Clara (III) (2018) User Reviews

Simply Superb

[freezageeza1966 · 8/10 · 6 October 2020]

Wow, where to start.....

This is one of those movies that has so many layers to it's story, that all pieces together finely to make one, great piece of film making. Now I'm no expert reviewer, or even amateur scientist, but I'll do my best to explain this one.

Isaac Bruno is a scientist obsessed with finding a new planet, with the potential to harbour life, around distant stars. But he's a troubled man, having to deal with a very recent loss in his life, which greatly affects his work and career. Enter Clara, who agrees to be his unpaid research assistant, but has a very unscientific way of explaining her view of the universe. Together, when new data is released following the launch of a new space telescope, they attempt to find the elusive planet, whilst helping each other to deal with more earthly problems.

The relationship side of the story between Bruno and Clara, never becomes boring. The characters are so well played by the two lead actors, that you actually end up caring for their lives and situations, something that is rarely achieved in many movies nowadays. And their story is so well intertwined with the main plot.

The science behind the planet searching is explained in a way that doesn't treat you like an idiot (even one like me!!), so even those not used to this kind of movie should at least grasp the basics, and it certainly doesn't distract ones attention from the story.

We seem to be bombarded nowadays with so many sci-fi movies about alien invasions and superhero daring do, that movies like this seem to get lost in the ether. Indeed I don't remember this movie getting a cinematic release in the UK (but I could be wrong there). And that's a real shame because this is probably (in my opinion), one of the best "thinking mans" sci-fi movies out there.

If movies like Aliens, Independence Day or Predator, are your thing, then you will want to avoid this one. If, however you prefer the likes of Contact, 2001 etc, then this movie is an absolute must.

Nicely executed work from a young indie-film director with vision. And decent science!

[gcsman · 7/10 · 23 November 2018]

I got to see this film at an advance screening ahead of general cineplex release, in a small but dedicated audience who came out on a windy subzero Thursday night. I happily recommend it. The storyline is built on the modern search for Earth-like planets and evidence for life elsewhere in the universe, and the most important thing I want to say is that the science (the astronomy part especially) is real, credible, and gripping. The storyline is clever, the acting is good, and it's engaging from start to finish. We know from the start that a 'discovery' is going to come along, one way or another, and the way it emerges is really nice -- a quite clever twist on what we might have expected. No spoilers, because it's worth seeing for the way it resolves. The director and writer, Akash Sherman, had the basics for the story in place right from the start, but he also had the sense to hire a couple of legitimate science consultants to nail it all down. So the script (mostly) isn't built on "junk science" like most scifi films do (although the use of ideas from "quantum entanglement", which is increasingly popular these days, also has an important role but turns out to be a bit of a stretch).

The way this kind of science is done is also on the money, even if understandably overdramatized just a little. The plot develops just like most real science does: it's both competitive (who's going to "get there" first?? are our heroes going to get scooped by someone else?) and cooperative (many people have to combine their expertise and resources to finish the project). The leading pair are Isaac (Patrick J. Adams) and Clara (Troian Bellisario) but as things develop they get help from Isaac's professional friend Charlie (Ennis Esmer), his former wife and colleague Rebecca (Kristen Hager), and eventually the senior director of TESS, Dr. Rickman (R. H. Thomson). Though Isaac is the leader, all of them quite properly share the credit at the end. The facilities that are part of the proceedings including the Kepler and TESS telescopes, CalTech, U.Toronto, and SETI, are also quite real.

Even in big-budget market-driven Hollywood there are a few good movies based on real astrophysics -- think Contact (1997), Interstellar (2014), or Arrival (2016) for example. They used the right consultants too. The difference between those films and "Clara" is more a matter of tone and scale -- in an indie film it's less necessary to jack up the tension, drama, and big effects and so it can feel more realistic. And it does. The whole process of research, of following a key idea step by step through getting more and better measurements, interpreting them, and moving on to the next stage, are a little oversimplified but they look and feel real, and they don't tax the audience's patience. The actual Discovery Moments aren't big screen-melting "Eureka!!!" deals either; they're lower-key "hmm, that's odd --" kinds of events that are actually just as dramatic but far more real.

