Another Earth Review

  

At the center of the film's emotional core is the developing relationship between Rhoda and the now-awake John Burroughs. Rhoda wants desperately to apologize, but when she knocks on his door she loses her nerve. Instead, she lies about being a maid and is hired to clean his house. Marling and Mapother have great chemistry - Rhoda's tense quiet and subtle compassion underscore Burroughs' anger, grief and depression, enhancing the tragic reality of the situation. But Rhoda's restraint plays awkwardly once Burroughs starts opening up to her. Their budding romance only serves to fuel the dramatic elements of the film, and it feels unnecessary.   Another Earth would have benefited from keeping the focus on Rhoda's alienation and attempts at redemption.

The acting in this film is understatedly outstanding. Marling is the definite standout. She really gets inside the mind of Rhoda, conveying as much guilt as she feels. Mapother is convincing as Burroughs, imbuing his character with a restrained edginess that contrasts with Rhoda's softness. The somewhat eclectic supporting characters keep the film fresh and stable (though one character's actions seem too over-the-top). The subject matter is tricky territory, but it's Cahill's delicate treatment of his characters that keep the film from becoming too melodramatic.

Aside from her role as Rhoda, Marling shared co-wrote the screenplay with Cahill. Though the basic story feels familiar, the end result of their collaboration is an engaging film anchored by delicate, convincing performances and an absorbing concept. Most important, Cahill has created a film that isn't afraid to make you think. Later, it is discovered that Earth 2 is a mirror of the our own Earth, including the same people. That's right - a planet with another you. This offers intriguing possibilities. By its credits, my mind was churning with different questions. What would another Earth be like? Would it be the same? Would it be different? And if given the chance, would you want to meet another you?