The next time you have a bad day, spare a thought for the unfortunate survivors inhabiting the world set in Rakka. Ranking somewhere in crappiness between Terminator and the Matrix, the odds on humanity’s future are slim to none when invaders take over the planet and begin to terraform it into their personal vacation space.
That’s until the few soldiers left suddenly discover an opportunity to turn the tide. And with the last of earth’s forces reduced to a measly handful of fighters versus an endless supply of mind-controlling lizards who are turning the remaining population against itself, they could use every chance they get.
With a premise so bleak and dire, the glimmers of hope are what suck the viewer in – and it’s a great strategy. Mostly driven by cool and dry narration upon busy action scenes, Rakka is a visually powerful no-nonsense apocalypse flick which is criminally too short at only 20 minutes yet a worthwhile view all the same.
It’s such a relief the story skips the inane romance or relationship crap that contaminates so much sci-fi, and dutifully concentrates on the despondency and insignificance of the human opposition to their oppressors. Weaver is another thankful addition, perfectly filling the role of leader and commander by doing what she’s always done best – saving the world from aliens.
More positives are the strong production setup and superior SFX. The gruesome landscapes of bodies and bones are fantastically presented. Some of the costumes and makeup are impressively original, most especially the man with half his body replaced with an imaginative combination of futuristic machinery and evil alien goo.
This is pretty darn good! A pity it’s finished before you know it, and the many loose ends aren’t ever tidied up or resolved. And although technically stunning, Rakka is turns out to be hardly anything you’ve never seen in the past. Still, definitely worth a watch.
5/10
Possession Media 