Another important thing: scientists like the protagonist, Isaac Bruno, do research because they are flat-out curiosity driven. They're not doing this for glory or riches. They're doing this because that's who they are. This movie shows that curiosity is a fundamental human driver that can actually compete successfully (as we see) against other basic human drivers like food, sleep, sex, shelter -- you name it. Of the big-budget films that follow the same lines I'd place this one closest to Contact.

The cast is just fine and the two young lead actors Adams and Bellisario are quite good. I'd be happy to see them again in other things. Though the planet-hunting is the scaffolding for the storyline, it's really supposed to be a love story with a very human cycle of awkward engagement, joy, regret, and commitment with no fairy-tale ending. Once again, all of this steers away from Hollywood-style Big Moments. Isaac needs to get fully beyond his recent past history of pain and loss, and Clara has to come to terms with being an unwitting (and probably unwilling) conduit for a Message. My thought is that Clara isn't given a last name because of her somewhat mythic place in the plot, but see what you think when you watch it.

"Clara": Metaphor for what Science may, or may not, Explain

[jtncsmistad · 7/10 · 11 May 2019]

Is our universe an infinite masterpiece of order and structure? Or is it merely a limitless amalgamation of randomness and chance? These are the questions posed and explored in the new sci-fi drama "Clara".

Writer and Director Akash Sherman has fashioned a most intriguing tale of science, distant space exploration, traumatic loss and unlikely romance. That's a lot of fertile, yet tricky, ground to cover in any story, and Sherman does so most adroitly here. Using equal parts special effects, human drama and deep existential issues, his film presents an embracing and genuinely thought-provoking chronicle of man and his place in the great cosmic unknown surrounding and dwarfing him.

If I have an issue with Sherman's film, it would be this: That what is apparently presented to us as one version of Heaven is, to put it both mildly and quite literally, way out there, man. Yet, as with all of the themes the filmmaker thoughtfully investigates in "Clara", whose to say, or know, that this version of The Afterlife may not be at least in the ballpark of actuality? Certainly not we of mortal man and woman status, and this is for DAMN sure.

Patrick J. Adams (TV's "Suits") and real-life spouse Troian Bellisario (The tube's "Pretty Little Liars") are excellent individually and in tandem as two shattered souls who come together to make a spectacular discovery. Was it the data-driven product of complex analysis and precise calculations? Or could it all have come to pass as simply an accident of luck, happenstance, and, perhaps, even love?

This is the ultimate quandary presented in "Clara". The grand answer may lie embedded in the lyrics of Bob Dylan, whom Sherman prominently features, when the iconic musician suggests it..."is blowin' in the wind."

It's as good a place to start as any.

A story of hope

[TheAlmightyFinger · 7/10 · 20 February 2019]

In this film I experienced sadness, wonderment and ultimately hope. It is a love story not only between two people, but also a love story with the cosmos. The film tantalizes with possibilities.

The acting and deliberate pacing were good, as were the visuals. There are no fancy special effects, just good storytelling, combined with solid astronomy.

The only criticism I might have, is that I wanted the story to continue.

When magic dust sweeps you away

[daamane · 7/10 · 20 August 2019]

I am not usually the person who would decide to share his movie opinion publicly, just felt like I should. On an otherwise bleak and anorexic poster list for the 2019 stage, where true fans of motion pictures are spinning the bottle blindfolded to experience some decent level of movie high, this is the oddball most of us are looking for. It might unfold a little predictable and slow at times, but it's worth the wait and in the end it's all about how it makes you feel, and sharing that feeling.

A good dose of Science and Romance.

[muchiemix · 8/10 · 10 March 2019]

I'm a Sci-fi fan as well as an Astrophile. The movie got me hooked from the start, with a storyline anyone in Astrophysics knows and can relate to. It might easily be my favorite Sci-fi after The Martian.

A ride through life love and death. Is it all pointless or is there a plan..?

