Chris P
A forensics expert is dispatched to an abandoned mining space station to investigate its crew members' disappearance. But upon discovering a lone survivor, she learn that the marauders responsible for the violent events on board may be returning to the ship.
An impressive debut from writer/director Chris Maes, Hemispere is mostly carried by the two central charismatic performances of Paige Rion and Julie Kasmanian. The CGI pulls way above its weight, and the film's indie budget constraints are cleverly worked around, with a story is strong enough to make for an engaging sci-fi thriller. Well worth checking out.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
11/06/24
Full Review
James C
Hemisphere sucked me in with it's great poster art and kept me there with my fascination of what indie producer/directors like Chris Maes can do on a shoestring budget.
Hemisphere is a interesting change of pace compared to the massive budget sci-fi blockbuster we are all used to, Star Wars, Alien, Star Trek and the list goes on. Hemisphere focuses on our two main characters and the situation they are in. No world ending stakes, or superpowers that make them invisible, which I LOVE!
Now it's not all sunshine and roses, it is obvious that because of their budget there were constraints when it came to set design, wardrobe and VFX. But that didn't stop them from trying to make the biggest budget thing they could do! From exteriors of space ships, to crawling along the exterior of a space station, practical effects of dead bodies, this film gave it everything they had.
As long as you don't go into this film expecting a big budget sci-fi, like Alien, I think you will be pleasently surprised with the fun story Hemisphere has to tell!
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
09/09/24
Full Review
Sydney F
While I can appreciate the fact they them completed a film, that is about where it ends for me. The VFX were marginal at best, cinematography was amateurish, the acting was hit or miss, I think if the writing was stronger that would have helped the talent. But one of the biggest issues was how rough the set design was. It was very obviously filmed in someone's house or apartment. The set was built of gaffer tape and cardboard. I will say the story was the best part of the film. While the twist ending was a bit confusing I can appreciate they tried to give us something fun and unexpected! 2.5 stars for just finishing a film, as I know that is a challenge in and of itself.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
09/02/24
Full Review
Eric G
For those who enjoyed Sean Connery's Outland from 1981, Chris Maes' "Hemisphere" might be the film that appeals to you.
The film has two central performances from Julie Kashmanian & Paige Rion. Telegenic Julie Kashmanian gives an enigmatic and "can she be trusted" type performance.
Julia Kashmanian is a one to watch, along with her performance in "Ghost Planet," I think it's only a matter of time, before she shines in a film which can show her true versatility as an actress.
Meanwhile Paige Rion has a great look on camera. A cool voice and fine acting chops.
With limited resources Chris Maes and his team have made a film exploring isolation, abandonment and the loneliness of space.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
08/03/24
Full Review
Jack S
An ultra low-budget, amateurishly made film that was simply never able to interest or engage me in the plight of its two characters. The finale suggests that there’s more of the (seriously undeveloped) ideas/characters to explore, but sadly, there’s nothing here worthy of a follow-up.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
07/30/24
Full Review
Steve K
Hemisphere is an ambitious independent sci-fi with a strong lead actor - Paige Rion. Being an indie, it relies a bit more heavily on sound design than visuals, so you will likely not be blown away by the FX. Some of the sets lack a space-age feel. Still, the story is tight, centered around a space station Alta Mira orbiting Mercury. After an accident on Alta Mira, an investigator, Sandra, rockets out to discover what truly happened. Not only does Sandra uncover the mystery of Alta Mira, she also encounters a loan survivor, herself an enigma. Sandra keeps her cool throughout each plot twist and generally carries the movie.
Overall, the movie has a few slow moments, as expected with introspective sci-fi, but it's intelligent and well-acted.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
07/17/24
Full Review
Read all reviews
>
