Infini - Infini (2015)

Shane Abbess's Infini emerges as a compelling, albeit raw, entry into the cosmic horror and sci-fi survival subgenres. It masterfully eschews reliance on big-budget spectacle, instead crafting a palpable sense of dread through its claustrophobic environments and unsettling sound design. The film's production design, particularly the derelict deep-space mining facility, serves as a character in itself, embodying a high-tech purgatory. Luke Hemsworth delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance as Whit Carmichael, conveying the character's descent into psychological torment amidst an unknown, malevolent force. The ensemble cast, including Daniel MacPherson, contributes to the palpable tension. Infini explores profound themes of human nature under extreme isolation, existential dread, and the fragility of sanity in the face of the unknown. As a notable piece of independent Australian cinema, it carves out its niche within the pantheon of space horror, offering a thought-provoking and viscerally unsettling experience.