Almost Human

Almost Human is a compelling science-fiction horror film released in 2013. Directed by Joe Begos, the film features a cast that includes Graham Skipper, Josh Ethier, and Vanessa Leigh. Almost Human is set in a small, almost isolated town, an eerily perfect location for a horror thriller, where Begos relies on the perfect blend of suspense and gory scenes to create an unanticipated nightmare.

The plot revolves around the protagonist, Seth (played by Graham Skipper), who finds himself in the midst of a sudden and unsettling event when his close friend Mark (Josh Ethier) mysteriously disappears into thin air under inexplicably bizarre circumstances. This event is delineated with superb detail and precision, emphasizing a frightening spectacle, a blue light from the sky, which takes Mark away, leaving Seth in a state of terror and trauma. This supernatural occurrence sets off a panic that remains a lingering shadow throughout the entire film.

Two years after Mark's inexplicable disappearance, Seth starts to experience disturbing nightmares and a sense of dread as the same ominous light starts showing up again. Seth, fighting his own paranoia and the skepticism of those around him, believes that Mark is about to return. His conviction is eventually confirmed when a series of gruesome murders occurs, shaking their quiet town. The horror intensifies as Seth's fears become reality, and the movie explores the terrifying aftermath of Mark's return.

Josh Ethier, in addition to playing Mark, serves as the film's editor and producer, forming a significant backbone of the movie's production team. Ethier completely immerses himself into his character, capturing the essence of disquiet and fear that the narrative hinges on. His performance, coupled with realistic makeup effects, enhance the credibility of the horrifying consequences of Mark's return.

Graham Skipper as Seth is nerve-wrecking with his paranoia-driven demeanor. His performance holds the audience in a constant state of alarm, contributing significantly to the film's suspense and overall frightening atmosphere. Vanessa Leigh, who plays Jen, Mark's girlfriend, is also caught in the wave of terror. Her portrayal of a woman tormented by the loss of her boyfriend yet driven to discover the truth adds emotional depth to the film.

Director Joe Begos does a remarkable job of seamlessly blending the sci-fi and horror genres. He succeeds in creating an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere, where even the predictable becomes unpredictable. The film’s incredibly low budget might have limited special effects, but is compensated by imaginative storyline and committed performances by all actors.

The script, written by Begos himself, effectively maintains a feeling of uneasy suspense throughout the movie. It expertly poses questions about human nature and our understanding of reality while depicting the struggles the characters go through in the face of the bizarre and frightening situation.

Adding to the anxiety-inducing atmosphere is the cinematography by Jon D. Wagner, which is atmospheric, dark, and haunting in the film's most unsettling moments. The original sound score by Andy Garfield, with its brooding and suspenseful undertones, significantly escalifies the overall horror aesthetic of the movie.

Although Almost Human may seem like a straightforward horror thriller, it surprises with its nuanced exploration of themes such as fear of the unknown, trauma, and our perception of reality. It is a tribute to various classic sci-fi and horror films, from its overall storyline down to its execution, but still it manages to stand out on its own.

In conclusion, Almost Human is a chilling science fiction horror film that combines the raw intensity of character-driven drama with the terror of alien abduction theories. The remarkable performances of the cast, alongside the disconcerting plotline, make Almost Human not just an entertaining film, but also an intriguing study of fear, disbelief, and the struggle to make sense of the unimaginable.