Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick provided one of the most original and refreshing screenplays in quite some time with 2016’s “Deadpool,” the wildly popular box office smash that was able to take the superhero genre and spin it on its head.

“Life,” directed by Daniel Espinosa (“Child 44”), attempts to do the exact same thing as “Deadpool.” As many science fiction films do, “Life” takes in Ridley Scott’s “Alien” formula.

In “Life,” a group of scientists conduct research aboard the International Space Station. Through a sample of Mars’ surface, they discover a single-celled organism that is proof of life on other planets. After a short time manipulating and studying the organism, nicknamed Calvin, they are astounded by how rapidly it is evolving. They soon realize the power this creature has and the destruction it could cause on Earth so they try to kill it.

First of all, the evolution of Calvin is an extremely fascinating one. Horror monsters and science fiction aliens rarely stand the test of time; only a handful of movies from these genres have. Calvin may not go down as the greatest of all time, but it could secure a spot in the honorable mentions. From a small, almost cute specimen to the monster it becomes, Calvin’s anatomy and strengths make it an interesting, yet terrifying, foe for the scientists to confront.

Espinosa’s cinematography in the space environment is quite eye catching. The big swooping shots weaving in and out of different compartments of the station as different things are going on almost lets the audience feel as if they are floating in zero gravity with the crew. It is a very effective visual experience with some very cool shots throughout.

Espinosa also captures some very disturbing and violent damage done by Calvin. There are some twisted deaths, which is always something fans of horror and science-fiction combinations look for. People know the moment in “Alien” where the monster emerges through a man’s chest and people will take away a memorable scene from this as well.

Casting is solid all around. The most memorable performances come from Jake Gyllenhaal (“Nocturnal Animals”), Rebecca Ferguson (“The Girl on the Train”) and Ryan Reynolds (“Criminal”).

Reynolds must have grown some sort of relationship with these two screenwriters to come and lend his talents to this horror thriller in space. He brings the same sarcastic vibe he had as Wade Wilson in “Deadpool,” at an acceptable level for a scientist in space. He brings the humor and lightheartedness in the beginning of the film.

Gyllenhaal is always a safe bet at this point. Even though “Life” will not go down as his best work, it is another diverse and fun project to add to his resume.

However, the best performance of the entire film comes from Ferguson and should be considered her best since 2015’s “Mission: Impossible-Rogue Nation.” This is another film where she shines as an impressive and interesting character, even though there is an intense story surrounding her.

There was a rumor that “Life” was a secret prequel to Sony’s planned “Venom” spinoff, but that was quickly shot down. With the film’s somewhat shocking twist and the creature itself, this could have been the coolest way to setup the “Venom” universe.

“Life” stands on its own as a fresh and original sci-fi horror flick.