Babylon A.D. (2008) – A Dystopian Action-Thriller with a Global Perspective: Movie Review

When it comes to dystopian action-thrillers, Babylon A.D. (2008) stands out as a film that blends high-octane action with a futuristic vision of a chaotic world. Directed by Mathieu Kᴀssovitz and starring Vin Diesel, this sci-fi adventure takes viewers on a gritty journey across a dystopian landscape. Released on August 29, 2008, Babylon A.D. promised a thrilling ride with its intriguing premise and international cast, including Michelle Yeoh and Mélanie Thierry. But does it deliver on its ambitious goals? In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the plot, characters, cinematography, soundtrack, and overall impact of Babylon A.D., while analyzing what makes it a noteworthy yet flawed addition to the dystopian genre.

Introduction: What Is Babylon A.D. All About?

Babylon A.D. is a film that dares to imagine a future where humanity teeters on the edge of collapse. Set in a world ravaged by war, corruption, and technological overreach, the movie follows Toorop (Vin Diesel), a battle-hardened mercenary tasked with transporting a mysterious young woman, Aurora (Mélanie Thierry), from a convent in Mongolia to New York City. Accompanied by Sister Rebeka (Michelle Yeoh), Toorop must navigate a treacherous journey through a dystopian wasteland filled with danger at every turn. The film’s premise hints at a larger conspiracy involving religious cults, genetic engineering, and global power struggles—an ambitious setup for a sci-fi action flick.

For fans of dystopian movies like Blade Runner or The Fifth Element, Babylon A.D. might seem like a natural fit. However, the film’s execution has sparked mixed reactions since its release. In this review, we’ll dive into what works, what doesn’t, and whether Babylon A.D. deserves a spot on your watchlist in 2025.

Plot Summary: A High-Stakes Journey Across a Broken World

The story begins in a near-future Eastern Europe, where Toorop ekes out a living as a gun-for-hire in a lawless society. After a brief but intense opening sequence, he’s approached by Gorsky (Gérard Depardieu), a shady businessman who offers him a lucrative job: escort Aurora, a sheltered young woman with uncanny abilities, across continents to the United States. The catch? The journey is fraught with mercenaries, border patrols, and a mysterious cult that seems determined to stop them at all costs.

As Toorop, Aurora, and Sister Rebeka traverse a world of crumbling cities, icy wastelands, and futuristic urban sprawls, the film gradually reveals Aurora’s significance. She’s not just a pᴀssenger—she’s a genetically engineered being with the potential to change the course of humanity. But the plot takes unexpected turns, blending action with philosophical undertones about faith, technology, and survival.

While the premise is gripping, Babylon A.D. struggles with pacing and coherence. The theatrical cut, in particular, feels rushed, with a runtime of just 90 minutes that doesn’t fully flesh out its complex ideas. Director Mathieu Kᴀssovitz famously disowned the final product, citing studio interference that trimmed down his original 160-minute vision. For those curious about the “unrated” version, it offers more context but still leaves some questions unanswered.

Characters and Performances: Vin Diesel Leads a Diverse Cast

Vin Diesel’s Toorop is the anchor of Babylon A.D., bringing his signature gravelly voice and stoic demeanor to the role. As a mercenary with a hidden moral compᴀss, Diesel delivers a solid performance that fans of The Fast and the Furious or Riddick will appreciate. However, the script doesn’t give him much room to explore Toorop’s backstory or emotional depth, leaving him as more of a vehicle for action than a fully realized character.

Mélanie Thierry shines as Aurora, infusing the role with a mix of innocence and eerie otherworldliness. Her character’s mysterious powers—ranging from heightened perception to cryptic visions—add an intriguing layer to the story, though her development feels incomplete. Michelle Yeoh, as Sister Rebeka, brings grace and strength to the film. Her martial arts skills and quiet determination make her a standout, even if her screen time is limited.

The supporting cast, including Gérard Depardieu as the sleazy Gorsky and Mark Strong as the enigmatic Dr. Arthur Darquandier, adds flavor to the narrative. However, many of these characters feel underutilized, hinting at a richer story that was left on the cutting room floor.

Cinematography: A Gritty, Globe-Spanning Aesthetic

One of Babylon A.D.’s strongest ᴀssets is its visuals. The film’s cinematography, helmed by Thierry Arbogast, captures a dystopian world with striking realism. From the bombed-out streets of Eastern Europe to the neon-lit chaos of a futuristic New York, each location feels distinct yet believably part of the same fractured universe. The use of muted color palettes—grays, browns, and blues—enhances the bleak atmosphere, while occasional bursts of light (like the glowing submarine chase) provide visual contrast.

