The Obsession With Sci-Fi

Where science is based on facts and studied knowledge, fiction is all about dramatics and entertainment. So what makes science fiction, or sci-fi, amusing to audiences?

Well, interest in sci-fi has existed long before Star Wars (1977) and 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) permanently altered the landscape. Older novels like Frankenstein (1818) and The War of the Worlds (1898) demonstrate an early curiosity in scientific monstrosities and intergalactic invasions, common tropes seen in the genre.

It’s also natural for us to gravitate towards fiction that resembles our reality while simultaneously playing with the boundaries of it. Fictional stories that are heavily reliant on what the viewer is already familiar with—failed romances, strained friendships, nagging parents—can burst the comfortable bubble of the ‘not-real’ genre. But when these issues coincide with spaceships launching or robots attempting authoritarian control over Earth, a safe distance is put between the viewer and the story. Rather, people enjoy crazy concepts sprinkled with experiences they’ve had.

Appreciation for the genre has persisted, too—demonstrated by Project Hail Mary’s recent sensational release. The film focuses on a biology teacher turned astronaut who’s lost at space yet is determined to return to Earth with a cure. It’s a masterpiece, as all things by Andy Weir are. His sci-fi novels have become classics to fans of the genre, which are full of facts and introspection.

Sci-fi has never been a fad. Space, aliens, biology, robots, monsters, nihilistic futurism: there’s so much to love about the genre once passed off as ‘just for nerds’. The freedom it gives writers and directors makes it fun for everyone involved, including audiences eager for more.