Alienate

Alienate is a science-fiction thriller that follows the story of David, a struggling artist-turned-scientist who built an interstellar communication device. His invention creates a direct line to extraterrestrial life, but his excitement turns to fear after discovering a startling message from his creation.

The movie starts with David and his wife, Jess, moving into a new house after deciding to start their lives anew. David seems optimistic about their future, but the couple's problems become more evident as the movie progresses. Jess is struggling with drug addiction, and David is spending all his time in his lab, trying to perfect his machine. Soon, the machine becomes the center of their lives, and it is all that David can think about.

David's alien communication device is an innovative technology, but he soon discovers that it is more powerful than he ever imagined. One day, he makes contact with an alien race that is interested in coming to earth. David is thrilled, but soon realizes that the aliens may not be as harmless as he initially believed. The device unleashes terrible consequences that threaten to destroy everything, including his marriage, his life and the planet.

The film is an intense and suspenseful ride. The narrative is very engaging, and the characters, especially David, are well-developed. The movie also has terrific visuals that convey a sense of dread and anxiety that perfectly matches the storytelling. The design of the aliens is unique, and the way they communicate with David is both eerie and otherworldly.

Blake Webb delivers a great performance as David, conveying the character's paranoia and panic as everything around him falls apart. Tatum Langton also shines as Jess, bringing depth and pathos to her portrayal of a woman struggling with addiction. Jaclyn Hales, who plays a fellow scientist, provides another compelling performance. The supporting cast is also well-written and delivered.

The direction by Michael Shumway is tight, with the story unfolding at a brisk pace that keeps the audience engaged. The script by Rick Hansberry is thought-provoking, exploring themes of obsession, addiction, and fear of the unknown. It is a thoughtful piece that's executed beautifully by Shumway.

Overall, Alienate is an excellent low-budget sci-fi thriller. While it might not be groundbreaking, the movie is highly entertaining and visually striking. It is a testament to the power of storytelling that even on a small budget, it is still possible to create a compelling and highly engaging narrative that resonates with audiences. Anyone who likes sci-fi and suspense would be well-advised to seek out Alienate.