SXSW 2018 Review: PROSPECT

By Jan Hamilton

This is a sci-fi thriller with a dad named Damon (Jay Duplass) and Cee (Sophie Thatcher), his young teen daughter, working on a distant planet, looking for a strange sort of gem.  It seems to be found in a living plant/animal and must be carefully harvested or else it gets ruined by some sort of acid.  The pair are doing well until a couple of propectors come across them and take Damon hostage and steal his goods. 

Unaware of the daughter, the prospectors don’t notice Cee following them.  A rescue attempt goes terribly wrong and  Cee has no choice, but to flee the planet.  She must try to make her way back to a pod which will take her off the planet.  If she misses it, she will be marooned forever.  This is an exciting, well-written film.  Sophie Thatcher and co-star Pedro Pascal perform very well.  The film has good direction and special effects.  There have been films with four times the budget of Prospect that haven’t looked this good.  It was a crowd favorite at the festival.

Film Credits

Directors:  Zeek Earl, Chris Caldwell

Executive Producer:  Aaron Gilbert, Steven Thibault,

Jason Cloth, Tracey Bing

Producer:  Andrew Miano, Chris Weitz, Scott Glassgold,

Dan Balgoyen, Garrick Dion, Matthias Mellinghaus

Screenwriter: Zeek Earl, Chris Caldwell

Cinematographer: Zeek Earl

Editor: Paul Frank

Production Designer: Matt Acosta

Sound Designer: Brendan J. Hogan, Jamie Hunsdale and

Paul Eric Miller

Music: Daniel L.K. Caldwell

Principal Cast: Sophie Thatcher, Pedro Pascal, Jay Duplass,

Andre Royo, Sheila Vand, Anwan Glover

Additional Credits: Co-Producer: Brice Budke,

Production Manager: Steven Laing,

Costume Designer: Aidan Vitti, First AD: Drew Langer,

Set Designer: Taylor Sizemore,

Set Designer: Brandon Meyers, Graphic Design Lead: Alex Park,

Concept Artist: Laurie Greasley

 

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