Writers: Mauricio Carrasco, Edouard Salier and Thibault Vanhulle
Director: Edouard Salier
Although presented as a science fiction film Tropic is closer to the bleak morality tales of Franz Kafka or a dark domestic drama. The film does not confirm to norms of the science fiction genre- instead of becoming a focal point a mysterious substance which causes the mutation of a character is quickly forgotten- but concentrates what might be regarded as the more mundane issue of a family in crisis.
The title of the movie, directed by Edouard Salier who co-writes with Mauricio Carrasco and Thibault Vanhulle, suggests that, by 2041 when events take place, environmental conditions have deteriorated to the extent the temperature has become tropical. The Eternity Mission is intended to promote off-world mining of scarce resources but is of such a long duration anyone taking part must be barely out of their teens at the start of the project if they are to live to see its conclusion.
Twin brothers Tristan and Làzaro Guerrero (played, respectively, by non-brothers Louis Peres and Pablo Cobo) are candidates to take part in the mission but are far from equal. Although he is the outstanding candidate Tristan is determined his less-capable brother should also be a crew member and goes out of his way to offer support. This proves fatal as, during an unauthorised tutoring session, Tristan is exposed to a substance from outer space which leaves him physically and mentally debilitated.
From being the star pupil Tristan becomes a liability. Single parent Mayra (Marta Nieto) has already sacrificed much for her sons and now must consider looking after a disabled adult and Làzaro, tormented by survivor’s guilt and horrified by the reduced circumstances of the brother he always admired, starts to lose interest in taking part in the mission- which does not please the authorities.
Sacrifice is a theme in Tropic and sometimes the choice is not made by the person who suffers the consequences. There is the merciless suggestion nothing can be done to rectify the environmental crisis on earth and the priority of the mission should be to gather resources for space colonies. The authorities propose the injured Tristan should be institutionalised to avoid being a distraction for his brother. When Làzaro, during his interview to be a member of the space mission, is asked to consider how he would respond if a colleague was in distress, he replies confident all crew members would accept the mission comes first and that help may not be forthcoming. The attitude of Tristan is contrary to this high-minded approach – he makes the needs of his brother a priority and is punished accordingly.
The dramatic possibility the highly competitive environment in which the candidates work towards qualifying for the mission could have a toxic impact is not developed. As a result, a sudden violent outburst feels more like a plot contrivance than a logical development.
Although the movie is at heart a domestic drama director Edouard Salier creates a futuristic atmosphere. The opening shot of the candidates undergoing a test of their lungpower by squatting underwater is uncanny and disorienting. The rushing electronic Europop score by Sebastian Akchoté is heavily dominated by synthesisers bringing to mind science fiction movies from earlier decades.
The domestic crisis works well. Marta Nieto shows a worn-out dignity as Mayra tries to come to terms with the realisation she may have to care for one of her children perhaps indefinitely. Despite being concealed behind prosthetic makeup Louis Peres is able to show Tristan’s humanity in particular his sense of grievance that his chance to excel has been denied. Pablo Cobo gives a selfless performance showing Làzaro torn between guilt at his brother’s sacrifice and embarrassment at coping with a disabled family member. Làzaro’s initial response to his brother’s misfortune is ambiguous- forcing Tristan to relive the traumatic event in a brutal unsympathetic manner. Most importantly Cobo and Peres convince as siblings with affection always triumphing over resentment.
Concentrating on the ‘inner space’ of the problems faced by the characters rather than the wider themes of environment deterioration or space travel makes Tropic a most unusual science fiction film.
Blue Finch Film Releasing presents Tropic on digital platforms 4 March.
