Moon is this summer’s hidden gem in a sea of explosions and popcorn. This film had surprises around every corner and kept you guessing. There is something not right going on in this space station and Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) is trapped in between a moon rock and a hard place.

Set in the near future, minerals are harvested by Lunar Industries on the Moon to create Helium-3, a new clean source of fuel for Earth’s needs. Sam is assigned to a three-year stint, as a harvester, until his contract is up. Sam is the lone ranger except for his robot counterpart GERTY, voiced by Kevin Spacey. GERTY makes sure Sam is safe and monitors his activity and the station. Communication is limited and the only connection he Sam has to home is through video messaging to his wife and newborn daughter.

Two weeks until Sam goes home and things don’t go as smoothly as they should. You have to really see the film in order to grasp the mystery that takes place early on. Rough times lie ahead as Sam fights for truths and sanity in order to make it home to see his family again.

Visually awe-inspiring, Moon proves to be more than just a small budget indie film. Influences of Stanley Krubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey are very prevalent throughout the movie. GERTY isn’t as unstable as HAL 9000, but curiosity does lead you to question his motives. Great visionary work and use of space takes Moon to new cinematic heights that could embarrass many filmmakers. First time director, Duncan Jones, displays an amazing eye for cinematography and a hopeful future lies ahead.

The story is compelling with a twist that engulfs you in mystery. Sam Rockwell takes you on an emotional ride with superb acting talent. The effects that the cold harshness of space could cause are seen throughout his performance in the most believable way.

Though, very limited in theaters, you really need to seek out this film because it is worth the drive. Moon, for being fairly under the radar, will be known as a classic in the history of the science-fiction genre.

I can give this film a good 4.5/5