Sci-Fi Reviews and Features | Little White Lies

Genre Sci-Fi

Woman in dark uniform and goggles stands amid metallic railings in dark, moody setting.
Review

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

by Adam Woodward

Gareth Edwards opts for the slow burn over the whiz-bang in this Star Wars spin-off. The results are spectacular.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
5
In Retrospect
Individual in orange hazmat suit holding a sign that reads "HUMAN"
Review

Arrival

by Adam Woodward

Denis Villeneuve’s latest is the most low-key alien invasion drama you’ll ever see.

4
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
A man in a red coat and dark outfit stands in a dimly lit, ornate setting.
Review

Doctor Strange

by Manuela Lazic

At long last – a light, funny superhero movie that embraces the fantasy aspects of the genre in both its story and form.

2
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Person with bleached hair wearing turquoise and white clothing, with a pained expression on their face.
Review

Set the Thames on Fire

by Ewan Cameron

London meets its maker in this charming, frazzled shoestring road movie about two pals braving the apocalypse.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Individual with shoulder-length red hair wearing a black coat, looking off to the side with a pensive expression.
Review

The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)

by David Jenkins

A stunning 4K restoration of Nic Roeg’s classic sci-fi, in which David Bowie hits stellar heights.

4
Anticipation
5
Enjoyment
5
In Retrospect
Crowd of costumed people at night, neon lights, dark silhouettes against bright background.
Review

The Purge: Election Year

by Anton Bitel

The second sequel to 2013’s dystopian satire feels eerily prescient in its depiction of a polarised America.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
A man in a blue Star Trek uniform holding a phaser pistol.
Review

Star Trek Beyond

by Anton Bitel

Simon Pegg brings the funny on script detail in this rollicking second sequel in the latest Trek adventure.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Group of people firing proton packs, emitting colourful energy beams against dark background
Review

Ghostbusters

by David Jenkins

The new Ghostbusters movie is much better than it needed to be, thanks to its stellar (and extremely charming) central cast.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Two adults, a man and a woman, standing in a dimly lit setting. The man wears an olive green jacket and the woman wears a black outfit. They appear to be engaged in discussion.
Review

Independence Day: Resurgence

by Adam Woodward

Roland Emmerich’s shamelessly sentimental franchise reboot is big, dumb and a total blast.

2
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Young person in green clothes standing in dimly lit doorway, dramatic lighting creates warm, orange glow.
Review

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

by David Jenkins

Don’t miss this newly restored director’s cut version of Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi opus.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect