Altered

Altered is a gripping 2006 sci-fi horror film directed by Eduardo Sánchez, who is best known as one of the co-directors of the 1999 horror breakthrough "The Blair Witch Project". It stars Adam Kaufman, Catherine Mangan, and Brad William Henke in the lead roles. Altered is a practical effects-heavy horror film that grapples with themes of alien abduction and revenge.

The storyline revolves around three childhood friends, now traumatised and grown up, who plan for revenge against an alien extraterrestrial who they believe abducted their fourth friend during their childhood. As they attempt to live normal lives, the invisible scars from their traumatic experiences still linger, allowing their past to cast a long shadow over their existence, setting a haunting backdrop for the film.

Adam Kaufman plays Wyatt, one of the trio, and his performance stands out as he battles paranoia, fear, and madness. He is haunted by the loss of his friend and tormented by the memory of his alien encounter. Catherine Mangan portrays Hope, Wyatt's understanding girlfriend who juggles her love for Wyatt and her skepticism about his and his friends' far-fetched tales of alien encounters.

Brad William Henke further adds tension as Duke, a hotheaded member of the friends trio who has an aggressive survivalist approach to dealing with the alien threat. This fraught dynamic between the characters helps to keep the film engaging beyond the standard alien abduction storyline.

The film comes alive during the night, filled with deep, dark woods that hold an unspeakable horror. The lighting and cinematography create an intense claustrophobic sense, effectively translating the characters' fear and suspense onto the screen. The practical effects deserve a special mention as they effectively ground the alien elements in a disturbingly tangible reality, providing a raw edge to the film that enhances the unnerving atmosphere.

Eduardo Sánchez effectively handles the narrative, interspersing quick flashbacks and subtle reveals to steadily build tension. His signature handheld camera technique, so memorable from The Blair Witch Project, is evident in Altered, adding another layer of suspense and authenticity. Often, he leaves things unsaid and unshown, thereby compelling the viewer to imagine and fill the gaps themselves, leading to an eerie and anxious experience.

The screenplay of Altered is designed to get under the audience's skin. Jamie Nash delivers a script that explores not just the idea of aliens and abductions but also the deeper psychological effects such encounters can cause. The dialogue further builds on the strung-out temperament of the film, offering snippets of the characters' shared past throughout, which provides a certain depth to their conversations and relationships.

Composition-wise, Tony Cora's score brings another layer of tension. It's a spine-chilling accompaniment to the escalating terror, masterfully weaving an auditory landscape of dread and anxious anticipation. It manages to build suspense without revealing too much, thus keeping the audience on edge throughout.

Overall, Altered is not your typical sci-fi horror. It's a finely tuned psychological thriller that is as much about old scars and unseen ghosts as it is about alien invasions. Its focus on the after-effects of a traumatic alien encounter carves out a narrative niche, delivering an unnerving exploration of fear and paranoia. Packed with tension, drama, and gritty performances, Altered is a bone-chilling ride that leaves a lasting impression. Even though it was made relatively modestly, its smart direction, atmospheric horror elements, and a suspenseful narrative make it a must-watch for any fan of the genre.