Another Earth Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A girl causes a fatal car crash, pretends to be a maid to the victim, falls in love with him, and then a duplicate Earth shows up like a really, really weird apology.

🍿 Another Earth: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Discovery and the Accident

Rhoda Williams, a bright 17-year-old accepted to MIT, celebrates her achievement. Simultaneously, a planet resembling Earth, dubbed Earth 2, is discovered. Distracted by the news, Rhoda drives drunk and causes a car accident, killing John Burroughs’s wife and son. This event drastically alters the course of both their lives.

Post-Prison and Atonement

After serving four years in prison, Rhoda returns home, burdened by guilt. She takes a job as a janitor, struggling to reconcile her past actions with her shattered future. Meanwhile, scientists confirm that Earth 2 is a mirror planet, raising philosophical questions about alternate selves and second chances.

A False Pretense and Growing Connection

Rhoda seeks out John, intending to apologize, but instead, she impulsively offers him cleaning services, concealing her identity. As she cleans his house weekly, they form a bond. They engage in intellectual conversations and share personal stories, but the truth of Rhoda’s involvement looms over their burgeoning relationship.

Confession and Redemption

Rhoda wins an essay contest offering a trip to Earth 2, giving her an opportunity to escape her past. However, she realizes she must first confess to John. The revelation devastates him, and he initially rejects her. In a final act of atonement, Rhoda gives John her ticket to Earth 2, hoping he can find his lost family on the other planet.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rhoda Williams (Brit Marling): A guilt-ridden young woman who seeks redemption after causing a fatal car accident.
• John Burroughs (William Mapother): A grieving composer struggling with the loss of his family and forming an unlikely connection with Rhoda.
• Alex (Matthew-Lee Erlbach): Rhoda’s brother.
• Kim Williams (Jordan Baker): Rhoda’s mother.
• Robert Williams (Flint Beverage): Rhoda’s father.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rhoda Williams: “You know that story of the Russian cosmonaut? So, the cosmonaut decides… the only way to save his sanity… is to fall in love with this sound.” – Rhoda shares this story to explain how to cope with an inescapable and disturbing reality, relating to her own guilt.
• Rhoda Williams: “What would you say to yourself, if you met yourself from another Earth?” – Rhoda poses this question, exploring the theme of identity and the possibility of alternate selves.
• Rhoda Williams: “Better luck next time.” – Rhoda responds when asked what she would say to her counterpart on Earth 2, encapsulating her regret and desire for a different life.
• Rhoda Williams: “I think maybe… that’s what I was doing. Trying to make things okay for me.” – Rhoda confesses this to John, revealing her hidden motives for wanting to help him, and grappling with her guilt.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $100,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,321,194
• Worldwide Gross: $1,938,783

💥 Another Earth Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, Another Earth really stuck with me. I went in expecting sci-fi, but I got a deeply moving story about guilt and second chances. Brit Marling is incredible as Rhoda, and the way she interacts with John is both heartbreaking and hopeful. The ending…I’m still not sure what to make of it, but it definitely made me think. I loved the quiet, contemplative mood of the film. Definitely a movie that’s going to stay on my mind for a while.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent films”
  • “Viewers interested in psychological dramas”
  • “Those who enjoy thought-provoking science fiction”
  • “Audiences who appreciate character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of grief and trauma”
  • “Brief scene of sexual content”
  • “Discussion of suicide”
  • “Car accident with fatal consequences”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Another Earth is an artful and thought-provoking film that blends science fiction with a deeply personal drama, showcasing the raw talent of Brit Marling. While the science might stretch credibility, the emotional core is what truly resonates, creating a memorable and haunting experience for the viewer.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Cahill’s film presents a compelling what-if scenario, driven by strong performances from Marling and Mapother. Although the pacing can be slow, the movie’s unique premise and focus on human connection make it a worthwhile watch for those seeking something different.
• Variety: “While Another Earth poses interesting questions about guilt, redemption, and parallel realities, it struggles with a lack of scientific plausibility. The focus on character drama overshadows the sci-fi elements, leading to an uneven, yet ultimately intriguing, cinematic experience.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were moved by the emotional depth and philosophical questions explored in the film.: Many appreciated the unique blend of science fiction and human drama, finding it thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

The film’s ending, while ambiguous, sparked much discussion and interpretation among viewers.: Brit Marling’s performance was widely praised, with many considering it a standout aspect of the movie.

Overall Consensus: Another Earth is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that blends science fiction with a personal drama. While some found the science lacking, most appreciated the film’s unique premise, strong performances, and exploration of guilt and redemption.

Awards

1. Sundance Film Festival (Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize)- 2011
2. Sundance Film Festival (Special Jury Prize)- 2011

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Brit Marling co-wrote and starred in the film, aiming to explore themes of guilt, redemption, and the search for identity.”
• “The film was made on a very low budget, estimated at around $100,000. This limited resources influenced the film’s aesthetic and storytelling approach.”
• “William Mapother, known for his role in ‘Lost,’ agreed to work on the film for a modest daily wage, highlighting the independent spirit of the production.”
• “The concept of Earth 2 and its impact on the characters’ lives was inspired by scientific discussions around parallel universes and the nature of identity.”
• “Brit Marling’s performance was widely praised for its subtlety and emotional depth, earning her recognition as a rising talent in independent cinema.”

🖥️ How to Watch Another Earth?

Another Earth is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV, often requiring a purchase or rental. Check listings for availability in your region. You can also purchase the movie digitally through these same platforms, or physically on DVD and Blu-ray at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Another Earth, you might like these similar films:

• Coherence (2013): Explores themes of alternate realities and the consequences of their interaction, creating a mind-bending narrative.
• Primer (2004): Focuses on the complexities of time travel and its effects on personal relationships, similar to the exploration of choices in ‘Another Earth’.
• Melancholia (2011): Features an impending celestial event that mirrors the characters’ inner turmoil and sense of impending doom.
• Arrival (2016): Deals with grief, memory and the possibility of altering one’s future, prompting introspection and emotional resonance.

🛒 Another Earth Related Products

• Another Earth [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray, featuring stunning visuals and immersive sound. Perfect for fans who want to experience the film’s atmosphere at its best. Features behind-the-scenes content.
• Brit Marling Movie Collection [DVD]: Includes Another Earth along with other notable films starring Brit Marling like ‘Sound of My Voice’ and ‘The East’. A great way to dive deeper into her work and appreciate her talent.
• Another Earth Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the film’s iconic poster, featuring the haunting image of Earth 2 looming in the sky. A perfect addition to any sci-fi or indie film lover’s collection. High quality printing on archival grade paper.
• Fall on Your Sword – Another Earth (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Download the haunting and atmospheric soundtrack composed by Fall on Your Sword. Perfect for reliving the film’s emotional moments or creating a similar ambiance in your own life. Available in MP3 and FLAC formats.

🎧 Soundtrack

Another Earth features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Another Earth” – performed by Natalia Paruz
• “Music for Airports” – performed by Brian Eno
• “We Are All Astronauts” – performed by Fall on Your Sword

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Parallel Earth Is Sighted With Different Version Of Us

Dive into the captivating world of ‘Another Earth’ with this summary video that explores the intriguing concept of parallel universes and the profound consequences of our choices. It’s a thought-provoking and accessible recap that will leave you pondering the movie’s themes long after viewing.

✨ Rate