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Sci-fi is a very expansive genre in storytelling that you can tell pretty much any kind of story for any kind of audience that you want. Why do you think we are still getting projects based in the Star Wars and Star Trek universe outside of the obvious fact that they tend to make their rights holders a lot of money? You can be action-packed, you can be filled to the brim with horror, you can be a deep methodical exploration of humanity and life, you can be rip-roaring comedies filling the silent expanses of space with laughter, and you get the idea. When you think of animation and sci-fi, you probably think of some groundbreaking films like Ghost in the Shell and Akira. Not that there are no animated sci-fi films anymore, because that sure as heck isn’t true, but there was a feeling and a vibe I have been missing from this genre in animation, and thankfully, we found a new bonafide animated sci-fi classic and a real deal hidden gem of 2024, Mars Express.
Directed by Jérémie Périn, written by Jérémie Périn and Laurent Sarfati, and produced by Everybody on Deck. We follow a detective named Aline Ruby, dubbed by Morla Gorrondona. Along with her android partner Carlos Rivera, dubbed by Josh Keaton, they capture a hacker named Roberta Williams, dubbed by Sarah Hollis, only to find out that for some reason her criminal alibi has been wiped clean. After the frustrating factor of losing a case, Aline and Carlos are sent on another investigation to find another hacker who may have found a way to jailbreak robots. Can the two find out what is exactly going on?
You may look at the trailer and think this might be a French Ghost in the Shell, and if you love films like Ex Machina and Blade Runner, then you will probably love this movie’s tone, and style. Honestly, I very much prefer the story and experience of this film over the three films listed here. Like, I don’t hate them, because I very much love them, but hear me out. A recent trend I have seen a lot of sci-fi stories being told in films and shows is how many recent releases have been very quiet, methodical, and cold to viewers. It’s not like there aren’t reasons for doing so, but how many more times do we need to see more folks just standing idly by looking cold and distant into some moral quandary brought upon them due to the relationship between humans, life, and technology? It’s funny because much of this film is about humanity, identity, sexuality, relationships between humans and technology, commentary against capitalism, and how big mega corporations only think of the bottom line instead of the lives of the folks who work under them.
It plays out more like a sci-fi action thriller than a sci-fi drama like Ad Astra. It has all of the normal traditional sci-fi story beats outside of aliens, but instead of being dower and distant, it’s got more energy and personality in its DNA. Aline Ruby has way more in common with detectives and cops in films like Speed and Die Hard than anything close to someone like Harrison Ford or Ryan Gosling in Blade Runner. She is flawed, and revels in it while also being funny, snarky, bitter, and caring. Carlos isn’t just a cold robot as while his whole identity is being an android, he has anger issues, but still has feelings and cares about his ex-wife and his daughter. It does have its moments where it takes time to look at thematic commentary, but the fact it moves at a faster pace than most keeps it exciting with what they will find out next and have those moments where they show you the eerie unknown of both space and the unknown of things to come with what’s going on with robots becoming more aware and sentient. It’s a sci-fi film that has more fun with itself than most and the action set pieces are all exciting. While the big third-act fight with a bio-organic tank-like thing is similar to the third-act fight in Ghost in the Shell, it feels more action-based with how it not only has our two leads trying to avoid getting killed by it, but also the guards that protect the person who may or may not be in charge of what’s going on. While it plays out like a two-hour thriller, it’s only 85 minutes. It’s amazing how much pacing and compelling characters can make any runtime work.
This film’s animation is a mix of 2D and CGI, and if you love the visual look of films like The Summit of the Gods, then you will be down for the designs here. They all have proper weight as you feel the characters run, fight, and even down to the more minute expressions resulting in this film’s animation looking amazing. The fact our lead has more expression than most sci-fi protagonists is a refreshing change of pace. I know some naive animation fans want characters with more detail, but that doesn’t mean a better project. What works out more than anything outside of the writing of course are appealing designs. I’ve seen the film in its original language and its English dub, and both are wonderful. Whether it’s Lea Drucker or Morla Gorrondona as the lead, you really can’t go wrong with either one. The marvelous techno soundtrack by composers Avril and Phillipe Monthaye has some incredible beats that go along the mystery and action angles of the film.
Mars Express is a new classic journey into sci-fi. It might venture through some familiar beats, but it’s a refreshing and exciting execution of said story beats. Everyone is fine with familiar elements as long as the story, characters, and action are well executed. It’s an out-of-this-world experience that deserves all the support and viewers it can get. Luckily, the Blu-ray will be coming out soon so if you didn’t see this wonderful film in theaters, you will be able to see it soon on digital and own it physically. If you love Ghost in the Shell, Ex Machina, or Blade Runner, but want a little more kick to your film, you will very much fall head over heels for this movie.
Rating: Essential
The Other Side of Animation 