[Fourstrawberries · 7/10 · 21 February 2020]

OK, it's not profound, and you, like me, may well guess the ending before it arrives. But I still shed a tear of loss and joy at the end. I think the sci-fi is incidental to the story of human relationships. If you can overlook the worn and tired cliches, there is something to enjoy...... if you can summon the patience to see it through to the end. There's a lot of K-Pax here, maybe to the point of plagiarism, but I still enjoyed it.

I Cried a little at the End

[dave-is-where · 10/10 · 18 February 2019]

Yeah, I'm a sap. But I also enjoy good story telling. Especially within a SciFi film.

This movie started slow and ended just a bit faster, but not by much. This is not a bang up action movie, it is all character development and a slow build. The main characters are easily identified with, especially if you have gone to a college or university. Scientific discoveries are usually found after time and hard research, and this is what the movie builds up to - a momentous discovery that would bring our planet into a sense of cohesion, giving us a purpose.

Give the film a chance and take a slow ride for once, and then enjoy the conclusion of this movie. I did.

Are we alone or not?

[deloudelouvain · 6/10 · 1 March 2019]

For a sci-fi movie with almost no special effects nor futuristic scenes it's still an entertaining movie worth at least a watch. There are some existential questions, not necessarily with answers, but that makes the movie interesting. Are we alone or most likely is there another civilisation? Sometimes it was a bit slow and the character of Dr. Isaac Bruno played by Patrick J. Adams is not particulary a pleasant character to watch but the story is what makes Clara a good sci-fi movie. The acting was okay, nothing special nor terrible. Clara is an easy movie to watch, nothing too complicated.

Shallow and superficial

[Gaarnemelk · 5/10 · 20 February 2019]

"Clara" just feels like a bad remake of the 2014 gem "I Origins". However, unlike "I Origins" (a brilliant film that I would urge everyone to watch), "Clara" falls short in almost every single way.

Isaac Bruno is an unreasonably bitter astronomy professor who has a difficult time dealing with an emotionally traumatic experience from his past which meant the end of his previous romantic relationship. After being fired from his job for secretly using university equipment for his own personal research he yearns to further pursue his ultimate goal of finding habitable planets outside the solar system. Soon he is joined by Clara, his new research assistant, whose spiritual outlook on life contrasts Isaac's explicitly rational scientific views.

The shallow, unrounded characters and poor writing don't make up for the low story density and slow pacing. The romantic segments of the film seem awkwardly worked in in order to progress the story further and forcibly develop Isaac's character. I could not empathize with their relationship at all. The final act of the film doesn't compensate for any of that either and the twist was far fetched, even for sci fi standards.

A nice takeaway was that I learned a little bit about how exoplanets are discovered and studied, which was pretty well conveyed on screen.

5/10

A special little film..

[andymaranam · 10/10 · 18 February 2019]

Of the sci-fi films that have been made over the past yrs..this is a good one! & unlike most, it does not rely on cgi or A list Actors, yet it has it all..Basically it has depth, emotion a good dialogue & coupled with very good acting by relatively unknown actors which make it that bit more special or real perhaps, either way it is a very interesting movie that touches the spot on what were all thinking, with a nice twist!..so no spoilers, but do give it a watch, you will not be disappointed. A solid 10/10

Questions the age old mystery of existence and origin

[ivanis-53193 · 7/10 · 6 July 2020]

Although the premise isn't new,(K-Pax) the movie is a fresh breeze in the genre. It does well to intertwine emotion with science, pushing the right buttons. However, it could have been a bit more intelligently put together, for example better scientific conversations, more focus on Clara as the alien. I would have like to see the doctor questioning her identity. And also, last couple of minutes of the movie are absolutely unnecessary because we already figured out she helped him.

Science, Schmience?

[Jonas1969 · 4/10 · 21 May 2019]

If this was "just" a love story then it would be good. Writer/director Akash Sherman portrays two broken people well and both the main actors are up to the task, so this should be a slam dunk, but it isn't. The science isn't quite right, but it's mostly like Hollywood movies i.e. it has a central premise that is slightly exaggerated and then spins that way too far. For me that part, while not great, is still bearable. The part that makes it pretty intolerable stems from films use of god. It starts well enough: he has a scientist who does not believe in a god and we learn his motivation and his counterpart who has very good reasons to believe in god. It's when the film decides it knows the answers the it falls flat, not because the film takes a side, but because it does so in ridiculous ways. The last ten minutes are a travesty with one ludicrous thing after another. Before the last twist I was heading for 7 out of 10, but in the end 4/10 is generous.