The action sequences are a mixed bag. Standout moments, like the snowmobile chase across a frozen tundra or the chaotic urban shootouts, showcase Kᴀssovitz’s knack for dynamic direction. However, some scenes suffer from shaky camera work and abrupt editing, likely a result of the studio’s cuts. Fans of dystopian sci-fi will still find plenty to admire in the film’s ambitious world-building, which draws inspiration from classics like Children of Men and Mad Max.

Soundtrack: A Pulse-Pounding Score with Mixed Results

The film’s score, composed by Atli Örvarsson, complements its dystopian tone with a mix of industrial beats and haunting melodies. Tracks like “Aurora’s Theme” add emotional weight to key moments, while the pulsating rhythms during action scenes keep the adrenaline flowing. However, the soundtrack occasionally feels generic, lacking the memorable hooks of iconic sci-fi scores like Vangelis’s work on Blade Runner.

The sound design, on the other hand, is a highlight. The roar of gunfire, the hum of futuristic tech, and the ambient chaos of crowded cities immerse viewers in Toorop’s world. It’s a shame the narrative doesn’t always match the audio-visual intensity.

Themes and Symbolism: A Missed Opportunity?

At its core, Babylon A.D. grapples with big ideas: the intersection of religion and science, the ethics of genetic manipulation, and the cost of survival in a dying world. Aurora’s character, with her messianic undertones, hints at a deeper exploration of faith and destiny. The тιтle itself—evoking the ancient city of Babylon—suggests a commentary on human hubris and societal decay.

Unfortunately, these themes are only scratched on the surface. The theatrical cut prioritizes action over substance, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. The unrated version delves slightly deeper, but even then, the film struggles to tie its philosophical threads into a cohesive whole. It’s a frustrating case of “what could have been,” especially given Kᴀssovitz’s track record with thought-provoking films like La Haine.

Strengths: What Makes Babylon A.D. Worth Watching?

Despite its flaws, Babylon A.D. has plenty to offer. The film’s globe-spanning scope sets it apart from more contained dystopian tales, giving it a sense of grandeur. The action sequences, while uneven, deliver enough thrills to keep genre fans entertained. Vin Diesel’s commanding presence and the chemistry between the leads provide a solid foundation, even if the script doesn’t fully capitalize on it.

For viewers who enjoy piecing together a story’s mysteries, Babylon A.D. offers an intriguing puzzle—especially in its extended cut. It’s a film that invites speculation about its world and characters, making it a potential cult classic for those willing to overlook its shortcomings.

Weaknesses: Where Does Babylon A.D. Fall Short?

The biggest criticism of Babylon A.D. is its lack of narrative clarity. The theatrical version feels like a truncated shadow of Kᴀssovitz’s original vision, with jarring transitions and unresolved plot points. Characters like the High Priestess (Charlotte Rampling) and Darquandier hint at a larger conspiracy, but their roles are reduced to exposition dumps or vague threats.

The pacing is another issue. The film races through its setup and climax, leaving little time for character development or world-building. For a story with such ambitious scope, it needed a longer runtime to breathe. Studio interference undoubtedly played a role, but the end result is a film that feels incomplete.

Reception and Legacy: How Has Babylon A.D. Aged?

Upon release, Babylon A.D. received lukewarm reviews from critics, earning a 6% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 103 reviews. Audiences were kinder, with a 38% approval rating, suggesting it resonated more with casual viewers than reviewers. Financially, it underperformed, grossing $72.1 million against a $70 million budget.

Over time, Babylon A.D. has gained a small but dedicated following. Its gritty aesthetic and bold ideas have earned it a niche among dystopian sci-fi fans. The unrated cut, available on DVD and streaming platforms, has also helped rehabilitate its reputation slightly, offering a glimpse of what might have been.

Conclusion: Should You Watch Babylon A.D. in 2025?

Babylon A.D. (2008) is a flawed but fascinating entry in the dystopian action-thriller genre. It’s a film that promises more than it delivers, yet still manages to captivate with its visuals, performances, and untapped potential. If you’re a fan of Vin Diesel, dystopian settings, or high-stakes action, it’s worth a watch—especially the unrated version for a fuller experience. However, if you prefer тιԍнтly woven narratives or deep character studies, you might find it lacking.

Rating: 6.5/10
A thrilling ride with a global perspective, Babylon A.D. is an imperfect gem that leaves you wanting more. Stream it for the action and aesthetics, but don’t expect a masterpiece.

