My quick rating - 6.6/10. This is a sci-fi movie but do not be fooled since it clearly is a #Shocktober flick that takes you on a heart-pounding journey that blurs the line between science fiction and horror. Director Brian Duffield crafts a relentlessly suspenseful narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. At its core, the film tells the harrowing tale of Brynn (Kaitlyn Dever), an anxiety-ridden homebody, exiled within the confines of her own home. But her haven turns into a nightmarish battleground when an extraterrestrial creature infiltrates her home, setting the stage for a spine-tingling confrontation that will leave you breathless. I really enjoyed how this initially is filmed to appear like a home invasion flick. Adding to whoever is the attacker, the way this flick was able to manipulate light and shadow, transforming even the brightest scenes into a haunting, atmospheric backdrop. The play of darkness and light creates an eerie ambiance, amplifying the tension and keeping you perpetually unsettled. The cinematography borders on brilliance, each frame is meticulously composed, enhancing the movie's overall sense of dread. The attention to detail in setting up creepy-looking shots is commendable, adding layers of depth to the film's visual storytelling. The creature design, while adhering to the classic stereotype of an alien, is executed with striking simplicity. It's in this simplicity that the terror truly lies. The alien's appearance, while familiar, becomes profoundly unsettling within the context of the story. Its menace emanates not from elaborate, over-the-top features, but rather from its sheer, unadulterated malevolence. This raw, primal fear underscores the film's ability to tap into the deepest recesses of your mind. Brynn's character development is another noteworthy aspect as Dever evolves seamlessly. As the story unfolds, her journey from a sheltered, anxiety-ridden individual to a courageous fighter is both believable and compelling. This transformation adds emotional weight to the narrative, which pulled me in and made me actually care about her survival. The story which you must piece together from flashbacks and cues along the way does end up being incorporated into a finale that will make you think after it ends. I would say near must-watch for horror enthusiasts and science fiction fans alike. Its ability to merge the eerie atmosphere of classic horror with the thrilling elements of sci-fi creates a cinematic experience not often felt on a small screen. So, brace yourselves for a nightmarish journey into the unknown, because in this #Shocktober flick, no one will save you from the relentless grip of terror.
It would seem like I am purposely targeting Hulu which I am not but if interested, that is where to find it.
