Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within is currently streaming in Australia on Netflix, and in the UK on Netflix, and it earns its premise rather than just borrowing genre trappings. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. 1,615 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Ming-Na Wen sets the tone, and the world-building does the rest. Put it on tonight on Netflix and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within earns its spot. The world-building is meticulous, but it is the characters who carry Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within through its more ambitious moments. Led by a strange dream, scientist Aki Ross struggles to collect the eight spirits in the hope of creating a force powerful enough to protect the planet. With the aid of the Deep Eyes Squadron and her mentor, Dr. Sid, Aki must save the Earth from its darkest hate and unleash the spirits within. Ming-Na Wen and Donald Sutherland lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2001. What separates Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within from lesser genre entertainment is a willingness to let the concept cost the characters something. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

For late-night viewing or a proper weekend binge, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within fits the bill. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Ming-Na Wen's performance is the anchor the more ambitious moments need. The world-building pays off in ways you will not anticipate on a first watch.