It Came From the Desert

It Came from the Desert is a 2017 British drama-fantasy movie that takes inspiration from a 1989 video game of the same name. This unique film throws audiences into an exhilarating, fast-paced world filled with action, danger, and giant killer ants. It Came from the Desert maintains a perfect balance between horror, comedy, and sci-fi, retaining the charm of the retro gaming era while adding a contemporary touch.

Directed by Marko Mäkilaakso and starring Harry Lister Smith, Alex Mills, Vanessa Grasse, the movie breathes life into thrilling action sequences involving stupendous gigantic ants. The creature feature takes viewers on an adrenaline-charged adventure with captivating scenes of breathtaking desert landscapes and darker, claustrophobic ant tunnels.

The film focuses on the lives of the protagonist duo Brian (Harry Lister Smith) and Lucas (Alex Mills), two motocross enthusiasts with a penchant for thrill and danger. The storyline revolves around the friends who accidentally stumble upon a secluded military base that harbors a secretive project involving giant ants.

Brian is a brainy scientific type, a fact that sets him apart from his macho friend, Lucas. Their fascinating but contrasting personalities make the bonding more engaging. The lone female lead, playfully portrayed by Vanessa Grasse, literally rides into their lives, and the storyline sees the trio joining forces against the creeping danger.

As a supporting character, but by no means an insignificant one, is the eerily picturesque desert setting, which acts as a perfect backdrop for the monstrous occurrences, enhancing the mystique and perplexity. The panoramic, serene desert settings initially deceive you only to creep under your skin with the horrifying revelation of gigantic predatory ants. The film cements a tangible connection between the modern world and nature's primeval horrors.

The movie strikes a delicate balance between the charm of arcade culture and elements of modern-day cinematic storytelling. It blends loose ends of meticulous scientific experiments gone awry, a band of misfit bikers, engaging visual effects, and surprising characters to create an unpredictable storyline.

The actors do a commendable job in their respective roles. Harry Lister Smith and Alex Mills, as the lead actors, portray their characters of nerdy science enthusiast and daredevil motocross rider exceptionally well, their performances imbued with believability and authenticity. Vanessa Grasse, the female lead, does an excellent job as a courageous woman who isn't afraid to take on monstrous insects.

The special effects are quite notable in It Came from the Desert. Even on a limited budget, the film successfully manages to portray giant, lifelike ants using a combination of CGI and practical effects. The end result adds a touch of realism to an otherwise fantastical premise.

Furthermore, the film's blend of horror and humor is noteworthy. The horrific elements of the film are underscored with bits of light-heartedness, striking a perfect balance that keeps audiences hooked without becoming overly intense or gory. The dialogue is snappy, the chemistry between the characters is palpable, and there are enough surprises to keep a seasoned audience guessing.

The highly energetic soundtrack, offering a mix of rock and metal, enhances the energy of the movie. Cinematography adds a splendid touch to the surroundings depicting both the beauty and dread of the desert landscapes.

It Came from the Desert is a film that draws upon the nostalgic charm of old-school creature features and video games while offering a modern flavor. It has something to provide for both fans of the original game and new audiences discovering the idea for the first time.

In summary, It Came from the Desert is the sort of movie that cheers for the underdog and celebrates the unexpected. It applauds the beauty in the bizarre, the outlandish, and the monstrous. It’s a fun, frantic, and energetic ride filled with suspense, unexpected turns, and, of course, giant ants. It's a must-see for those who appreciate the blend of nostalgia, action, horror, and comedy within the framework of a creature feature.