A Look Back at Event Horizon

In 1997, the second of the only two films I've seen to have given me nightmares, Event Horizon, starring Lawrence Fishburne and Sam Neill, hit theaters, and of course, I went to see it. It would be only a month or so until

I'd first seen Sam Neill in Jurassic Park as a tween a few years earlier, and though I knew Event Horizon would be sci-fi horror, I was still dedicated to seeing Dr. Grant in another role.

I had no idea at the time that I would spend the next twenty-five years actively avoiding the film, which became one of my darkest fear triggers.

At the time of its release, Event Horizon had great CGI elements. The gravity drive was impressive from the moment it was unveiled on screen. The ships, as fake as they feel now, were phenomenal at the time.

Well, I decided it was time. This past weekend, I chose to embrace the Halloween spirit and face this old fear of mine.

Step one was informing a couple of friends for some social accountability. I mean, I can't back out and be a flake now, can I?

Then, I queued up the film with a rental from the Apple TV app's movie store. I love many of their series and have preferred their UI for years. But they also make renting movies a snap when they're not streaming free anywhere.

Finally, I settled in on my couch, the shades drawn and lights off for the full effect of a horror setting. Nice and comfy.

On plays the movie. 25+ years later, I still know what's coming, and I'm on edge from the opening credits.

I won't spoil the film for anyone, but it's worth watching. Fishburne captains a crew of a rescue vessel whose shore leave has been interrupted by a mission to take Sam Neill's character out to Neptune.

The Even Horizon, an aptly named ship, suddenly reappeared after having vanished 7 years earlier.

The film certainly shows its age. The CGS would undoubtedly be done better today. Cinematography, soundtrack, and foley also would improve. But the story and the critical scenes are all well done.

I found I had no issues watching the film in the comfort of my own space all these years later. Even, or especially, with the scenes that had me avoiding the film for such a long time. The film feels more creepy than scary to me now.

Conclusion

If you've not had the chance to watch Event Horizon, you may find it a nice watch this Halloween. The film holds up with its story and acting, even if it "feels" like a late 90's film.

You can find Event Horizon streaming on Paramount+, Prime Video, Hulu, and Showtime. It can also be rented or purchased via the Apple TV app.