Director: Nacho Vigalondo
Starring: Julian Villagran, Michelle Jenner, Carlos Areces, Raul Cimas, Miguel Noguera.
Running Time: 95 minutes
Certificate: 15
The film may boast a title, tagline, and posters which highlight the alien nature of the film, but it should be known that the aliens in question may little to no appearance. This seems like a fair warning, as many have been disappointed by the lack of what they feel has been promised. Luckily, we still have an absolutely charming tale of human interaction in the face of such a huge event.
TIMECRIMES director Nacho Vigalondo presents us with EXTRATERRESTRIAL, the story of a one night stand that happens to end the day alien spaceships hover above earth. Making matters more complicated are the fact that the girl in question has a longterm boyfriend, as well as a neighbour obsessed with her. The film focuses specifically on the dynamics between the group as Julio (Villagran) and Julia (Jenner) attempt to hide their relationship from Carlos (Cimas). The comedy derives from how wrapped up our human characters are in their lives which are tiny in teh grand scheme of things. Perhaps audiences are right to be annoyed at the fact the aliens are pretty much ignored, but it’s the characters they should be annoyed at, not the film itself.
Set almost entirely in a small apartment the characters begin using the alien’s arrival to their advantage. Julio and Julia begin to convince Carlos that Angel (Areces), the nosy neighbour threatening to expose the affair, may be an alien himself. It’s cruel, but is soon justified by Angel’s wacky attempts to show Carlos who they truly are. Despite the idea of cheating, the film keeps a neutral look when examining relationships and makes everybody likable in some regard.
Vigalondo ends up generating a sweet and memorable look at humanity in a microcosm of excellence. Those expecting any sudden movement from the ever watching aliens will be upset, but those more concerned with human goings on and having a good laugh will revel in a deceptive but heartfelt film worth revisiting.
[usr=4] EXTRATERRESTRIAL is released on DVD from 1st September.
