Smell the Movies
Smell the TV
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| Transmitted: | December 2009 |
| Country of origin: | UK |
| Genre: | Cult classic remake, Killer plants, Adaptation of a novel |
| Starring: | Dougray Scott, Joely Richardson, Brian Cox, Vanessa Redgrave, Eddie Izzard |
| Rating: | 3/5 |
| No. of seasons: | 1 |
As timeless stories go, this one is right up there.
When a genetically engineered strain of killer vegetation, Triffids, take advantage of a human population blighted by mass blindness caused by the sight of a comet in the sky, only a handful of sighted survivors remain. Forced to choose between their own continued survival and the plight of the blinded, we follow Bill Mason and Jo Payton as they do battle with both the deadly flora and the cancer within, humanities need for dominance.
Whilst the story at the heart is expectedly excellent, the embellishments to suit the modern audience don't quite manage to capture the imagination.
There are some bright spots, though.
The Triffids themselves are very effectively realised, never seeming silly in any way, a genuine peril in this world of genital bombers and rapidly diminishing oil supplies.
Eddie Izzard as the demented, power mad Torrence is the star turn and Joely Richardson's Jo is decent enough, though the characterisation of Mason here comes across as nothing short of bland.
Whilst never reaching the heights of creepiness the early 80's series managed, this is nevertheless a competent, if highly mainstream slice of sci-fi, apocalyptic guff.
I enjoyed it, but I doubt I'll be watching it again any time soon.
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