Humanity's intolerance emerges after the arrival of an alien spaceship

Rating: Null/10 (7 September 2009)

Just saw this in a two-thirds full screening, and while it was very enjoyable I don't think it's quite the masterpiece some are saying it is(as it's not as impeccable as it could be on all levels) and here's my reasons why:
Acting: Copley is very believable as a oblivious worker then desperate, reluctant anti-hero later on. His raw emotions were really well done, though his accent, especially when swearing might leave some people in fits of giggles, as it does sound somewhat Scottish and a few other British accents. It's a perfectly authentic South African accent, though.
Unfortunately, Haywood, who plays his wife, is unconvincing. Her emotional scenes merely look contrived, as if she's very much out of her depth and can't deliver the feelings required.
Plot: Because this moves at such a breakneck place, I'm sure keen-eyed viewers will spot plot holes aplenty. It's too rushed in places, and I actually got slight headache from the shaky cam in the doc segments and the speed of some shots. Slowing down to appreciate in the non-doc segments where appropriate would've helped maybe. Most of the fast pacing did give it a sense of heightened urgency, though.
The doc segments feel jarring as well, in their transition. Maybe book ending the film with them would've worked better. This structure could be hit or miss with audiences.
There's your clichéd MNU soldiers (especially a particularly wicked, merciless one) and a Nigerian criminal overlord, obsessed with voodoo. They're archetypes. Stock villains. Stereotypical antagonists that feel too banal and one-note for a film that aims for realism.
The main character could split opinions as some may route for him after his personality transforms, and others not. He's morally grey and not as clear cut as we initially think.
Conversely, it's good points are how emotive these aliens seem yet they're completely not from this world. The main one, Christopher especially is the 'prawn' I completely emotionally invested in.
The aliens have a strong sense of realism about them and humanity so that side of the plot, the political and social commentary side of it works quite well.
I liked how visceral, tense and explosive the action scenes were and how engrossing Wikus' tale is.
SFX and Cinematography: For a low budget film, the effects are great. The CGI looks solid and has a physicality about it, especially up close. Does what effects are expected to do.
I noticed just how much depth of feelings the eyes of the aliens conveyed, especially Christopher. Heartbreaking at times, just how sad and how deep in despair this creature was.
The grimy South African look effectively grounds the sci-fi elements in reality in a stylistic way.
Score: Dramatic and touching when it needed to be. Really good, but shame it's not available to buy as of the time of writing this review.
Overall: A solid attempt at something fresh, from a different angle in a genre that has become over-familiar. Flawed, yes, but it's exciting, compelling and has parallels in today's world. Interesting if not great on all levels but a very good film indeed. A definite must-see at the cinema.