Beautifully shot, but typical manic pixie dream girl story

[yodrew · 6/10 · 21 September 2018]

The movie was very nice to look at, but textbook "manic pixie dream girl" story. I wanted to like it because the visuals and metaphors were so lovely, but one dimensional characters took away from the story a lot.

astronomical

[ops-52535 · 7/10 · 16 February 2019]

This is a pure love story, based on one man seach for infinity and new livable exoplanets in other cosmoses, and as he tries his best to find the reason for existensiality, he makes existential choices about how to exist. hes trying to dig gold in the deep space, and needs help, and crashes into an existential beauty of a female assistent, not a scholard, but with will and guts and some mysterious abilities, they hit a goal in the end. you will learn about hidden spaces in the human mind when watching this movie, it has almost all just not the big bang .

the cinematography are wonderfull and the story are engaging even though the speed of the plot are slow at times. the chosen score are perfect for this kinda movie, just like the score carl saga made to his cosmos docu.series.in the 70's . do watch this labyrintick story of love and emotions.recommended

Two worlds collide

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 13 February 2022]

Mind meets heart. You could argue that one is better than the other. And that might be true for certain things - for other things maybe not so much. One thing is sure: they work best together. If you find the balance ... you win - even if you lose. Although lose may be too big a word. And win may not be exactly right.

We have a love story here - but also a story of two individuals who try to prove something. Mostly to others - at least it appears so. Because actually they try to prove something to themselves. And both alone cannot achieve that - but together: they actually can.

Some really fine dialog here and some really heartbreaking dramatic moments too. Central performances are more than decent and the movie has some other ideas to share with you too. For some it may be a bit too much (it could have focused on one thing, like the science part or the love part), but I think it does walk the line quite nicely. And maybe you can believe too ... if you suspend your disbelief that is.

Sentimental

[xxxxxdarkmoon · 7/10 · 8 May 2021]

The movie is not about the question of "whether there are aliens in the universe" in the first place.

The deep message behind "Clara" will be revealed at the end of the movie.

The most important and valuable thing for us humans is right in front of our eyes and we shouldn't underestimate it, whilst looking into another star system to find out, whether we are alone. Love and friendship, not being alone down here on earth, and having someone to love are the things that we are living for, so don't overlook them. Clara sends that message to the viewer very convincingly. This is a great movie, because of its message.

Sci Fi Sleeper movie of the year

[EAA123 · 9/10 · 16 February 2019]

I really liked the mixture science, paranormal and love!

I do believe my faith has been restored...

[bheadher · 7/10 · 24 December 2021]

First off, Nooo this movie will not be for everyone...however, if you are remotely like me and can appreciate both science and romance you just might like this as much as I have. While treated as the background plot, the search for some hint of actual life on another planet kept my primary attention...only to find I was somewhat mesmerized by the love story that develops between an astrophysicist and an artist...

Let me translate...this is actually a well done indie film with a soul...it is not fast paced, nor is it looking for fame, but it is worth every minute you put into watching it...

Unlikable mad scientist syndrom!

[stevepat99 · 5/10 · 9 March 2019]

Isaac plays a workaholic astrophysicist questing to find an earth-like planet and its 'inhabitants.' His 'flaws' make him one unlikable chap. He is both emotionally and ethically challenged to the point he's suspended by his university-employer from teaching and research after illegally using their deep space telescope for his private research. Next, he uses his closest friend's name to illegally steal time with a major telescope in Chill. His friend rails: 'you could have destroyed my career.'

During his suspension Isaac posts flyers for a research assistant. Pretty Clara, seeking the job, and her large dog show up at his apartment. Aside from her good looks and unrelated talent as an artist Isaac confirms she has had no higher education and has zero technical training or abilities. On one had pretty young girl who would be living in close proximity to him. On other hand he needs a 'real' research assistant where Clara has zero qualifications. Pretty, young Clara insists she's a fast learner, so who needs all those degrees! Bingo, she's hired!