A Farmer’s Misplaced Hammer Led to the Largest Roman Treasure in Britain

Hoxne Hoard treasures. Photo by Helen Simonsson CC by SA-2.0

November 16, 1992 was the day which changed Suffolk-resident Eric Lawes’ life in a huge way. What he thought would have been an innocent search for a hammer he had misplaced on his farm in Hoxne Village, Suffolk, England ended up bringing him much more than he had bargained for — namely, uncovering the hiding spot of a long-hidden treasure. Based on the Guardian’s coverage of the story, Eric Lawes had been previously gifted a metal detector upon his retirement as a parting token. He decided to put his retirement gift to good use in order to locate the hammer which he had had some trouble finding. According to a 2018 Smithsonian Magazine article, when the device started recording that there was a strong signal coming from the earth, he knew that he was about to discover something big. As he started digging, it soon became clear to him that he had unearthed a treasure trove.

Hoxne Village. Photo by Duncan Grey CC BY-SA 2.0

The Guardian reports that, when Lawes saw that his preliminary digging had yielded a few gold coins and silver spoons, he immediately contacted both the local archaeological society and the police department. Archaeologists came to the property the following day and had the area of earth holding the treasure carefully sectioned-off and removed. Their hope was that at a later stage, in their laboratory, they could examined the items in order to identify both their age and how they were stored.

Hoxne Hoard: Display case at the British Museum showing a reconstruction of the arrangement of the hoard treasure when excavated in 1992. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

When all was said and done, close to 60 pounds of items made from silver and gold were found on the site. These included more than 15,000 Roman coins, 200 gold objects, and several silver spoons. For archaeologists, this find — which later became labeled as the Hoxne Hoard — was an incredible discovery. AP News reported that archaeologist Judith Plouviez was over-the-moon about the discovery, saying that it was “an incredibly exciting and amazing find.” What’s more, another archaeologist, Rachel Wilkinson, told Smithsonian Magazine that this discovery was “the largest and latest ever found in Britain.”

Hoxne Hoard: Coins. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

Ordinarily, archaeologists would use radiocarbon dating as a means of identifying the age of ancient relics. However, they couldn’t locate any suitable material from the haul. Consequently, they determined the age by examining writing on the coins, as well as the ruler carved into them, estimating that the treasure was probably buried in either 408 or 409 AD.

The silver “Hoxne Tigress” – the broken-off handle from an unknown object – is the best known single piece out of some 15,000 in the hoard. Photo by Mike Peel CC BY-SA 4.0

Roman-era archaeologist Peter Guest told Smithsonian Magazine that “if you look at them a little more carefully, then they should be dated to the period after the separation of Britain from the Roman Empire.” He offers as part of his evidence the fact that almost all of the coins found in the Hoxne Hoard were clipped – in other words, small chunks of their edges had been taken off. These clippings would have been used to create coins which were similar to the Roman coins of that era.

A silver-gilt spoon with a marine beast from the Hoxne Hoard. Currently in the British Museum. Photo by JMiall CC BY-SA 3.0

Guest has a logical reason for this, arguing that “The Roman Empire wasn’t supplying Britain with new gold and silver coins, and in light of that, the population tried to get over this sudden cutoff in the supply of their precious metals by making the existing supplies go further.”

Reconstruction of the Hoxne treasure chest. Photo by Mike Peel CC-BY-SA-4.0

Archaeologists also believe that the treasure belonged to a Romano-British family. During that time, considering that there was so much societal discord and upheaval, it was common for Romans who had settled in Britain to bury their most prized possessions.

Two gold bracelets from the Hoxne Hoard, in the British Museum. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0

That said, one archaeologist is of the belief that the hoard had a lot of sentimental value for the Romano-British family to whom it is believed to have belonged. In her book The Hoxne Late Roman Treasure: Gold Jewellery and Silver Plate, Catherine Johns claims that the manner in which the treasure was kept supported this claim. Some of the items which were recovered had been packaged in small, wooden boxes which were lined with leather. What’s more, pieces of wood, locks, and nails, among other things, surrounded the gold and silver pieces. This leads Catherine to assert that the package was carefully buried and not simply chucked away in a rush.

Three silver-gilt Roman piperatoria or pepper pots from the Hoxne Hoard on display at the British Museum

Interestingly enough, the items unearthed might shed some light on the identity of the family who owned them. They cite a gold bracelet bearing the inscription “UTERE FELIX DOMINA IULIANE,” which roughly translates to “use this happily Lady Juliane”. A second name “Aurelius Ursicinus” has also been discovered. This has consequently led some to believe that Juliane and Aurelius were the couple and the original owners of the treasure. That said, that has yet to be confirmed.

Two toiletry items, one in the shape of a crane-like bird; the other with an empty socket, probably for bristles for a makeup brush. Photo by Fæ CC BY-SA 3.0

All in all, the discovery was a real treasure for archaeologists, and by extension, for Lawes. According to Smithsonian Magazine, in recognition of his discovery and willingness to contact authorities, the British government rewarded him with over £1.7 million, an amount which he shared with the farmer whose land was dug out in order to get the treasure. Funnily enough, apart from the treasure, Lawes also found his lost hammer — which now resides in the British Museum.