The Colony (also released as Tides) is a 2021 German-Swiss sci-fi thriller directed by Tim Fehlbaum. It blends dystopian themes with survivalist drama, asking tough questions about humanity, colonization, and the environment. Below is a comprehensive guide to the film, its story, and everything you need to know.
Detailed Summary
The Premise: A Dying Earth and Space Colonies
In the near future, Earth has become uninhabitable due to climate change, environmental collapse, and global catastrophes. Humanity has fled to colonies on distant planets like Kepler-209. However, life there has become difficult because radiation has left humans infertile. Without children, humanity is facing extinction.
The Mission: Return to Earth
Astronaut Blake (played by Nora Arnezeder) is sent on a mission back to Earth to determine whether it is habitable again and if humanity can return. She is the daughter of a renowned space explorer who was part of earlier failed expeditions. Her mission is personal as much as it is scientific.
First Contact with Earth’s Survivors
Blake crash-lands and discovers that humans have indeed survived on Earth. These survivors are called “the Muds,” living in harsh, flooded landscapes. They are resourceful but primitive compared to the technologically advanced colonists. Blake is captured but gradually learns that the Muds are not enemies, but rather guardians of what’s left of Earth.
The Conflict: Colonists vs. Survivors
Blake discovers that her fellow colonists from Kepler have hidden motives. They don’t just want to test Earth’s conditions—they want to take it over. For them, the Muds are obstacles, not allies. The colonists intend to control Earth’s resources and re-establish dominance, effectively repeating history’s mistakes of colonization.
The Revelation: Infertility and Hope
The shocking twist is that while colonists on Kepler remain infertile, humans on Earth are still fertile. The Muds have children, proving Earth is not only habitable but also humanity’s only hope for survival.
Movie Ending
In the climax, Blake faces a moral and personal choice. After conflict with her fellow colonists, she sides with the Muds, realizing that Earth’s survivors are not relics of the past but the key to humanity’s future.
The final scenes show Blake fully integrating with the Muds. She decides not to call Kepler for reinforcements but instead remains on Earth, symbolizing a return to humanity’s origins and a second chance at living in harmony with the planet. The last shot strongly suggests that Blake has chosen Earth and its people over technological dominance, hinting at the possibility of rebuilding civilization more responsibly.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No. The Colony (2021) does not include any post-credits scenes. Once the story ends, the credits roll without any additional material.
Type of Movie
The film is a sci-fi thriller with strong elements of dystopian survival drama. It focuses less on flashy space battles and more on atmosphere, ethical dilemmas, and environmental themes.
Cast
- Nora Arnezeder as Blake
- Iain Glen as Gibson
- Sarah-Sofie Boussnina as Narvik
- Joel Basman as Paling
- Sebastian Roché as Blake’s Father
Film Music and Composer
The atmospheric and tense score was composed by Lorenz Dangel, who emphasizes eerie soundscapes and melancholic tones to reflect Earth’s drowned landscapes and the film’s sense of uncertainty.
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Filming Locations
The film was primarily shot in Germany and Switzerland, including tidal flats and coastal landscapes that perfectly mimic a flooded, desolate Earth. These natural, harsh environments were chosen to emphasize Earth’s haunting beauty and its simultaneous hostility.
Awards and Nominations
While it didn’t win major awards, The Colony was praised in film festivals for its cinematography and world-building. It was especially highlighted at Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale 2021) in the special program lineup.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Director Tim Fehlbaum was inspired by real scientific discussions about exoplanets and Earth’s possible future.
- The tidal flats used during shooting were dangerous; timing had to be precise due to incoming tides.
- Nora Arnezeder did many of her own physical stunts in muddy, cold conditions.
- The creative team built much of the tech gear practically rather than relying entirely on CGI, giving the film a gritty realism.
Inspirations and References
The movie draws heavy inspiration from:
- Real-world climate change science
- Colonization history, particularly European colonialism
- Classic dystopian works like Children of Men (for its infertility theme) and Waterworld (for its flooded Earth setting).
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
While no official alternate ending has been released, early script drafts suggested that Blake might attempt to contact Kepler in the end. This was scrapped in favor of the more hopeful and independent choice to stay with the Muds.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The film is not based on a specific book, but its themes resonate with speculative climate fiction (cli-fi). It shares similarities with stories like Kim Stanley Robinson’s “Aurora” and Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam Trilogy, though it remains an original screenplay.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The haunting crash landing on a foggy, flooded Earth.
- The first time Blake realizes the Muds have children.
- The intense standoff between colonists and survivors.
- Blake’s final decision to side with the Muds and remain on Earth.
Iconic Quotes
- Blake: “We left this planet to survive. But maybe survival means coming back.”
- Gibson: “Earth is ours. Always has been, always will be.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The colony ship’s name references “Ark,” symbolizing a biblical second chance.
- The Kepler-209 reference is a nod to real exoplanet discoveries by NASA’s Kepler telescope.
- Subtle shots of children playing in mud reflect hope and rebirth, contrasting the sterile life on Kepler.
Trivia
- The original title of the movie was Haven: Above Sky.
- The movie’s German-Swiss production had a relatively small budget compared to Hollywood sci-fi but still delivered high production values.
- The film was released under two titles: The Colony and Tides, depending on the market.
Why Watch?
Watch this movie if you enjoy thoughtful sci-fi with environmental and ethical undertones. Unlike typical blockbuster space adventures, The Colony is slow-burn, atmospheric, and provocative. It’s ideal for fans who like sci-fi that asks “what if?” rather than just offering explosions.
Director’s Other Movies
- Hell (2011) – another post-apocalyptic survival film by Tim Fehlbaum.
