While Sophie Thatcher’s horror roles have cemented her as a force in the genre, her 2018 sci-fi gem, Prospect, deserves attention too. Mostly known for her role in Yellowjackets, the youth’s recent parts in Heretic and The Boogeyman are similar and seal her status as an iconic modern scream queen. It may come as a pleasant surprise that Thatcher’s talent isn’t confined to horror. Now streaming on Paramount+, Prospect is a reminder of the actress’ early versatility, as she elevates one of the best low-budget sci-fi movies of recent years in her feature debut.
Based on the first-time directors’ popular short film, Prospect feels like the science fiction movies of the 80s both visually and on script, accomplishing more character and worldbuilding with fewer resources. Thatcher plays Cee, a teenager navigating the dangers of a toxic alien moon alongside her father. Their mission to harvest precious gems turns into a survival struggle when faced with competing treasure hunters, religious fanatics, and hostile environments. Prospect’s gritty aesthetic and old-school storytelling make it a must-watch for sci-fi and Sophie Thatcher fans.
If You’re A Fan Of Sophie Thatcher, Check Out Prospect On Paramount+
Thatcher And Pedro Pascal Offer One Of Their Most Underrated Performances
Now on Paramount+, Prospect boasts an impressive 89% Rotten Tomatoes score, a testament to its gripping narrative, unique world-building, and standout performances. Reminiscent of Thatcher’s dark arc in Yellowjackets, Cee is a guarded teenager whose precarious upbringing gives her the toughness necessary to survive. Thatcher, capable of elevating any project she takes on, brings an unexpected vulnerability to her character — as it is clear Cee craves some sort of comfort or way out that her father doesn’t offer. The actress’ first movie endeavor is riveting, bringing emotional depth and resilience to a character navigating loss, danger, and moral dilemmas.
One of Prospect’s greatest accomplishments is pairing Thatcher with Pedro Pascal, as the wary teen must form an uneasy alliance with a dangerous mercenary to survive. Their dynamic subverts the hard-protector and vulnerable-girl trope, forming a rawer portrait of survival and found families. The result is similar to The Last of Us’ partnership between Pascal and Bella Ramsey, yet Thatcher’s portrayal remains entirely her own. The actress’ performance foreshadows her potential to build an enduring legacy in the industry, signaling a bright future in genre thrillers.
Why Prospect’s Reviews Are So Good
Prospect’s 80s Vibes, Worldbuilding, And Characters Keep Viewers Guessing
Directed by Zeek Earl and Chris Caldwell, Prospect has been praised for crafting a rich sci-fi world on an indie budget. Despite demonstrating an extremely detailed and grounded fantastical world, the movie doesn’t lose time trying to explain how things work. Silence is one of its strongest narrative tools, as the characters don’t explain themselves, or the alien surroundings they’re grappling with — but merely experience them. Rather than telling the audience how to feel about its complicated themes, Prospect lets viewers fill in the gaps for themselves, demanding one to engage with the narrative on a more personal level.
The greatest triumph of Prospect is its commitment to staying grounded. Though it hints at a larger, vibrant world, the narrative remains intimate, focused on a snippet of its universe. With minimal use of CGI, Earl and Caldwell create ethereal landscapes that feel lightyears away, and yet have a tangible, lived feel to them. The movie can be enjoyed for its aesthetics and 80s vibes alone, even featuring villains out of a sci-fi classic. Prospect remains a rare gem in the sci-fi genre and showcases underrated performances by hit talents Sophie Thatcher and Pedro Pascal.
