Pitch Black (film)

Pitch Black is a 2000 science fiction action horror film directed by David Twohy and starring Vin Diesel, Radha Mitchell, Cole Hauser, and Keith David. The film follows a transport ship that crash-lands on a desolate planet with three suns, inhabited by bioluminescent, carnivorous creatures that emerge during an eclipse.

Synopsis:

The transport ship Hunter-Gratzner is carrying passengers in suspended animation when it is struck by debris in a meteor storm. The ship's pilot, Carolyn Fry, reluctantly ejects the passenger section to lighten the load and attempt a crash landing. The ship crashes on a seemingly deserted, sun-baked planet. Among the survivors are Fry, the bounty hunter William Johns, the religious Imam Abu al-Walid and his young ward, Jack (who is later revealed to be female and named Kyra), and the dangerous criminal Richard B. Riddick, who has surgically enhanced eyes that allow him to see in the dark.

As the survivors search for water and a way off the planet, they discover evidence of a long-abandoned settlement and a warning about an impending eclipse. It is revealed that the planet is inhabited by nocturnal, bat-like creatures that are blind in the light but voracious and deadly in the dark. With a total eclipse looming, the survivors must band together, despite their differences and suspicions, to survive the creatures and find a way off the planet. Riddick's unique abilities become crucial to their survival.

Characters:

• Richard B. Riddick: A dangerous criminal with surgically enhanced eyes that allow him to see in the dark. He is initially distrusted but becomes an essential asset to the survivors.
• Carolyn Fry: The pilot of the Hunter-Gratzner, burdened by guilt over her decision to eject the passenger section.
• William Johns: A bounty hunter transporting Riddick.
• Imam Abu al-Walid: A Muslim cleric traveling with a group of pilgrims.
• Jack/Kyra: A young survivor whose true gender is concealed for survival.

Themes:

The film explores themes of survival, morality, sacrifice, and the clash between good and evil in extreme circumstances. It also touches upon the dangers of prejudice and the potential for redemption, even in the most unlikely individuals.

Reception:

Pitch Black received mixed reviews upon its initial release, but it has since gained a cult following and is considered a notable entry in the science fiction horror genre. Vin Diesel's portrayal of Riddick was particularly praised, leading to two sequels, The Chronicles of Riddick (2004) and Riddick (2013), as well as an animated spin-off The Chronicles of Riddick: Dark Fury (2004) and video games.