The Mars Effect (2022)

In a post-apocalyptic galaxy, after a mutation caused by radiation affected humans, the survivors are immune to disease and other harm. This group now travels the galaxy looking to party and have a good time–but they also look for incredible ways to die. The Mars Effect tells their stories as they navigate this new universe–and everything you see and hear is out of this world.

If I know one thing about Writer-Director Apostoly Peter Kouroumalis it’s that he enjoys creating experimental films that are edgy, unfamiliar, and sometimes beyond comprehension. His style of filmmaking often includes wild sound, rugged animation, and unique voice overs that transport viewers to a world seemingly nothing like our own. The Mars Effect is no different, and it’s reminiscent of his previous film Space Bikers from Planet Blig–a film that I reviewed just last year. In many ways The Mars Effect feels like a sequel to this aforementioned film, and it feels like, at the very least, it exists in the same universe. Similar animation, storytelling, and voice acting exist in The Mars Effect–and I think that both works for and hinders the film to a degree.

On one hand Kouroumalis has found his niche–and the roughly drawn images that are depicted on screen are his bread and butter. He’s seen his films find success in the past, and he knows that, while this exists in a very specific corner of cinema, he has a following that The Mars Effect will appeal to. He sticks to what he knows–and what he knows is a challenge, a true gamble. Understanding the time and passion poured into this film, and knowing that he is taking a massive risk in creating The Mars Effect, each and every aspect of the film is easy to appreciate. Taking a risk like this will lend itself to success, because viewers see it pushing the boundaries of what is and isn’t acceptable in cinema. The world is able to see how willing Kouroumalis is to take these risks–regardless of the consequences, and that’s a huge win for this film and this filmmaker.

On the flip side, however, this sort of film–living right on the edge of reality and insanity, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It will take a true cinephile to appreciate the things they see on screen throughout The Mars Effect. Even some of those viewers that appreciate the dedication and passion put forth in order to create The Mars Effect will struggle with the actual content–and that’s more than understandable.

The dialogue is wonky to say the least, sort of out of touch with reality. The things characters say often feel out of place, inorganic, and unnecessary–hindering the overall film. The Mars Effect employs a series of unique decisions–ones that likely won’t resonate with the majority of viewers. I was turned off by the dialogue, and the narrative never really piqued my interest. It has its moments of valor, but it ultimately doesn’t live up to my expectations in these ways.

I can’t help but to compare The Mars Effect to Space Bikers from Planet Blig, as they are far too similar. What Kouroumalis was able to create in his previous film far outshines what is done in The Mars Effect–and this doesn’t quite reach viewers in the same way. With wild dialogue, The Mars Effect doesn’t appeal to viewers in the way that I think Kouroumalis has hoped, but there will still be a niche group that finds its message appealing. While it doesn’t do all that I expected, Kouroumalis will still see instances of The Mars Effect tantalize viewers–even if that doesn’t happen all the way through.

Written & Directed by Apostoly Peter Kouroumalis.

Starring Alexandra Cuellar, Francine Chaurette, Bob Lacombe, Apostoly Peter Tolyak Kouroumalis, Irena Huljak, etc.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10