Mind-Blowing Sci-Fi Film Takes Over Max\’s Streaming Charts

The
best sci-fi movies
Often, these works reflect elements of our current society. For instance, \”Dune\” highlighted dire forecasts about environmental conflicts and human reliance on saviors. Similarly, \”Blade Runner\” presented us with a bleak vision of a tech-dominated future that still resonates as plausible. Meanwhile, the \”Terminator\” series has shaped public perception regarding artificial intelligence and the technological singularity. However, imagine a film that directly addressed modern issues by seamlessly integrating actual news clips into dramatizations set within a dystopian landscape meant to embody present-day political and societal turmoil. It seems this kind of project would likely soar in popularity on streaming platforms.

The bleak setting depicted in the top-streaming content could make anyone believe we’re already stuck in a nightmarish world, yet whether “2073,” directed by Asif Kapadia, offers a glimmer of hope depends on your perspective. Released in 2024, this movie stands out for merging a made-up sci-fi story with genuine news clips and conversations to craft a documentary-style drama as straightforwardly intense as a Terminator going after John Connor.

The year 2073 draws inspiration from Chris Marker’s iconic 1962 short film “La Jetée,” which centers on a man surviving in a dystopian future who tries to alter the course of history by reflecting on his past during scientific experiments aimed at saving humanity from doom. In a similar vein, Kapadia’s movie tracks a woman who has endured an unspecified catastrophic disaster as she moves through a decaying society. The narrative alternates between dramatic segments and real-world elements such as news clips and documentaries featuring conversations with reporters and advocates. This blend creates a compelling storytelling approach, successfully attracting the interest of viewers subscribed to Max.

Read more:
Top 10 Science Fiction Books of All Time, Ranked

2073 Has Dominated the Max Charts

In the year 2073, the story unfolds with a focus on Ghost (played by Samantha Morton). She resides in an abandoned mall within what’s now called “New San Francisco,” three decades following “The Event.” As her alias implies, Ghost exists entirely outside societal norms and endeavors tirelessly to remain hidden from the dystopian cityscapes dominated by pervasive government oversight instead of functional civic structures. Scenes reflecting contemporary events such as environmental disasters and law enforcement clashing with demonstrators illustrate this bleak outlook under the rule of Chairwoman Ivanka Trump. Despite being mute throughout most of the narrative, viewers gain insight into Ghost’s thoughts through voiceovers; notably, she utters, \”I hope somebody discovers this record someday.\”

Sure, here’s your revised version:
As expected, streaming viewers have stepped up. Similar to many streaming rankings, Max has seen varied outcomes recently; however, several significant movies have still managed to stand out.
One of the finest marvel comic adaptations, \”logan\” topped the box office charts.
for some time, and before that,
Rachel Zegler\’s comically unsuccessful science fiction film \”Y2K\” experienced a peak moment similar to Max\’s.
Now, though, \”2073\” has introduced a significant change to the charts by not just ranking but also displacing \”Y2K,\” thereby claiming the number one position.

On April 7, 2025, \”2073\” reached Max, and soon after, it began ascending the charts rapidly. As reported
FlixPatrol
According to a platform that monitors and compiles streaming viewer statistics, the movie entered the Top 10 list on Max on April 10, 2025, landing in third place. This isn’t too shabby as a starting point, particularly since the documentary drama quickly climbed to the first position the following day, April 11. It still holds this peak ranking currently. However, whether it can sustain its leading status going forward is uncertain, yet maintaining such momentum would certainly make for quite the noteworthy streak for “2073,” which has thus far remained relatively unnoticed.

Is 2073 Worth Watching?

The year \”2073\” saw a limited theatrical release in both the U.S. and U.K., yet it grossed approximately
$50,278
At the box office, things were not particularly impressive. The critics also didn’t seem too enthusiastic, as the movie only managed to secure a 50% rating.
Rotten Tomatoes
. Monica Castillo\’s review for
RogerEbert.com
summarizes \”2073\” as \”a slick video essay within the trappings of a sci-fi movie,\” but ultimately claims \”there\’s not enough narratively to grab audiences beyond the scaremongering.\” Tim Cogshell was far more direct in his review for
FilmWeek
, writing, \”I don\’t buy any of it. If you want to make a documentary, make a documentary.\”

Still, \”2073\” did manage to win over some critics. In his review for
The Guardian
, Peter Bradshaw wrote that the docu-drama was \”certainly a relevant shout of rage against the authoritarian forces despoiling our democracy and our environment — and the bland and complacent naivety that\’s letting it happen.\”

Clearly the Max crowds are embracing Asif Kapadia\’s unique film, though they also embraced \”Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked\” which is currently in the number five spot. Still, it\’s nice to see something a bit different at the top of
the Max charts, which only recently were dominated by one of 2024\’s worst horror movies
Exactly how long audiences will endure Asif’s explicit commentary on today’s socio-political climate and his predicted inevitable conclusion still needs to be determined, yet achieving the top spot on Max undoubtedly counts as a form of success.

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original article on SlashFilm
.