In 2041, Earth is facing an Ecological Collapse. Humanity’s survival depends on establishing an interplanetary civilisation. The Seed program has been developed to colonise new worlds, and making this mission possible is a single entity- an artificial intelligence system known as ‘Jay’.
It is the evening before astronaut Anderson (Simon Merrells) embarks on a lunar mission. Before leaving Earth, Anderson is headed home to spend the evening with his partner, Sam (Kemi-Bo Jacobs), in their private home, which is filled with plenty of advanced equipment. As Anderson arrives at the location, he is instantly thrown into dealing with a situation occurring in space. Thankfully, his support to the team prevents a disastrous situation. After saving the crew in the sky, Anderson is also advised that Captain Gene Campbell (Darrell D’ Silva), who had disappeared, has resurfaced and is yet to be caught. Although Anderson seems concerned about Gene’s appearance for some mysterious reason, he continues his work.
All Anderson hoped for was to spend a quiet evening with Sam, sharing a meal, wine, and cake before bed. However, everything changes when Charlie (Hermione Corfield) knocks on their front door with updates about the upcoming mission. Jay, the artificial intelligence, has simulated Anderson’s mission, and the information is full of alarming news. The AI’s simulation suggested that Anderson’s upcoming missions would be filled with distractions and harmful consequences. Along with this, the AI’s simulation is based on a million-day journey, not the short journey they had asked Jay to work out. Now, the mission, scheduled for the following morning, and the information provided by Jay are considered with doubt and concern. Anderson, Sam, and Charlie now question the AI’s mission and true motives. Is the AI telling the truth? Is the mission safe in the long term, or should Anderson abort the mission and seek another route to success?
A Million Days is a sci-fi film with minor thriller aspects provided by brief depictions of Anderson’s mysterious past and the film’s final reveals. It was directed by Mitch Jenkins, whose previous works include The Show (2020) and Show Pieces (2014). You may be disappointed if you’re expecting a sci-fi film with a lot of action or many moments in space. A Million Days is, instead, a dialogue-heavy story. I didn’t understand every word in the movie, and many terms and sci-fi concepts were over my head. Regardless of the dialogue, the main plot revolves around three characters questioning and investigating Anderson’s mission and the future of the entire world.
In terms of performance, everything is generally fine here. I commend the film’s leading actors, who carry the entire movie with so much dialogue and sci-fi language. Simon Merrells, who plays Anderson, is the most convincing of the leads; however, I found Kemi-Bo Jacobs’ performance slightly bland and less natural. The film’s location is excellent, and the home has a fun, futuristic feel. While the flashbacks of people in space are creative, they highlight the film’s low budget.
Overall, this movie is one for hardcore sci-fi fans. If you expect loads of action, you’ll be disappointed with the sci-fi-centred dialogue, the lack of outer space, and the continual discussions about the world’s future and AI. It has a solid premise, and while I found myself engaged in knowing the outcomes, I must confess plenty went over my head here. However, its core plot is well executed, and I found it okay. Simon Merrells is well-suited as one of the leads, but some side performances were unsuitable. The visual department’s great concepts and cool ideas make this a passable way to kill time and enjoy the creativity and ideas.
A Million Days (2023) is Available on DVD & Digital from September 4th!
4.4/10
2nd September 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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