Extinction | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

Extinction (2018) is a sci-fi thriller directed by Ben Young, starring Michael Peña, Lizzy Caplan, and Mike Colter. The film follows the story of Peter (Michael Peña), a man plagued by recurring nightmares about an impending alien invasion. These dreams, increasingly vivid and disturbing, begin to disrupt his life and create tension with his wife, Alice (Lizzy Caplan), and their two daughters. Although Peter initially dismisses these visions as mere nightmares, he soon realizes that they might be something more when an alien invasion suddenly strikes Earth, matching the terrifying scenes from his dreams.

As the invasion unfolds, Peter and his family must navigate the chaos and destruction wrought by alien forces. The film takes viewers through their frantic attempt to survive and escape, revealing that Peter’s nightmares may have been premonitions, hinting at a hidden truth about his past. This revelation comes to light in a surprising twist, which turns the story on its head and adds layers of complexity to Peter’s character and the nature of the invasion itself.

The narrative takes on themes of memory, humanity, and identity, exploring the concept of “synthetics” (advanced androids that resemble humans). As the story progresses, it is revealed that Peter and his family are not humans but synthetics who had their memories altered after a previous human-synthetic war. This twist reframes the invasion as an attempt by humans to reclaim Earth from the synthetics, who have been living peaceful lives, believing themselves to be human.

While Extinction received mixed reviews, it was praised for its ambitious storyline and unique twist on the alien invasion trope. The film blends psychological thriller elements with action-packed sequences, creating a suspenseful atmosphere. Michael Peña’s performance was commended, as he effectively conveys the confusion and determination of a man trying to protect his family while grappling with the truth of his own existence.

However, some critics noted that the film’s execution of its intriguing premise was uneven, with certain plot points and character motivations feeling underdeveloped. The pacing, especially in the middle, occasionally slows down the momentum, and some viewers may find the emotional depth of the characters lacking. Despite these criticisms, the film’s twist and exploration of synthetic consciousness set it apart from typical invasion films.

In summary, Extinction offers an interesting take on the sci-fi genre, presenting a story about survival, identity, and what it means to be human. While it may not fully capitalize on its potential, the film provides an engaging watch with a thought-provoking twist that encourages viewers to question the nature of humanity and memory. For fans of sci-fi thrillers with existential themes, Extinction delivers a fresh perspective on familiar concepts and an action-driven narrative that keeps audiences guessing.