The Darkest Dawn

The Darkest Dawn (2016) is an innovative blend of raw and gripping British sci-fi that offers a unique spin on the alien invasion genre. This film features a talented young cast, including YouTube celebrities Bethan Leadley, Cherry Wallis, and Jess Cleverly, each contributing their distinctive brand of digital influence to the narrative.

The movie revolves around two sisters, Chloe (Bethan Leadley) and Sam Murdock (Cherry Wallis). Chloe, the film's protagonist, receives a video camera for her birthday right when their world takes a sudden turn - an alien invasion. Unbeknownst to everyone, these extra-terrestrial infiltrators have sinister plans for planet earth and humanity.

The looming alien invasion creates a tense atmosphere that encourages viewers to feel the fear and uncertainty that envelopes the characters. The use of the found-footage style of storytelling broadens this immersive journey, providing an unfiltered view of the catastrophic events as they unfold through Chloe's lens.

Chloe, who emerges as the narrative's central character, is an optimistic and ambitious young woman who finds herself pit against insurmountable odds. Her sister, Sam, is a more pragmatic and cautious character, with the sisters' contrasting personalities forming the emotional basis of the plot. Their sibling dynamics, particularly their protection, love, and loyalty for each other despite the scaring predicament, bring a notable degree of emotional depth to the story. Their characters, entwined with the plight they share, creates a compelling watch and adds depth to this gripping survival tale.

The alien invaders themselves are sinister figures who achieve complete control of this new world, leading to a burning question that permeates much of the storyline: what do they want? Their terrifying presence is a constant threat to humanity, casting a horrific shadow over the mayhem-stricken Earth. The alien invasion at play here is brutal, forceful, and relentless, causing destruction and chaos worldwide, and causing the sisters to face increasing danger.

The character of Cowen (Jess Cleverly), a determined survivor, comes across as another exciting addition to the cast. The characters' relationships, circumstance-induced alliances, trials, and tribulations form a baffling maze of emotions, culminating into a thrilling climax.

Furthermore, the film's aesthetic and visual appeal are remarkable. Through Chloe's found footage, the film manages to capture beautifully curated shots of desolate English landscapes and dilapidated structures that create an eerie, post-apocalyptic atmosphere. Despite being a low-budget independent film, The Darkest Dawn achieves a commendable level of visual realism that is appreciable.

The Darkest Dawn is not just an alien invasion movie; it balances the aspects of sci-fi horror with heartening moments of human resilience, unity, family ties, and friendship beautifully. The actors pull off intense, stunning performances while managing to add moments of levity even amid such fear and danger - an underlining testament to human spirit and survival instincts.

Directed by Drew Casson and written by Jess Cleverly and Paul Neafcy, the film presents a chilling yet engrossing piece of science fiction narrative. The screenplay is crisp, and the narrative is paced effectively, ensuring that the film does not lose its grip on the audience. The fusion of horror, science fiction, drama, and action genres is seamless and intriguing.

The Darkest Dawn thus presents an interesting exploration of what an average person, like Chloe or Sam, would do when confronted with extraordinary circumstances, and how they navigate through this dystopian world. The humanity that the two sisters and their fellow survivors cling onto amidst this post-apocalyptic setting forms the very heart of the storyline.

In conclusion, The Darkest Dawn is an engaging and thrilling ride that amalgamates the alien invasion genre with a tale of survival, resilience, despair, hope, and familial love. It is a tribute to the resilience and stubbornness of the human spirit when faced with unfathomable odds. This film promises and delivers a combination of intense action sequences and emotional lines, making it an engrossing watch.