Spectral from 2016 is a movie, which as of right now is available on Netflix, that many people might have missed, and it’s understandable. It’s one of those films that’s forgettable, yet manages to still be somewhat enjoyable. However, i can assure you it won´t go in the "forgettable" Camp like Dwayne Johnson´s Rampage).
I stumbled upon it back when i first got Netflix, around 2015 or so, and it became one of the earliest, or maybe first movies i watched on this platform. Since that first viewing, i’ve come back to it maybe four times. Yet, oddly enough, each time i rewatch it, i seem to forget many parts of it and especially how exactly the finale unfolds.
The premise of Spectral is one of those science fiction setups that’s both intriguing and familiar. The story follows a team of soldiers, scientists, and engineers as they investigate mysterious, ghostly apparitions that have begun to kill people in a war-torn Eastern European City. While the story leans heavily on Sci-Fi and war movie tropes, it does enough to set itself apart with an air of mystery around these spectral entities. It has a unique twist, but admittedly, not groundbreaking or especially innovative.
One of Spectral's surprising strengths is it´s CGI. The visual effects are well done, it brings a lot of atmosphere, adding a otherworldly feel to the visuals, which would probably be harder to pull off with practical effects.
The cast and performances is solid. James Badge Dale takes the lead, and while his role isn’t going to win any awards, he does a good job carrying the movie. The supporting cast fills in their roles well too, though none of them particularly stand out to me in terms of character development or memorable moments. They serve the plot without drawing too much attention to themselves, which is fitting for a movie of this genre but may contribute to why Spectral tends to be easily forgotten.
The Soundtrack was written by the infamous Tom Holkenborg (aka Junkie XL), but i didn´t really managed to hear any standout cues in it. It mostly just plays in the background (which is the point, isn´t it?).
So at least, Spectral in the end is a fun, but sadly ultimately forgettable ride. It doesn’t do anything to redefine Sci-Fi or military action, but it doesn’t do anything particularly wrong either. If you’re in the mood for a visually engaging action thriller with a Sci-Fi twist, it’s a solid choice that’s likely worth a rewatch or two. But if you’re looking for something that leaves a lasting impact on you or a complex storyline, Spectral might not fully deliver.
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