What is Science Fiction?
4/21/24
When you think of Science Fiction, what do you picture? For me, it is typically some sort of robot-gone-wild or a dystopian-society-gone-wrong.
When I started writing my novel LIMINAL, I knew it had sci-fi elements to it. At its very core, the novel is about a technology able to capture peoples’ memories when their lives flash before their eyes as they’re dying. There is so much more to the book, however, than just the scientific elements of it, leading me to first characterize it as a psychological thriller. What I learned is that in sci-fi, there in fact is a very wide range of sub-genres where LIMINAL dances, and sci-fi may indeed be its best home.
Sci-fi typically involves futuristic or advanced technology, scientific principles, and extrapolations of current scientific knowledge. Sci-fi tends to be grounded in scientific plausibility, although it may still stretch the limits of known science. A recent example of sci-fi is the novel turned Netflix show The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin. This story combines science with speculative elements, exploring humanity's encounter with an alien civilization and the repercussions of this discovery. Another great example of sci-fi in recent years is the anthology series Black Mirror, which delves into the dark and often dystopian consequences of modern and future technology, while offering thought-provoking insights into the human condition and society's relationship with technology.
The term Speculative Fiction can also be used when describing these types of stories. But what exactly is speculative fiction? By definition, speculative fiction is a broader category that encompasses elements of sci-fi, fantasy, and other genres. These stories often explore hypothetical scenarios or alternative realities that diverge from our own in differing ways, forcing us to question societal norms and pushing the boundaries of imagination. These kinds of stories may have some fantastical or supernatural elements, and in some cases, social or political commentary, but they do not necessarily have to have a scientific component. Take for example another great novel and show The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. This dystopian story explores a speculative future where a totalitarian regime subjugates women's rights and imposes strict social control, offering a chilling commentary on gender, politics, and power.
While both sci-fi and speculative fiction offer explorations of possible futures and alternative realities, they often approach these themes from different angles and with distinct storytelling styles. Whether rooted in scientific plausibility or boundless imagination, these genres continue to captivate audiences with their thought-provoking ideas and captivating narratives, and certainly make for great stories on the big screen.
Under his eye,
Court