Forgotten 2000s Sci-Fi Movie That Cost $200k Has a Perfect 10/10 Rating Today
It’s been almost 20 years since the release of the movie, but it’s a thrilling watch even today, with little to no action on screen and few special effects.
There are so many sci-fi movies produced every year, some of which become instant fan favorites, while some end up being overlooked for various reasons. There are also movies that were popular at the time of their release, but were quickly forgotten over time.
One such movie is definitely 2007's The Man From Earth, directed by Richard Schenkman and written by Jerome Bixby. Although being intense and thought-provoking, the movie remains largely forgotten despite a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The plot of the movie is deceptively simple, but that's exactly what makes it so good. The story revolves around John Oldman, a university professor who reveals to his colleagues that he is actually over 14,000 years old and has lived through major events in history, from ancient civilizations to modern times.
What follows is a series of deep philosophical conversations that explore the nature of immortality, the evolution of humanity, and the limits of human knowledge.
Released independently and on a modest budget, the film stands apart from typical sci-fi blockbusters by offering an intriguing main story that challenges viewers to reflect on the nature of time, memory, and human existence. The budget was only $200,000 back at the time; today, it would be around $303,000.
The Man From Earth doesn't rely much on special effects or action sequences, instead focusing on dialogue and character development. The entire movie takes place in a single location, John's home, as his friends and colleagues react to his extraordinary claim.
The movie was shot in eight days after just a week of rehearsals, but this speed-run turned into something truly gorgeous. The setting and minimalist approach allow the story to be the focus of the film, rather than giving way to flashy visuals.
“The Man From Earth is one of the movies I've probably seen the most. For whatever reason, over the years, I'm sure I've seen this movie about 20 times. I know it's a quiet movie - the plot is simple - there are no effects and the actors are also mediocre, there are many reasons against this movie. But it is terrific. The story that is told still captivates me,” one Redditor said.
David Lee Smith gives an incredible performance as John Oldman. His portrayal of a man burdened with the knowledge of centuries is the second best thing about the movie after the plot.
The Man From Earth is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
