SyFy is taking another gamble at producing original content with its newest science fiction thriller, "400 Days." However, when you think about SyFy films, you probably cringe at the thought of outrageous plot lines, weird cryptozoological creatures, or simply just ridiculous stories.
Fortunately, SyFy may have been on to something when it conceptualized "400 Days." Unfortunately, writer and director Matt Osterman was unable to fully push the boundaries when it came to giving it the much needed tension. This, considering that the story is a psychological thriller, tackling real concerns about the psychological condition of people placed in similar conditions.
The Plot
"400 Days" takes four would-be astronauts to an abandoned field where an underground simulation site has been constructed. Captain Theo, Dvorak, Bug the genius, and sole female crew, therapist Emily, must be confined within the underground site for 400 days to play out a full simulation of a space mission. The characters are played by Brandon Routh, Dane Cook, Ben Feldman and Caity Lotz, respectively.
After being locked away for hundreds of days, the psychological strain sets in. Some begin to hallucinate, some begin to break down and things begin to get disturbing. What is unsettling is that the simulation suddenly begins to feel too real, contact with the outside world is cut off, nothing can be confirmed, and paranoia sets in.
Watch the trailer below and see for yourself.
The Reviews
The premise and theme are interesting and Osterman definitely had a good concept when he wrote the story, but it may not have paid off considering some people who watched felt as if there were still too many loose ends by the end of the 90-minute film.
"[D]irector-writer Matt Osterman's feature for cable television network Syfy's new theatrical division tosses out a lot of potential what-ifs but never commits to any of them," Michael Rechtshaffen wrote.
It's not all bad, though. As mentioned earlier, Osterman's concept is good, but it might be the "acquired taste" kind of good. To put it simply, it most likely won't be a blockbuster, but there is hope that it won't be a dud as well.
"Where 400 Days is strongest is in the theme that characterizes almost every interaction the astronauts have in the bunker: the dilemma of whether or not to buy in," Natalie Zutter wrote. However, she also warned that "400 Days" may be more suited to those who prefer mind-boggling post-apocalyptic plotlines.
Where To Watch
If you want to give "400 Days" a shot, you can watch it on Digital HD via iTunes, Google Play, Vudu, Amazon, Xbox Live and Playstation Network. It is also available on Video On Demand.
You can also watch "400 Days" in the theaters below.
