Slingshot is a twisty psychological thriller with a star-studded cast that manages to pull off a lot for an independent picture. The film is an ambitious space story with a minimal cast making maximum use of their environment. While there are some areas where the movie could have been tightened up, it amounts to a solid entry in the space thriller genre that is a worthy watch.
Slingshot follows a small spaceship crew as they pioneer a highly experimental and potentially dangerous maneuver. While the mission presents risks, the greater danger comes from the experimental drugs that are administered to put the astronauts in stasis for three months at a time, speeding up their journey, and preserving rations. The drugs come with a list of side effects that appear to be adversely affecting the astronauts and causing widespread paranoia, hallucinations, and generally ill health.
Slingshot Has The Right Approach To Independent Filmmaking
When it comes to indie films, it’s typical to have some bumps and issues along the way. The writing may be slightly lacking, editing can be messy, or some of the supporting cast can be less experienced. All of these things are easily forgiven, as long as the story is cohesive, and it comes together as the filmmakers intended. However, watching Slingshot doesn’t feel like a low-budget independent movie, and that’s down to some clever techniques made by director Mikael Håfström and his creative team.
In terms of visuals and overall talent, Slingshot proves to be a solid filmmaking effort.
The story largely takes place on a spaceship, with few visible windows, and three men who are piloting and maintaining the ship. There are some flashbacks, but these are brief and nothing is complex or extraordinary about the settings. It helps that the film has some incredibly talented actors, like Laurence Fishburne, Tomer Capone, and Casey Affleck, all of whom have had claims to fame in notable projects. Their skills don’t go unnoticed here.
The ship itself is also incredibly authentic, with a minimalist look that amplifies the intimate, almost claustrophobic setting. All of these combined make an occasionally entertaining and moving film. In terms of visuals and overall talent, Slingshot proves to be a solid filmmaking effort.
Slingshot Could Have Used A More Enigmatic Lead
However, with so little dressing to distract us, the success or failure of Slingshot rests squarely on the shoulders of its small cast. Despite a great effort, Affleck is lacking in his role as John. Not every role demands a high-energy, active protagonist, and John has many reasons to be more subdued at times. But it does end up dulling the entire experience when the hero of the story appears emotionless for much of the film’s runtime.
All of these combined make an occasionally entertaining and moving film.
He has his moments, and Affleck has definitely proven his talents elsewhere, but it feels as though the role was a mismatch. John is going through intense struggles as the ship flies into deep space, but he rarely appears to have any reaction to the events around him. This could be a deeper issue with the script, which, despite an interesting and imaginative story, eventually begins to orbit before being sucked into a black hole of predictability.
Had R. Scott Adams and Nathan Parker’s script made John a more invigorating character, and had Affleck brought more intensity to his role, Slingshot might have been one of the best space movies in years. As it stands, it delivers a beautiful and promising dressing before unveiling a largely by-the-book story. It is not bad by any means, but it doesn’t push the envelope or explore anything new, either. Slingshot is a pleasant watch, but it doesn’t ever rise above that.
Slingshot is now playing in theaters.