funky-archibald Reviews

Invasion (2021–2024)

A mysterious, enigmatic, different take on the alien invasion genre

[9/10 · 8 September 2022]

To start: I do not understand all the negative reviews this show gets. I would, if all the reviewers were fans of Transformers and other sci-fi action films on steroids, but otherwise, no, I don't understand.

Sci-fi movies and series that are thoughtfully written and well produced are few and far between. To name a few, I consider films like Arrival, District 9, Nope, Bladerunner, A Quiet Place and series like The Expanse and The Leftovers true sci-fi greats, because they tell a story in their own way and at their own pace. You could call some of those slow, and in a way, that's one of their selling points: a slow build-up generates a ton of anticipation and leaves a lot of the mystery to be discovered bit by bit, instead of force feeding it to you ASAP.

Invasion does take that slow approach, but to me, it doesn't feel tedious or strung out. The characters are well developed and realistic human beings, the mystery is enticing, the effects are cool and you really get the sense of dread the characters feel. You only know as much as they do, which is a great formula for an alien invasion story.

I cannot wait for the second season, and I hope it will get the recognition it deserves so that the story can be developed as it was meant to.

I recommend you give it a chance, and I'm sure you'll love it if you're a fan of the slower, more thoughtful kind of sci-fi.

The Invitation (I) (2015)

Incredibly tense, oddly realistic

[9/10 · 26 May 2016]

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the score for this film. It doesn't do it any justice, and some of the reviews I've read here don't make valid points in my opinion. So, I felt I owed this film my own review.

First of all, the tension: man this thing has a killer build-up! You could call it slow (if you're a Transformers kind of guy), but it never gets "boring". You're on the edge of your seat from the moment the film starts, partly due to a very subtle but creepy soundtrack, which reminded me of sound effects in some of David Lynch's movies. Adding to that is the fantastic performance of Logan Marshall-Green as the tormented Will. He, and the events that follow, will keep you guessing about his mental health and whether his paranoia is justified or not, almost until the end. Michiel Huisman plays the very smooth and lulling host to great effect, and the rest of the group of friends is also very believable and natural.

THE scene (no spoilers, you'll know which one I'm talking about when you see it!) was so well done I really had the feeling I was there. It all happens so slow, so eerily apropos, and so jaw-droppingly unexpected that you really get the feeling of "oh my, that could be me out there". The little twist in the last couple of minutes is the cherry on the cake, and makes you even more uncomfortable than you already were.

This is a case of an "ignore the scores, just watch it already!" film, and I hope you enjoy it every bit as much as I did!