Ejecta

Ejecta is a 2014 Canadian sci-fi and horror movie directed by Chad Archibald and Matt Wiele. It features exceptional performances from stars like Julian Richings, Lisa Houle, and Adam Seybold. This independently produced film is a visceral journey into the unknown that highlights the turmoil, fear, and complexity of human existence.

The main plot revolves around the lead character William Cassidy, portrayed by Julian Richings, a reclusive paranormal investigator. He has spent the past 40 years in complete seclusion, haunted by the unidentified alien entities with massive destructive potential that are occasionally seen endangering the earth. His fears are fueled by a traumatic encounter with one such being that has left him scarred, mentally and physically. In the wake of this profound real-life experience, he chronicles his tribulations and experiences in his grand, intricate, and terrifying journey towards the truth.

The story takes a sharp turn when a paranormal documentary film maker named Joe, played by Adam Seybold, comes to interview Cassidy about his UFO encounters. He arrives during a dark and stormy night when Cassidy believes the same life-threatening alien entities are due to return. Their scheduled meeting soon turns into a night of horror, the build-up of fear, the constant questions about existence, and the fear of the unknown. Together, they must navigate this nightmarish situation, struggling to survive as the world around them becomes engulfed in chaos.

Lisa Houle plays the role of Dr. Tobin, an ominous and compelling government operative. She is tasked with the grim duty of bringing in Cassidy, as the government becomes involved due to the global threat presented by the alien entities. All the three players are sucked into a vortex of danger, dread and uncertainty, with their lives and the fate of the world perilously hanging in the balance.

"Ejecta" manages to intertwine elements of the horror, thriller, and science fiction genres effortlessly. It operates as a thinking man's horror film, bringing existential fear and unknown cosmic horror to the forefront. Richings' performance as the tormented and obsessed protagonist is noteworthy, while Houle's portrayal of the government operative adds an authoritarian chill to the film.

The film is presented through a unique, two-pronged storytelling technique. Half of the film is shot as a found-footage documentary style, as Joe attempts to document the happenings of the fateful night. The other half is shot in a more traditional narrative style, which details Cassidy's interrogations by Dr. Tobin and her team. This dynamic approach adds an element of surprise, unpredictability, and, at times, disorientation - all factors that contribute to the film’s overall unsettling atmosphere.

Aside from its compelling narrative and performances, the film also employs its exceptional production design and special effects to its advantage. From the mysterious and ominous alien entities to an ever-looming apocalyptic landscape, Ejecta presents a believable and captivating horror-filled world.

Unease and tension are the characteristics of the movie’s score, composed by Steph Copeland. It perfectly complements and enhances the unsettling atmosphere of the film, racking up the tension and dread even further.

In conclusion, "Ejecta" is essentially a film that hones in on some of humanity's most profound fears. It is a bold exploration of alien life that is designed to terrify and engage audiences in equal measure. This captivating sci-fi and horror film will appeal to fans of the genre who are searching for an intense, existential fright.

The director duo of Chad Archibald and Matt Wiele successfully blend deep psychological thriller elements with otherworldly terror, pacing the film perfectly to gradually unfold into an enthralling story about a man’s solitary struggle against unknown cosmic forces. The ultimate fusion of psychological horror with atmospheric sci-fi creates a unique cinematic experience. For those who crave a horror film that delves into the fear of the unknown while addressing the dilemma of human existence, Ejecta fits the bill perfectly.