Doom
2005 · Directed by Andrzej Bartkowiak
Original language: English
- action
- horror
- science fiction
The story
A team of space marines known as the Rapid Response Tactical Squad, led by Sarge, is sent to a science facility on Mars after somebody reports a security breach. There, they learn that the alert came after a test subject, a mass murderer purposefully injected with alien DNA, broke free and began killing people. Dr. Grimm, who is related to team member Reaper, informs them all that the chromosome can mutate humans into monsters -- and is highly infectious.
What it’s like
Harsh, bluish industrial light and claustrophobic metal corridors define the look of this 2005 sci-fi action film, with a lot of handheld, jittery camerawork during the close-quarters firefights and an overall gloss of digital polish. Mars facilities are rendered in cold steel, sterile fluorescents and dim emergency reds, while the monster sequences lean on dark tunnels and sudden strobing flashes. The score is loud and percussive, built for big set pieces rather than quiet moments, and the dialogue is brisk and wisecracking. The vibe is blunt, testosterone-heavy, and gleefully pulpy, with a late-night B-movie energy. Pacing is relentless, with few breathers between skirmishes, and the emotional register stays shallow: a grim, guarded soldier and a family-tinged rivalry get some room, but the people are mostly archetypes. The violence is frequent and fairly bloody, including gory creature kills, dismemberment and brutal hand-to-hand fights, though it stays in action-movie territory rather than sustained horror. Best for viewers who want loud, uncomplicated genre thrills with a side of creature-feature gore.
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