The Russian sci-fi movie, “Coma (2019)” was a distinctive addition to the cinema landscape with its unique storyline, outstanding visual effects, and engaging performances. Here is a comprehensive exploration of everything about the movie, from the cast and plot to its budget and box office performance.
Cast
“Coma” stars an ensemble of talented actors who breathe life into its complex and intricate characters. The cast includes:
- Rinal Mukhametov as Viktor, the film’s protagonist. Mukhametov is a talented Russian actor known for his roles in other films like “Attraction” and “The Soul Conductor”. His portrayal of Viktor, an architect who falls into a coma and finds himself in a strange world, is highly praised.
- Lyubov Aksyonova as Fly. Aksyonova is a renowned actress in Russia, recognized for her work in films like “Love in the Big City” and “Lucky Trouble”. In “Coma”, she portrays Fly, one of the dwellers of the Coma world.
- Anton Pampushnyy as Phantom, a formidable character who was once a military man. Pampushnyy, well-known for his roles in “Guardians” and “Zaschitniki”, delivers an imposing performance.
- Other supporting roles are adeptly played by Milos Bikovic, Konstantin Lavronenko, and Polina Kuzminskaya, amongst others.
Plot
“Coma” is a distinctive sci-fi adventure that marries elements of dystopia and dreams. The film follows Viktor, a talented architect who, after a catastrophic accident, slips into a coma. He wakes up in a dystopian world that comprises of human memories blended together in a chaotic and fragmented manner. Laws of physics are obsolete, and the landscape is a surreal, dreamlike blend of buildings, structures, and landscapes from different eras and places, all jumbled together.
This world, known as ‘Coma’, is inhabited by people who are also in comas in the real world. They navigate this surreal realm, trying to comprehend its rules, while battling shadowy creatures that threaten their existence. Viktor, with his architectural understanding, must decipher the spatial complexities of this world and find a way out.
Production and Cost
“Coma” was produced by Aleksandr Vaynbrandt and Ruben Dishdishyan under the banners of Columbia Pictures, Enjoy Movies, and Vodorod. The film was shot in Russia and is a testament to the growing science fiction genre in Russian cinema.
The film is known for its phenomenal visual effects and CGI. The cityscapes and dreamlike environments presented in “Coma” are stunning and visually immersive, and they add a significant contribution to the movie’s overall production cost. While the exact budget of the movie remains undisclosed, it’s estimated to be within the range of $6-10 million, based on the industry averages for movies with similar levels of production in Russia.
Box Office Performance and Business Aspects
“Coma” made its first appearance on January 30, 2020, in Russia and subsequently had a limited release in other territories. The movie faced stiff competition from other international releases, yet it managed to carve out a unique place for itself.
While “Coma” did not break major box office records, it has since gained a cult following, particularly among sci-fi aficionados. It was especially praised for its visual effects and innovative plot, and it has spawned several academic discussions on its exploration of dreams, memories, and the nature of reality.
Though the exact box office collections are not disclosed, based on average ticket sales and attendance. It is estimated that the movie managed to recoup its production costs and make a profit. Demonstrating that unique storytelling combined with stunning visuals can still garner audience attention.
Conclusion
“Coma (2019)” is an intriguing blend of science fiction and dreamlike fantasy. It stands as a testament to the innovative storytelling and technical prowess of Russian cinema. The film’s visual aesthetics, engaging plot, and thought-provoking themes continue to garner attention and discussion, making it a noteworthy addition to the sci-fi genre. Though it might not have stormed the box office. Its success lies in its distinctive narrative and the cult following it has amassed since its release.
