Solar
4.5/5
Critic Rating
SOLAR, starring Stephanie Beatriz, Tony Award winner Alan Cumming, Academy Award winner Helen Hunt and Jonathan Bangs, is a journey to the heart of the solar system and an exploration of the vastness of the human spirit. Disconnected from Earth and trapped on separate parts of their spacecraft, crew members must fight for survival following a disaster on board the ill-fated Aethon, a manned solar research probe sent to explore temporal distortion around the sun. As painful memories, forgotten dreams, technological challenges and blunt realities collide--they must work together to keep their hope alive in the face of growing darkness...
Critic Reviews
Score: 4
Paul Regan • Set The Tape • Aug 4, 2022
"Solar already feels like it’s setting out shop to be something special. The writing is good, but dense. Rather than relying on easy to recognise stereotypes to move the plot, writer Chris Porter delivers backstory and character development through some pretty intense dialogue...listeners are rewarded for their work with a full, rich universe populated by believable and nuanced individuals. It’s good to see that radio sci-fi tradition of expecting more from their audience than passive enjoyment alive and well."
Score: 4.5
Dan SciFi • Dan SciFi Blog • Jul 6, 2022
"...the audio effects in Solar are truly impressive. In fact, they were the strongest aspect of the podcast by far. Bottom line, Solar is an ultimately entertaining podcast that gets better with every episode. In addition, the mystery throughout the story builds tension and suspense that will keep listeners tuning in."
Score: 5
Frasier Armitage • FanFiAddict • Jun 24, 2022
"SOLAR is a sensational science fiction audio drama that’s cinematic in its scope and ambitions, reaching far into the universe and deep into the heart. SOLAR is a masterpiece when it comes to intrigue. The plot is revealed in a non-linear way as we hear recordings made before the solar event that killed most of the crew...thoughtful, suspenseful, and intense..."
Score: 4.9
Kev (Tea In The Sahara) • Tea In The Sahara • Jun 13, 2022
"...a premium survival sci-fi podcast which offers a powerful examination of humanity. Within some dramatic action sequences including multiple actors, the listening did require my fullest attention in those heated do-or-die type scenes. a solid theatrical storyline, its ace acting, and its truly exquisite cutting-edge sound. In an abridged roundup, SOLAR is a psychological space journey which warps reality, showcasing the true extremes of human nature, good & bad."
Score: 2
Mark Gorman • Mark Gorman Blog • Apr 26, 2022
"It’s so horribly trying too hard. Seriously, it just goes on and on and on with nothing that engages the listener. And I’m Scottish, so Alan Cumming should have been an attraction. He’s not."
Score: 5
Bullhorn Staff • Bullhorn.fm • Apr 25, 2022
"SOLAR is an exhilarating space ride to the heart of the solar system and an exploration into the depths of humanity. The story unravels through a series of dialogues and introspective monologues that stimulate the imagination and challenge modern world views. The cast behind the project is amazing."
Score: 4.8
Keelin • Mentally? A Magpie. • Apr 19, 2022
"...it does not disappoint when it comes to acting. It is a testament to these actors’ ability to transcend mediums. The production quality is pretty astounding. There are some beautifully delivered, yet emotional monologues right from the first episode. At times it feels a little heavy-handed for our world. Overall, I really have been enjoying this little break from reality. The episodes are a nice 35ish minutes long, and really do a good job of taking you out of it. I’ve been enjoying audio drama more and more in the last few months…"
Score: 5
Francesca Turauskis • Pod Bible • Apr 15, 2022
"...this is compelling listening – and I very much appreciate how the adverts have been linked to the story."
Score: 5
USA Wire Staff • USA Wire • Apr 14, 2022
"Unlike anything you’ve ever heard...Combining the directors’ immersive vision by utilizing DearVR and Dolby Atmos, SOLAR opened up a whole new world of sonic possibilities. SOLAR has a breath of fresh discovery with each listen. In life, even a simple conversation has subtle changes as one tilts their head or adjusts position. This is the level of detail and immersion achieved in SOLAR to bring the listener closer and make them feel as though they are witnessing the story firsthand. "
Score: 5
Jeff Totey • Writer of Pop • Apr 6, 2022
"The show is amazing and despite the technological advances, there is a simpleness to it. It’s storytelling at its best. SOLAR isn’t a simple story. It’s complicated but in a good way. Different personalities are represented and the storyline bounces back and fourth giving an added mystery to the story. It’s thrilling but there’s some humor here too. Those who have missed seeing Helen Hunt on TV will appreciate hearing her voice, and sarcasm, once again, but all of the players here are great."
