Attack the Block

Attack the Block is a 2011 sci-fi horror-comedy film written and directed by Joe Cornish, his debut in feature film directing. This phenomenal movie boasts a talented cast, including a breakthrough performance from John Boyega, known for his subsequent role in the Star Wars franchise, Jodie Whittaker, who later went on to take on the iconic role of Doctor Who, and Alex Esmail.

The film kicks off on Bonfire Night in South London. Sam, unassumingly played by Jodie Whittaker, is a young woman returning home when interrupted by a group of local teens led by Moses, portrayed brilliantly by a young John Boyega. Their tense interaction takes an alarming turn when something extraterrestrial crashes nearby. The gang, intrigued and showcasing reckless bravado, decides to investigate whatever just came from the sky.

Attack the Block combines youthful rebelliousness with cosmic horror as the group of teens, portrayed by Boyega, Esmail, and others, find themselves in an unprecedented situation. An alien invasion is unfolding in their neighborhood, the decrepit council estate metamorphosing into a battleground.

Cornish judiciously uses his setting, using the tower block's footprints to portray a labyrinthine, urban landscape contrasted with the vast, undiscovered cosmic space invaders occupying it. Attack the Block expertly explores and plays with the themes of gang culture in light of an alien invasion. The familiar turf of their neighborhood—the streets, the concrete structures all become suddenly alien and fearful, making them question their misguided adventures and decisions.

Throughout the movie, we see the relationships and performances being drawn tightly together. John Boyega's portrayal of Moses oscillates effortlessly between regal, unyielding fearlessness and the vulnerability of a boy growing up in the merciless world of the block. Jodie Whittaker provides a brilliant counterpart, the despairing nurse caught up in the mayhem. The dynamics between the characters bristle with authenticity, presenting a realistic portrait of teenagers — complete with the sprawling diversity of British youth.

The film is crackling with quickfire, often hilarious dialogue, painting a vivid picture of the multiethnic, multicultural environment that is urban London. The humour is distinctly streetwise, witty and audaciously British. Despite the light humor, Attack the Block also does not shy away from exploring the stark reality faced by the youth growing up in such areas, highlighting their defiance and resilience emphatically.

The unique choice of aliens in the film also adds a distinctive touch. The creatures are grisly and raw monstrosities brought to life through mostly practical effects, adding to the overall gritty, realistic aesthetic of the film. The battle scenes are hauntingly vivid and combined with the atmospheric score, providing the exhilarating sense of real danger faced by the characters.

Attack the Block also strikes distinct sociopolitical tones. The giant, faceless alien beasts can be interpreted as metaphors for a variety of societal and political issues, including race, class, and immigration, making the movie not just an alien invasion tale but a socio-political commentary as well.

The brilliance of the film lies in its ability to mix genres: it's a horror movie, with thrilling chases; it's a coming-of-age drama, showcasing the growth of each of its young characters when faced with an existential threat; it is also a comedy offering natural, relatable humor that often erupts from the gravity of the situations faced by the characters.

At its heart, Attack the Block is about territory, belonging, and the fight to protect your home, no matter how bleak or brutal it may be. It is a unique blend of sci-fi fantasy and harsh reality, pieced together in a potent narrative style offering an engaging and thought-provoking viewing experience. Its strengths lie not only in its horror elements but also in its social subtext, powered by strong performances from a young, talented cast. The film manages to carve out a space for itself as a cult classic, and over time, its popularity has only grown amongst sci-fi and horror lovers around the globe.