Today’s quick review: Spectral. When US Special Forces operating in Moldova detect a series of anomalies in their equipment, they call in DARPA scientist Mark Clyne (James Badge Dale) to investigate. Closer inspection reveals the existence of intangible beings of unknown origin that can kill with a single touch. Clyne joins an operation led by Captain Sessions (Max Martini) to gather more data and find a way to fight the deadly beings.
Spectral is a military sci-fi thriller that pits the US military against an outbreak of ghosts in an urban war zone. Spectral makes good on its premise. The movie offers tense action, polished presentation, competent acting, and a well-paced mystery regarding the nature of the ghosts. Spectral also handles its tone well, maintaining a sense of tension without crossing over into horror.
Spectral avoids many of the pitfalls of the science fiction genre. Its explanations are plausible enough to justify the film’s speculative elements without bogging down the story. Its characters are free of the artificial stupidity that often grips the victims in similar movies. The plot indulges in a few contrivances to give its heroes a fighting chance, but they are easy to swallow and scaffolded by a well-structured plot.
Spectral delivers exactly what it promises: a serious, engaging dose of sci-fi action. Those hoping for moving personal drama, philosophical speculation, survival horror, or over-the-top spectacle will be disappointed. Fans of the action or sci-fi genres will find it to be a tidy, satisfying watch with no frills and few weaknesses. For a similar style of military sci-fi with a more ambitious premise, check out Edge of Tomorrow.
6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for all-around solid execution.