Extinction is a sci-fi thriller that begins like a familiar alien-invasion story, then quietly pivots into something more reflective and unsettling. While it doesn’t always stick the landing, its ambition and emotional undercurrent make it more interesting than its mixed reputation suggests.

The film follows a man plagued by recurring visions of a catastrophic invasion—dreams that feel too vivid to dismiss. When the attack finally arrives, Extinction initially plays by genre rules: chaos, panic, and survival. But the real strength of the movie lies in its mid-story revelation, which flips perspective and forces the audience to question who the “invaders” really are. This twist gives the film its identity and elevates it beyond standard sci-fi fare.

Michael Peña delivers a surprisingly grounded performance, anchoring the story with vulnerability and quiet desperation. His fear feels personal, rooted in family rather than heroics. Lizzy Caplan provides emotional balance, though her character sometimes feels underwritten. The family dynamic is believable and helps humanize a story that could have easily become cold and mechanical.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV_oUjvJxcg

Visually, Extinction is effective but restrained. The action sequences favor confusion and immediacy over grandeur, which works for the film’s intimate tone. The design of the attackers and technology is sleek, but never distracting. The score leans melancholic, reinforcing themes of loss, memory, and guilt.

Where the film stumbles is pacing. The first act takes its time, and some exposition arrives too late or too abruptly. A deeper exploration of the moral implications introduced by the twist would have strengthened the final act.

Related movies :