In the universe of Total Recall (1990), Federal Colonies are an extension of Earth's power beyond the planet itself. The most notable colony featured is on Mars, which is a mining outpost governed by a totalitarian regime led by Vilos Cohaagen. Mars serves as a vital source of resources for Earth, particularly a mineral called turbinium, essential for Earth's energy supply.
Life on Mars under Cohaagen’s rule is oppressive. The air is privatized, and the working-class citizens and mutants (those affected by radiation from poor living conditions) live under harsh conditions with limited rights. The colony reflects themes of corporate greed and control, with the elite living in luxury while the majority endure systemic inequities. It also highlights the human (and mutant) resistance against authoritarian control, as seen through the actions of the rebellion led by Kuato.
The Mars colony serves as a central location for the movie's drama, symbolizing both humanity's reach for the stars and the darker side of societal exploitation.
