The Last Days on Mars Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Astronauts on Mars find out the hard way that digging up alien fossils is a terrible idea because they turn into space zombies with a taste for astronaut brains.

🍿 The Last Days on Mars: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Discovery and Disaster

On the last day of a six-month manned mission to Mars, astronaut Marko Petrovic secretly discovers evidence of bacterial life. Ignoring orders, he goes to collect more samples, but the ground collapses, and he falls into a deep crevice. This sets off a chain of events that will doom the Tantalus Base crew.

The Infection Spreads

Marko’s colleagues attempt to recover his body. However, after he and another astronaut, Lauren Dalby, vanish, they reappear as zombie-like creatures infected by the Martian bacteria. They attack the remaining crew, spreading the infection. The base is thrown into chaos as the astronauts struggle to understand and contain the threat.

Survival and Escape

As the infection spreads, the remaining crew members, including Vincent Campbell and Rebecca Lane, try to find a way to survive and escape Mars. They face difficult choices and escalating threats as their colleagues turn against them. The dwindling team fights to reach their departing lander before it’s too late.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Vincent Campbell (Liev Schreiber): A conflicted astronaut struggling with his past who must fight for survival against a Martian infection.
• Charles Brunel (Elias Koteas): The commander of the Mars mission, whose decisions are tested by the discovery of a dangerous life form.
• Rebecca Lane (Romola Garai): A determined astronaut who faces the terrifying reality of the Martian infection.
• Kim Aldrich (Olivia Williams): The competitive science officer who uncovers the bacterial life on Mars, triggering a deadly crisis.
• Marko Petrovic (Goran Kostic): The astronaut who first discovers the bacterial life, becoming the initial victim of the infection.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Charles Brunel: “You’ll never get home.” – Spoken in the last lines of the movie, hinting at the futility of their escape and the pervasive nature of the Martian infection.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £7,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $24,084
• Worldwide Gross: $187,191

💥 The Last Days on Mars Reviews

Personal Review

As a sci-fi horror fan, I went in with high hopes, and while the Martian landscape looked great and the idea of a zombie outbreak on Mars was intriguing, the movie just didn’t quite click for me. The characters felt a bit flat, and the scares were predictable. I loved the visuals, especially the rovers, but the story just felt like a mix of other, better movies. The ending left me wanting more – more originality, more suspense, more emotion, but the general production value was good.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of science fiction horror”
  • “Viewers interested in survival stories in space”
  • “Those who appreciate practical effects and atmospheric tension over jump scares”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Intense horror sequences”
  • “Sci-fi themes that may be disturbing to some viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While visually impressive and boasting a solid cast, ‘The Last Days on Mars’ suffers from a predictable plot and a lack of originality. The film treads familiar ground, failing to deliver the suspense and thrills it promises, ultimately feeling like a rehash of classic sci-fi horror tropes.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Despite strong performances from Liev Schreiber and Olivia Williams, ‘The Last Days on Mars’ struggles to maintain momentum. The film’s slow pace and derivative storyline prevent it from reaching its full potential, leaving audiences with a sense of unfulfilled promise.

Audience Reactions

The Martian visuals and production design were praised by many viewers for their realism.: Most people agreed that the film had a promising premise but failed to deliver a truly unique or terrifying experience.

Overall Consensus: A visually appealing but ultimately derivative sci-fi horror film that fails to capitalize on its intriguing premise, leaving many viewers underwhelmed.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot on location in Wadi Rum, Jordan, to achieve a realistic Martian landscape.”
• “Weta Workshop, known for their work on ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Avatar,’ was responsible for the visual effects and creature design.”
• “The filmmakers aimed for a grounded and scientifically plausible portrayal of a Mars mission, consulting with experts to ensure accuracy in the equipment and environment.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Last Days on Mars?

As of October 2024, ‘The Last Days on Mars’ is available for rental or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability and pricing. Unfortunately, it is not currently available on major streaming subscription services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Last Days on Mars, you might like these similar films:

• The Thing (1982): Paranoid atmosphere, isolated setting, and a deadly alien lifeform that can mimic and infect humans, turning them against each other.
• Alien (1979): A crew in space is hunted by a mysterious and deadly creature, creating a claustrophobic and terrifying experience.
• Ghosts of Mars (2001): Features a Martian landscape where humans are attacked and possessed by Martian spirits turning them into zombie-like creatures.
• Life (2017): Astronauts on the International Space Station discover an alien life form that proves to be hostile and deadly, leading to a fight for survival.

🛒 The Last Days on Mars Related Products

• LEGO City Space Mars Research Shuttle 60354 Building Toy Set for Kids: Inspire young space enthusiasts with a detailed LEGO Mars Research Shuttle, featuring a science lab, living quarters, and a drone bay. Perfect for imaginative play and exploring the wonders of the Red Planet.
• Space Exploration and Travel, 2nd Edition: Discover the history of space exploration and travel. Learn about current missions, advanced technologies, and future possibilities for human spaceflight. Packed with photos and illustrations.
• Astronaut Costume Role Play Dress Up Kit for Kids: High quality Astronaut suit. Let your child imagine the possiblilities of intergalactic travels. Suit is made for many years of use.
• The Martian: A Novel: Andy Weir’s acclaimed novel ‘The Martian’ tells the gripping story of an astronaut stranded alone on Mars after his team is presumed dead. He must use his ingenuity and resourcefulness to survive until a rescue mission can reach him.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Last Days on Mars features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Blue Skies Are Around The Corner” – performed by Jack Hylton
• “Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” – performed by Max Richter

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Drilling on Mars Unleashes an Ancient Virus That Turns Astronauts Into Zombies

Ever wondered what really went down on Mars in ‘The Last Days on Mars’? This video breaks down the whole story, showing how a simple drilling mission turned into a zombie nightmare! I thought the special effects were pretty cool, you should definitely check it out.

Astronauts land on mars but they are already awaited by a 10000 years old life form

Interested in the mystery behind ‘The Last Days on Mars’? This video unpacks the discovery of a 10,000 year old life form! It’s a wild ride, and honestly, makes you think twice about space exploration.

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