Movie Review: ‘Alien Love’ – Space Travel, Love and Change.

Alien stories can never get old. It also feels that the subject matter is so rich and versatile that it can be explored in countless ways, ensuring it never becomes stale or repetitive. We can never fully grasp the complexities of space travel and its effects on the human body and mind. This film seems to centre on that very premise, telling the story of a man who returns home changed, after his first voyage to space.

This is the premise for ‘Alien Love‘ a sci-fi drama directed by Simon Olive which ventures into the depths of space travel and the complexities it can have on human relationships. The story follows astronaut Ryan Van Hill-Song, as he returns from his first voyage to space with more than just stories.

In the film, Sadie is awaiting the return of her husband from his first voyage to space. She gets an unexpected visit from a NASA official who tells her that, they lost communication with Ryan for a while but are confident that he is fine and will soon be home. Ryan returns home and it is clear that he is not the same as he left. He acts strange and seems to be looking for some answers for himself.

The narrative reveals more about his encounter in space and how it seems to have changed him. But the couple are expecting their first child and it appears that all is not what it seems.

On the surface, ‘Alien Love‘ presents a fresh perspective into the pool of space stories. It attempts to tackle the physical and emotional challenges faced by those who venture into space, touching on the potential terrestrial encounters that could change a person in many ways. The film’s exploration of how these experiences affect Ryan and his relationship with Sadie is a compelling aspect of the story. However, while the concept holds promise, the execution leaves something to be desired.

Producer Nathan Hill plays the lead role of astronaut Ryan Van Hillsong in this film. He is also credited as a writer on the project.  It is quite clear that this is a film that is dear to his heart with the way he commits to playing the character to the best of his capabilities. Although it might not be an entirely mind-blowing performance, Hill brings enough to the table to make it convincing and believable. Particularly in the way he portrays, Ryan as confused and almost not entirely sane. The delivery of the character is decent enough.

Ira Chakraborty also delivers a commendable performance as Sadie, showcasing the emotional turmoil of a woman dealing with her husband’s return and her mother’s illness. Her layered portrayal adds depth to the film, highlighting the personal stakes involved.

Visually, ‘Alien Love‘ bears the hallmarks of an indie production. The film has a raw, unpolished aesthetic that, while perhaps unintentional, adds a certain authenticity to the narrative. However, the lack of cinematic flair sometimes works against the film, making it feel underdeveloped. A more polished visual style could have enhanced the storytelling, adding to the atmosphere and tension, especially during moments when the narrative seems to lack any urgency.

One of the film’s notable shortcomings is its pacing. The story progresses slowly, often lacking the urgency that the plot demands. This sluggish pace can be frustrating, especially when it feels like critical information is being withheld or unnecessarily drawn out. The potential for more intense, gripping scenes is present, but the film often fails to capitalize on these moments. The narrative hints at a larger conspiracy involving NASA, but it never fully explores this angle, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.

Alien Love feels like a story with untapped potential. The idea of an astronaut returning home with unforeseen consequences is compelling, but the film doesn’t quite manage to deliver a satisfying exploration of this concept. The film asks intriguing questions about what happens when an astronaut returns home different from when he left, grappling with the unknown and the unexplainable.

Despite its flaws, the film offers a glimpse into the unique challenges of space travel and its impact on personal relationships.

As an indie production, it provides a modest form of entertainment, earning a middling score of 5/10. While it may not be a standout in the sci-fi genre, you can say that it is a decent watch for those intrigued by the human side of space exploration.