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Phobos
7.7

Phobos (2017)

A darkly twisted psychological drama, ‘Phobos’ is a short film set before the events of ‘Alien: Covenant’. The film follows the crew of the ill-fated colony ship Covenant, on what amounts to a highly unorthodox job ‘interview’ for their upcoming mission, masterminded by their employer, the Weyland Yutani Corporation.

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Directed by Toby Dye

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Toby Dye
Writer
  • Toby Dye
  • John Logan
Producer
  • Ridley Scott
  • John Logan
  • Katie Dolan

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Thematic Analysis

This Science Fiction/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Phobos presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Toby Dye brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Phobos took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 9 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 48 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 118 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The film contains approximately 1383 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2017, when this film is released:
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Phobos shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Titan A.E., which focuses more on action than character development, Phobos offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and The Alien Autopsy explore similar territory, Phobos stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: August 15, 2017
  • Runtime: 9m