Star Trek, Into Darkness: Movie Review.

2013, 13+ on Amazon Prime, on IMDb 

The second instalment of the new ‘alternate reality’ version of Star Trek, a fantastic tour through future London’s Starfleet Command headquarters, other planets, and multiple starships. 

Between playing BBC’s brilliant Sherlock Holmes (2010-2017) and Marvel’s Dr. Strange, Benedict Cumberbatch assumed the role of Khan for Into Darkness in yet another homage to trench coat-wearing, genius, narcissist supervillain/superhero characters. 

(Ironically, three years earlier, in a 2010 episode of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson called Cumberbatch’s Holmes “Spock”: did the scriptwriters know of his upcoming role, or was it a coincidence?)  

The plot requires multiple moments of revelation to unravel the mysteries which come at regular intervals, keeping the viewer’s fascination sharp. Catch the details along the way: the 1960’s/70’s party costumes with a nod to the original Star Trek; the themes of conscience and ethics; and the way the rogue Starfleet admiral’s bridge has only white men.  

The latter detail brilliantly contrasts the Enterprise’s multi-racial crew, highlighting the rogue admiral’s lack of compassion, balanced reasoning, or intuition. That admiral is not to be crossed. On the contrary, Spock is free to correct Kirk—for example, the proverb Kirk uses out of context: 

Kirk: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” 

Spock: “An Arabic proverb attributed to a prince who was betrayed and decapitated by his own subjects. 

Kirk: “Well, still, it’s a hell of a quote.”

Spock’s account may or may not be correct but it makes the point: despite being a strong-headed, white male like the rogue admiral, Kirk listens to his crew’s guidance and adapts.

Fellow Bible students can appreciate Spock’s interpretation of the quote as paradigmatic for excellent biblical interpretation/hermeneutics, or interpreting anything anyone ever said or recorded: know the context. Here, let me get even geekier: there are 72 torpedoes in the ship’s hold, whereas the original Star Trek: Wrath of Khan (1982) featured 70. I couldn’t find a reason for the change, but I was reminded of the uncertainty of whether 72 or 70 scholars were translating the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek in roughly 270 BC. Don’t care? No problem, move on. But just know: this movie offered me highly multifaceted intrigue.  

Finally, enjoy not only the guest appearance but the integral role of a Tribble, and notice, on the opposite scale, the increasing stakes and destruction throughout the plot that nourishes the sci-fi audience’s craving for wonder (which, incidentally, could also overwhelm the sensitive viewer.)  

My favourite line, Kirk speaking of Spock: “Sometimes I just want to rip the bangs off his head.” 

Of course, you can’t have Spock in a movie without digging at the age-old question: “How human is Spock, really?” And here, we get a peek at how the Vulcan deals with his human fear and rage.  

My only disappointment is that Kahn’s fascinating and intense character features too little amidst the multiple axes (axis plural) of antagonism. 

Regardless, the film succeeds at pitting powerful, believable characters’ desires at odds with each other in imaginative settings, tensions that both entertain and provoke deeper thought. This is heightened by the characters interrupting and speaking over each other, the dialogue organically raising the tension and making situations authentically human.  

One more detail caught my eye. Or rather, my ear. The first song of the credits, “London Calling” by Michael Giacchino (Dr. Strange, Inside Out, The Incredibles, etc) has hauntingly gorgeous minor key and chord progressions reminiscent of Cumberbatch’s other works (e.g. The Imitation Game and The Electrical Life of Louis Wain.) 

It’s the kind of music that throws its listener into sad memories and pulls out nostalgic beauty, as if playing on the grief for the glory days lodged in the British psyche. A completely unexpected but deeply powerful way to end Into Darkness.  

Review written by: Jazmine Lawrence, Captain (Retired, RCAF), BSc Honours Physics, MA (Theology) student, future sci-fi author.