It Lives (2016) Review

It Lives (2016) Review

An isolated nuclear bunker – called Plethura – deep, deep underground.

A scientist tasked with maintaining the subterranean centre in readiness for an impending strike, is all alone, apart from an omnipresent computer, Arthur.

But is there something else there?

Described in the marketing release as a terrifying psychological thriller IT LIVES certainly starts well and initially looks to have the potential to be the tense, gripping low-budget sci-fi flick it aspires to be. The makers have ensured that they make the most of their limited finances (£20,000 apparently) and never exceed them, meaning that limited cast and sets help add to the claustrophobic feel that is essential to help crank up the tension.

Where IT LIVES (originally entitled Twenty Twenty-Four) drops the ball is unfortunately when it really needs to capitalise on its stark, impressive opening. With his writing Richard Mundy neatly nods to the computer/human interface that worked so well for Kubrick’s 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, and for the most part it works. However as a director Mundy manages to muddle the finale making most of what happens in the later stages incomprehensible to this reviewer.