Isaac's nasty habits return and he breaks into the university's computer room to further his research. Add trespass to the list.

What about romance? What love story? During their entire time living together they 98% follow Isaac's 'strict professional' relationship rule. The do have a one night stand but forget romance. They don't date, don't hold hands, don't sleep together and of course Isaac fails to profess or demonstrate any serious feeling for Clara. When Clara is ill Isaac ignores her to the point that his buddy chastises him: Don't ignore her, stop working and make her soup!

Zero explanation as to how a message sent from 200 light years away can reach us in a matter of days. On the whole this film was not my cup of soup.

Be patient. It's worth the wait.

[grafxman · 9/10 · 9 June 2019]

A scientist needs an assistant. He's a planet hunter. No one is interested in being his assistant because he's on the outs with the university and is kind of a weird guy. Then one day this strange woman shows up. She has no knowledge or skills but he lets her help and gives her on the job training. She's an artist and acts a bit odd.

The movie is unexciting and slow moving but as I say above, be patient, it's worth the wait. What is happening while hunting for intelligent life and how they do it is adequately explained for the uninformed. I felt like screaming out loud as revelation after revelation came about at the end. It's an excellent flick.

Good science AND good story

[AvidWatcher101 · 7/10 · 28 April 2020]

I've read the other reviews and really there's nothing more I would add as far as any kind of particular insight. User reviews on IMDB are my go-to vs. external reviews because many people posting their reviews here are really great at reviewing film!! :-) Personally, if I say 'I watched it', that's almost two thumbs up right there, because it means it held my attention, it wasn't stupid, the acting was decent - and so on. Anyhow, I watched it. Beyond that, I was honestly hooked from the first minute and shed tears at the end.. It's worth your time. It has my recommendation.

Corny and unbelieveble

[fergvillanueva · 4/10 · 10 April 2019]

The characters are way too predictable, It does not explain several situations that occurred, but they were all the same predictable also. Even thoe the science is well used, and gives a lot of support. It could be less corny eliminating the end.

Amazing performances

[vchimpanzee · 16 May 2021]

I don't know who Troian Bellisario is but she does an outstanding job. Clara is attractive and could be beautiful is she tried, but she has had a troubled life, though one she enjoyed. She is very philosophical while not intelligent in the sense of being educated, but very capable of learning when she has to.

I'm also not familiar with Patrick Adams. Dr. Isaac Bruno seems quite ordinary, just a science nerd whose ability to get along with people is somewhat limited. And he's quite obsessed, to the point where he will do whatever it takes to accomplish his goals. I was going to see the performance seemed ordinary, but later on there is a whole other dimension to the character. So yes, it's a great performance.

But Bellisario also achieves an entirely different level in her character, so we're still left with a competition of sorts.

For me personally, a character who seems to believe in the power of crystals (though that's not really what's happening) and has an attitude leaning toward philosophy rather than logic, shouldn't be all that appealing. Bellisario makes it work.

The effort to make a discovery has its drawbacks and obstacles, but once there is information to work with, it seems remarkably easy. The science all looked complicated but managed to be simple enough to explain to Clara, and to us.

There are amazing photos and videos of space. Can there really be that detailed an image of a distant star? I've seen this from our Sun, but wow. Several different companies were listed in the credits for visual effects, so a lot of work went into this.

And what an artist Clara is! I looked and looked but never found anything in the credits to indicate who was that talented. And while I'm not sure what the science building's art work actually is, Clara is shown painting before it is finished.

The biggest negative for me was the annoying new age music. There is good music of various styles, and while I don't are for Bob Dylan as a singer, he's obviously quite talented. The background music, though, while effective, just gets on my nerves. There are some real violins, but mostly it's just plain synthesizer.

Overall, it's a worthy effort.

This is not how physics works, but I like it.

[farseeranor · 7/10 · 27 September 2020]

Simple love story with some basic astrophysics, great for people intereted in this field, nice movie to watch, just don't take the last part seriously, which I am not saying it's bad, just a little awkward with all those science setting.

I will say it's a movie like the Contact(1997), but not as believable as that.