2007’s Timecrimes was director Nacho Vigalondo’s first feature-length accidental time-travelling cult favourite and Extraterrestrial (or Extraterrestre) was the follow-up; And it’s an impressive comedy-drama studying the human condition, with the addition of a potential alien attack loitering overhead.

When Julio (Julián Villagrán), an industrial design student, wakes up in a strange bed one morning he quickly discovers he’s not in his own flat. A drunken evening has turned to this hung-over, unsure moment after a one-night stand. And he quickly discovers that he’s spent the night with the charming Julia (Michelle Jenner) but now both of them are stuck in each other’s awkward company.

As the small talk dries up, Julio borrows the old-school landline to make a phone call (as his mobile isn’t working) and that’s when they discover that something isn’t right, as if everything is a ‘little too quiet.’ Soon enough they look up, grab the camcorder from the flat and discover a giant UFO floating ominously above them, and make the sensible decision to try and make a plan first.

They’re joined by interfering neighbour Angel (Carlos Areces), who claims to be looking for people who haven’t fled the city. He tells us he’s here for a positive cause when, in truth, there’s an unrequited love for Julia that’s kept him in the building. But that’s not all, as one soul is missing from the eventual quartet of main characters and soon enough, another twist in the tale as Carlos (Raul Cimas) arrives and it’s revealed that Julia has a boyfriend.

So while this could be a similar premise to some, Extraterrestrial finds an overall impressive balance for a lower-budget film. Whereas some sci-fi films move towards the threat of an ‘end of the world’ situation, this group are distracted by their own objectives and therefore the bigger picture is somewhat – literally – in the background. In essence, it’s a character study that certainly works well as it examines and uncovers everyone’s quirks and flaws.

Extraterrestrial is smart with a dry sense of humour that also feels like it’d work well on stage. With those four central characters, this exploration into their lives could effortlessly develop into an encapsulating piece of theatre. What also makes Nacho Vigalondo’s film special is that it’s about individuality and this can be overlooked on smaller budget films. A great script makes the difference, and this one twists the genre, where many are weighed down by repetition. It’s impressive for all the right reasons which includes charismatic direction from Vigalondo.

Extraterrestrial is available to stream now: https://amzn.to/4jG1z2U

This review was originally published on The Hollywood News in 2012