Mira (2022): A Near-Miss in Space
This gripping Russian film tells a survivor story like no other. Meet Valery Arabov, a loving father and astronaut on board a space station, who will stop at nothing to save his 15-year-old daughter, Lera, from a devastating meteor shower that’s ravaging the city of Vladivostok below. The film’s narration seamlessly switches between the space station and the city, building tension and suspense. However, the unconvincing settings prevent it from reaching its full potential. Mangoidiots gives it a Raw rating, and you can catch it on Amazon Prime Video.
The standout performance comes from Veronika Ustimova, who shines as the 15-year-old girl Lera Arabova. Whether she’s sprinting up the stairs of a crumbling tower or braving blazing fires, she’s absolutely brilliant. Anatoliy Beliy provides solid support as her father, Arabov, brings depth to the story. The visualization of the space station, reminiscent of the ISS, is impressive.
The film’s setting in Vladivostok, a key Pacific Ocean port in far-east Russia, adds a unique flavour to the story. The stunning Russky Bridge, especially in the night shots, is a visual treat. While the film has its flaws, the performances and visuals make it a compelling watch.
Originally published at https://venkatarangan.com on August 20, 2024.
