Extinction is a 2018 science fiction thriller directed by Ben Young, starring Michael Peña, Lizzy Caplan, and Israel Broussard. The film delves into themes of memory, identity, survival, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding humanity’s technological advancements. While it offers an intriguing premise and unexpected twists, it has received mixed reviews for its execution.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around Peter (Michael Peña), a family man who is plagued by recurring nightmares of an apocalyptic invasion. These dreams cause strain in his relationships with his wife, Alice (Lizzy Caplan), and their two daughters. When a sudden and devastating alien invasion strikes Earth, Peter’s visions start to make sense as he realizes they may have been premonitions.

As the family struggles to survive, Peter discovers that the truth behind the invasion and his own identity is far more complex than it seems. The narrative takes a sharp turn when it is revealed that Peter and his family are not humans but synthetic beings (androids), and the invaders are actually human survivors attempting to reclaim Earth from the AI civilization that overtook it.

Strengths

1.Intriguing Premise

The film cleverly subverts expectations with its mid-story twist, turning the audience’s perception of the protagonists and antagonists on its head. This shift adds depth to the narrative and raises thought-provoking questions about morality, identity, and the consequences of human actions.

2.Michael Peña’s Performance

Known for his comedic roles, Peña delivers a convincing and earnest performance as a man grappling with existential questions and the instinct to protect his family. Lizzy Caplan also provides solid support as Alice, though her character lacks significant development.

3.Themes and Subtext

Extinction explores timely themes such as the ethics of artificial intelligence, the nature of memory, and the resilience of the human spirit, even when embodied in synthetic form. It also critiques humanity’s tendency toward destruction and fear of “the other.”

4.Visual Effects

While not groundbreaking, the film’s visual effects effectively depict the invasion and dystopian setting, enhancing the tension and urgency of the story.

Weaknesses

1.Pacing Issues

The film struggles with pacing, particularly in the first half. The build-up to the invasion feels slow
and repetitive, with Peter’s dreams and strained family dynamics dominating the screen time without adding significant layers to the characters.

2.Character Development

While the twist is compelling, it comes at the expense of character depth. Peter and Alice are not fully fleshed out, making it harder for the audience to emotionally invest in their journey.

3.Missed Opportunities

The film raises interesting questions about identity and humanity but does not explore them in depth. The philosophical implications of the twist could have been more thoroughly examined to leave a lasting impact.

4.Derivative Elements

Some critics have noted similarities to other sci-fi works, such as Blade Runner, Battlestar Galactica, and A.I.: Artificial Intelligence. While Extinction offers its own unique twist, it does not entirely escape the shadow of its predecessors.

Reception

Critics and audiences have been divided on Extinction. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a modest score, with praise for its concept but criticism for its execution. Many viewers appreciated the twist but felt the film did not fully capitalize on its potential.

Conclusion

Extinction is an ambitious sci-fi thriller that offers a fresh take on the alien invasion genre with its central twist. While it stumbles in execution and character development, it remains a thought-provoking film that invites viewers to question the definitions of humanity and survival. Fans of dystopian and philosophical science fiction may find it worth a watch, even if it doesn’t achieve the greatness of the classics it draws inspiration from.