Gareth Edwards' #RogueOne follow-up #TheCreator is one to celebrate for its much needed ORIGINALITY. While the script lacks in character development, a solid cast, gorgeous aesthetic & score sell an ending that grounds the bombastic scifi action in its human conflict. A must see! pic.twitter.com/iLUDDxDKrJ

— yearincinema (@yearincinema) September 30, 2023

Director Gareth Edwards may not be a household name, but between Rogue One and his new offering in The Creator , it certainly feels like we are seeing the rise of new sci-fi legend. The Creator is something rare we don’t see in theatres nowadays – an original sci-fi concept (i.e. not a sequel, adaptation or based on some existing intellectual property). And that in and of itself is something to celebrate.

At a mid-range budget of $80 million dollars, The Creator visually stands up to other sci-fi juggernauts in the genre that cost double or triple to make. This is aided by Edwards’ now-signature gritty aesthetic that create these hauntingly beautiful visual landscapes that look incredible on the big screen. Add on top of that an appropriately sweeping and epic score from Hans Zimmer and what you have is an incredibly competently crafted sci-fi epic.

Where the film struggles slightly is in its script. In particularly, the first act is riddled with moments where some much needed character and plot development seem missing. Ultimately this is not too bothersome, particularly given the performances from a stellar cast that allow you to buy in to the characters and relationships presented. In particular both John David Washington and Gemma Chan deliver on incredible chemistry despite sharing very little screen time together. However, newcomer Madeleine Yuna Voyles really steals the show as the young robot Alphie, demonstrating both incredible nuance and range in all her scenes. It’s these performances that ultimately help stick the landing.

While it’s not perfect, this movie still gets a strong recommendation from me. I worry that this movie will get lost in the shuffle, particularly given the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike which limit its promotion, and also given the general lack of interest in the general public for supporting new original ideas in theatres (despite intense grumbling online every time a new sequel drops). I remain cautiously optimistic, given that this movie was made at such a reasonable budget, that it can ultimately break even at the box office. Because these are the types of original ideas that ultimately keep the industry fresh and creative.

Rating: 8/10.