Sputnik

As the scientist who becomes attracted to her patient, Akinshina gives a strong performance...

"Sputnik" is a reminder of the mixed-bag experience that so many of them offer: It's an efficient, effects-driven ride with snippets of real ideas, but never quite willing to take them out of this world.

Most of all, I recommend Sputnik for its monster, which will slither then stalk and snake into your brain...

I found this movie a little bit generic... I am really tired of these slithery things that just screech a lot. We really need new creature animation.

It has the sensibility of [Andrei] Tarkovsky, but it also has the rage and thriller aspects of Ridley Scott.

Sputnik sets its scene with a modicum of fuss and a healthy dose of ominousness...Sputnik nonetheless has a concept ideal for follow-up installments.

Sputnik is just shy of two hours, and the first two-thirds are pretty spellbinding. The final act of the film forgoes its sense of intrigue in exchange for balls-to-the-wall, cat-and-mouse action that, while natural, doesn't quite land.

Abramenko is constantly moving his story forward whether it’s through the chilling mystery or character growth.

The creepy alien effects are excellent and the performances are top-notch, if a little cold on Akinshina's part. However, the film's plot twists don't roll out with quite as much of a bang as they should, largely because we've seen much of this before.

Utilizing an impressive creature design along with moody cinematography and a fantastic score, what’s presented is an effectively creepy monster movie that plays right into the strengths of the genre.