On a journey to madness – review of the film “Ikaria XB-1”

It was only after sixty-six years that Ikaria XB-1 – a science fiction film from the 1960s, which is a kind of cult work of Eastern Bloc cinematography, entered the screens of our cinemas . Whoever thinks that only Americans make futuristic cinema with a unique atmosphere is wrong. Despite the low publicity, this film is undoubtedly unique in its genre.

olga tomczakExpedition to the edge of the galaxy

Ikaria XB-1 is a Czechoslovak film based on the novel by Stanisław Lem The Magellanic Cloud , produced in 1963. The plot takes place on the intergalactic spacecraft, Ikaria XB-1, in which the remnants of the surviving humanity left the destroyed Earth years ago. According to research by scientists, the closest possible place to live for humans is Alpha Centauri – a distant planet that will take tens, if not hundreds, of years to reach it. Initially enthusiastic, the crew slowly falls into a debilitating routine and boredom that leads to conflicts and even acts of violence. During a long journey, people have to deal not so much with the constantly breaking down equipment, but with the dark corners of their own soul.

Existential thoughts in space

Screening the work of the famous Polish science fiction writer was quite a challenge, especially due to the prevailing times and a tight budget. It is definitely a very interesting approach to the genre, although the film itself is not devoid of controversial elements. Unfortunately, it was not without pro-socialist slogans and motifs straight from propaganda films from the USSR, which may evoke a slight disgust if we do not want to get involved in politics. However, if we tear off the suggestive message from the main axis of the film, we will get an excellent plot, which gives a lot to think about. Ikaria XB-1 is not so much a film about space travel, but a detailed study of the mind of a human being subjected to extreme conditions.

It must be admitted that Czechoslovak filmmakers showed a very good sense of the source material, creating a work that radiates existential emptiness. The characteristic atmosphere of the film can be compared to some of the works of Andrei Tarkowski, who, by the way, filmed another novel by Lem – the cult Solaris . Slow shots, cosmic silence and mysterious twilight perfectly reflect the gradual losing in madness of subsequent crew members. The only thing that can be accused of the film in this regard is too much stretching of certain threads. Sometimes these types of treatments are even boring and distract from the scenes that introduce more content. However, despite the lack of typically fast-paced action, Ikaria XB-1 keeps you in suspense and suspense.

All shades of darkness

The style of the Czechoslovakian work closely resembles the achievements of Western cinematography. This is undoubtedly a big plus for science fiction enthusiasts, who will find a lot of inspiration from SF classics, such as the 1956 film Forbidden Planet . Unfortunately, this is only a copy of the masters, devoid of originality, and sometimes even good taste – some of the futuristic props look cheap and artificial, even taking into account the times in which the film was shot. The most “cosmic” special effects here are colorful lights and bubbles in the water, which even seventy years ago did not impress anyone. Nevertheless, the Ikaria XB-1honor should be paid, for example, because some of these solutions, despite their artificiality, look artistic and interesting. Certain elements of the scenery may bring to mind much later SF films, such as the legendary 2001: A Space Odyssey . It is not known whether Kubrick himself was inspired by a Czechoslovakian work, but the familiar appearance of the ship will immediately strike every cinema enthusiast.

Surprisingly, despite the flaws and naivety of some solutions, the very appearance of Ikaria can impress. There are no unnecessary things in it, and the omnipresent twilight and black and white photos perfectly give the whole place a dark, claustrophobic atmosphere. In almost every scene you get the impression that something disturbing might happen right away, and it is not a misguided feeling, as this is what the suspense of a Czechoslovak film is about.

Man in the void

Undoubtedly, Ikaria XB-1 is an extremely interesting film that will be a real treat for SF lovers. Before the screening, however, you have to be patient, because very long shots and a long storyline can discourage even the most persistent viewer. This is not a typical action movie with explosions and lasers, but more intimate thoughts about the recesses of the mind and the role of man in the universe.