The ironic title of this film has nothing to do with an elevated lifestyle. It refers to a group of death-row inmates who are sent on a mysterious mission into deep space. The film begins with a lone survivor (Robert Pattinson) and his baby daughter, but eventually rewinds to explore the mystery behind their operation, which involves a potentially evil scientist (Juliette Binoche). The story rambles in several directions, often with more confusion than illumination. With her first English language project, French director Claire Denis has fashioned a visually interesting and often compelling experience that’s more about atmosphere and ambiguity than narrative clarity.
(3 / 5)