The Crown star's underrated sci-fi thriller compared to James Cameron classics

One of Marvel's latest stars currently featuring in recent release The Fantastic Four: First Steps has a lesser-known sci-fi gem in their filmography.

While currently captivating audiences with her superhero persona The Invisible Woman in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's newest offering, Vanessa Kirby is also well known as a former star of Netflix series The Crown, for which she won a BAFTA.

However, fans may want to discover one of her previous works, Kill Command, a 2016 release that predates her acclaimed performances in the Fast and Furious or Missioin Impossible franchises.

As part of its gripping narrative, cyborg Katherine Mills and a team of marines find their training mission on a secluded island spiralling into chaos as they are inexplicably targeted by drones.

For those enamoured by Kirby's performance in The Fantastic Four, it's an opportune moment to delve into her earlier work.

Kill Command can be streamed via multiple platforms, including Prime Video, Disney Plus, and Tubi, where it's currently available for free, reports the Mirror.

Penned and directed by Steven Gomez, who also boasts a successful career as a visual effects supervisor, the film's CGI has garnered praise from viewers despite its modest budget.

Critics certainly took notice, awarding it a solid 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One critic declared: "Steven Gomez' feature debut, Kill Command, is a stunning piece of eye candy for those who like their cinematic technology to bite back."

Another wrote: "Steven Gomez's sci-fi thriller comes on like the ultimate James Cameron homage and fortunately, the retro vibe extends to the storytelling, which is a brisk and well-judged balance."

Whilst some viewers acknowledge the plot lacks complete originality, they still regard it as thoroughly engaging viewing. One fan, expressing their views online, commented: "Brilliant film, utterly unoriginal but utterly convincing, it plays out like a cross between Aliens, The Terminator, Doom and The Lion King."

Numerous viewers who stumbled upon the film were astonished they'd previously been unaware of its existence, particularly given Kirby's subsequent meteoric rise to stardom. One baffled viewer questioned: "How the hell had I not heard of this movie? ! Such a great military sci-fi film. Standard rogue AI idea but really well done. Some really great actors and dialogue that is way better than your average sci-fi. It's basically Predator but with AI robot soldiers instead of an alien but that's totally fine with me! A great way to spend a couple of hours. Thoroughly recommended."

Someone else contributed: "This is an underrated movie, with a talented cast of British and Danish actors, all playing Americans. In the cast, Vanessa Kirby is the biggest name in the movie. An interesting story about using A.I as a weapon and it's going wrong. The special effects are good, and the story is interesting, so watch it."

Echoing these thoughts, another viewer remarked: "Surprisingly good movie, considering it was made at such a low budget. Started watching it simply to pass time, ended up holding my breath until the last scene.. Don't go looking for originality, just watch it for fantastic actions and CGI."

Elsewhere, a different fan declared: "If you liked Terminator or Predator, you will enjoy this movie as well. Does not feel like a low budget movie - very well done. Great ending."

Kill Command is streaming on Prime Video, Disney Plus and Tubi.