Lumina Review: A Thriller in Brazenly Absurd Science Fiction
Lumina, Gino Mckoy's second feature, is a science fiction horror picture sure to baffle viewers. It boasts an odd and perplexing plot, and some poorly done special effects lead to one of the worst films of the year.
Lumina's lack of cohesiveness throws off and breaks the plot.
Lumina opens with a perplexing prologue set on an alien planet, then fast moves to Los Angeles, where the narrative centers on Patricia, who is lodging with her friend Alex and his girlfriend Tatiana. After Tatiana is taken by an unidentified light, the movie tracks the trio as they try to expose a government plot.
Strange Patterns Fail to Make Lumina Fascinating
The first indication Lumina is a movie rife with ridiculousness is the abduction sequence. A startling, explosive scene meant to shock finishes with a character apparently evaporating into thin air. The tone of the whole movie, which is full of strange and confusing events that, although first interesting, lose their impact, is set by this apparently random incident. The film's strange character is further enhanced by Tatiana's ubiquitous cell phone use in several contexts, an odd decision given the ridiculous circumstances.
Lumina lacks refinement, unpolished and unfinished.
Lumina has obvious discrepancies. Many scenes seem to have been hurriedly edited or left on the cutting room floor, which causes unclear narrative jumps. Originally impressive, the special effects soon disappointingly lack polish and seem to be less important. Speaking feels artificial and unnatural. Although Eric Roberts, who portrays Thom, an alien conspiracy theorist, gives a good performance, he is cast in a supporting role and finally forgotten, so leaving his storyline unresolved.
A Soundtrack Superior to the Motion Picture Itself
Though the movie has flaws, Lumina's soundtrack is shockingly excellent. Gino Mckoy, the director, wrote and performed all of the songs, including a catchy love song running over the last credits. The way music permeates the movie—especially the scene where characters are compelled to listen to the radio in an RV—is fascinating. Though it's evidence of the director's musical ability, it doesn't help to save the movie itself.
Lumina: A Missed Sci-Fi Cinema Opportunity
Lumina is a disjointed and unclear movie lacking concentration. Although the movie was shot entirely in Morocco, perhaps in an effort to provide some originality to the sci-fi subgenre, its weak script, badly done special effects, and odd and confusing tone let down us ultimately. The soundtrack is good, but it's insufficient to offset the flaws in the movie.
