lost its edge?

There was once a time when science fiction and fantasy meant we were about to be taken down a path of wondrous intrigue, deception, smoke and mirrors. Dragged from our mundane lives and thrown into an entirely new universe, a whole new mindset, or a darkened vision of our future past. We were carefully drip-fed new worlds, characters, and storylines that were significant, meaningful, and expressive as we cast eyes upon them for the very first time in a darkened cinema room surrounded by those who understood. Yes, there were films that everyone could enjoy, and some of those films have given us great pleasure over the years, but there were others that were not for the faint of heart, or indeed the young of age, and these were the greats of cinema’s brief yet immeasurable cultural history. The fact that as a child you had to wait to watch them made them all the more worthwhile once you finally came of age.

In the 100 years since the dawn of the silver screen, we have been treated to some things that will never leave our minds, our thoughts, or even our darkest fears. But in a world where we have been desensitised to the verge of international whole-scale lobotomy, how can the big Hollywood studios allow themselves to take a step out of the relentless ‘we have to make our money back’ production line. Is the all-important PG-13 rating the deciding factor in the sweatshops of Los Angeles now, or is it just time to say goodbye to imagination and creativity and live our lives with our mouths and eyes wide open ready for the next remake, and be grateful for what little we have left? It’s a very fine margin…

A list of the most recent sci-fi/fantasy releases shows that we are heading down a dangerous path from which we may never return, and it’s a worrying journey we’ve been taken on. But believe it or not, this is not the fault of science fiction. A 1973 Young Adult novel called ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ by Lois Duncan brought this disturbing turn of events upon us when it was adapted into a little-known film in 1997. Can you guess which movie franchise this went on to become? Send your answers on a postcard to I Wish I Hadn’t Seen That Last Summer, PO Box 1237, London, UK. So began a perpetual summer of studio-ripened blockbusters for the limitless number of hard-paying, pocketmoney-laden young adults who just couldn’t get enough, and those greedy Hollywood executives were more than happy to deliver. Cue: Harry Potter, Twilight, The Hunger Games, Percy Jackson, and on, and on, and on… Will this summer ever end?

There were plenty of partial eclipses during this period though and we can’t forget entirely these wonderful moments of darkness against the unrelenting glare of eye-watering, cash-greedy show business. The Matrix trilogy took us to a whole new world, in more ways than one, but perhaps left us a little empty in the end. The Lord of the Rings trilogy was everything we had hoped and perhaps more. The Dark Knight trilogy delivered on almost every level. We’ll maybe just skip the whole Star Wars thing here –there just isn’t the time or the patience right now for Jar Jar Binks and little Ani. But don’t panic. Disney is in charge now and a PG-13 might be the best we can possibly hope for. (S***!!! Everybody PANIC!!!)

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

But are we suffering from a polarised, almost rose-tinted view of what we could consider the defining time for science fiction? Star Wars was, of course, after all, a U-rated movie along with many films we now consider to be modern cultural classics. If we take a look at IMDB’s top 100 films, the barometer for all things good in our medium, we will find sci-fi and fantasy at almost every turn, and there are still some brilliant single non-franchised darker features that still manage to slip through the net: Inception, Interstellar, Moon, Pan’s Labyrinth, Her, Donnie Darko, and Twelve Monkeys, to name but a few. Yet in the ‘Highest Rated Sci-Fi Feature Films With At Least 1,000 Votes’, there are just three R-rated movies in the Top 10: The Matrix, Alien, and Terminator 2. The remaining seven films are within the dreaded PG-13 rating slot or below, so are we getting ourselves all bent out of shape for little reason?

Well, maybe. But this isn’t about the rating in many ways. This is about originality, creativity, and pioneering filmmaking and not just ripping the latest YA Kindle bestseller from the page word-for-word and vomiting it out onto the camera. In fact, it will come as little surprise to know that the big studios employ limitless people to advise on books that appear on the day of release to bag the next Harry Potter franchise before anyone has even bought the first copy on Amazon’s Kindle store for 99p. Studio executives clamber over one another’s broken cadavers to meet their annual targets and keep their grubby soulless jobs in a world where the trilogy is king. Get ready for Barry Trotter, the endless seven-novel epic tale of a boy dragged up on a lonely farmstead, who finds he has the power to manipulate farm animals and goes off to the magical agricultural college of Bogmorts to pursue his destiny of triumvirate potato master planter. Don’t laugh people. It’s coming, and you know it!

The risk involved with making a movie with a darkened edge is ten-fold in a time of austerity and a genuine lack of creative divergence (excuse the pun, but don’t excuse the movie of the same name) leaving us amidst an archipelago of confusion and disappointment. Where are the Blade Runners of the 21st century? Where is the next Alien going to come from? Can anyone deliver the next Matrix? Are we forever doomed to remakes, re-imaginings, and rehashes? This is a call to arms for originality against the profiteers, and we can only hope that the next Ridley Scott or Steven Spielberg will reveal themselves against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them. To die, perchance to dream through this heavy fog of studio-led sufferance and emerge reborn to a brave new world of exciting, dark, creative filmmaking from the leftfield of the industry. Perchance to dream…

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

Has sci-fi finally lost its edge?

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you