Beaks here...

Sebastián Cordero's EUROPA REPORT, which stars DISTRICT 9's Sharlto Copley, wasn't on my radar before today, but I'm all for a hard science-fiction film about the future of manned space exploration. Evidently, so is Magnet Releasing.

The Todd Wagner/Mark Cuban-owned company has announced that they will distribute the film in the United States, which means it'll likely roll out via VOD before receiving a limited theatrical release. Much like 2011's 13 ASSASSINS, this looks like one to check out in a theater (provided it plays somewhere in your neck of the woods). The above still is pretty damn cool, while Cordero's creative collaborators include the gifted cinematographer Enrique Chediak (127 HOURS) and PAN'S LABYRINTH production designer Eugenio Cabellero. According to the press release (which I've excerpted below), this isn't a large-scale film; it's apparently a brainy genre-bender that's more interested in the plausible than the fantastic. I'm intrigued.

A unique blend of documentary, alternative history and science fiction thriller, EUROPA REPORT follows a contemporary mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa, to investigate the possible existence of alien life within our solar system. Developed in close collaboration with NASA, JPL, SpaceX and other leaders in the scientific community, the film imagines the next step in manned space exploration and is based on recent scientific discoveries and theories.

“EUROPA REPORT is an exceptionally smart, thrilling film that will be a revelation for space enthusiasts and science fiction fans alike,” said Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles. “Its nuanced attention to scientific detail lends it an exciting quality that elevates it above the usual genre fare.”

“Sebastián has made a unique and challenging film that looks and feels epic despite being contained, and we’re confident has the potential to get into the zeitgeist. We also think it is a great example of the genre-bending films that Magnolia has had such success with, and we look forward to working with them again” said Browning.

Magnet Releasing will distribute the film later this year.