Not of This Earth

Not of This Earth, a 1988 sci-fi horror film, is an intriguing masterpiece catalysed by the brilliant portrayal of Traci Lords, Arthur Roberts, and Lenny Juliano that sends shivers down the spine. The movie artfully intertwines concepts of aliens, humanity, strange desires, and our perception of existence, creating a gripping narrative that captures the viewer’s interest from the opening scenes straight through to the closing credits.

The film begins as a mysterious man, known only as Mister Johnson—impeccably portrayed by Arthur Roberts—winds his way into a small town. He is an alien envoy from the highly advanced dying planet called Davanna, sent to Earth on a clandestine mission. The planet Davanna and its occupants are in desperate need of a perpetual supply of fresh blood due to their deteriorated condition induced by a nuclear war.

Casting his gaze on the role of the principal character in the plot, Traci Lords, better known off-screen for her scandalous career transition from adult film star to mainstream actress, does a stellar job portraying Nadine, an intelligent and feisty nurse. Johnson employs Nadine following a faked medical crisis, calculating that her presence will aid him in his covert agenda. Nadine is completely unaware of her employer’s alien nature and the true danger this poses.

Lenny Juliano, in the character of Jeremy, is a vacuum cleaner salesman from a company called Rex Goode Enterprises. He's unwittingly drawn into this eerie and twisted world when he attempts to sell a vacuum to Mr. Johnson. Enmeshed into the game as the unsuspecting character, he adds a slice of comedy and light hearted humor into the otherwise tense narrative.

Unraveling the well-knitted plot are the unique escapades of Mr. Johnson, who comes equipped with a gamut of alien powers like an ability to telepathically kill when threatened, and a knack for absorbing information via television, further proving the alien lifeform theory. His most intriguing characteristic, however, is an insatiable thirst for human blood, which serves not only as a sustenance but also a form of drug from which he derives extreme pleasure. The blood-drinking scenes are graphically detailed and sure to send shockwaves through the audience’s nerves.

The alien Voyager’s strange telepathic abilities and habits are creatively contrasted with the overall simplicity and collaboration in the human world. Directors Jim Wynorski and Roger Corman place strong emphasis on the apparent differences between the advanced but threatened alien race and the Earthlings, whom they desperately need to survive.

The movie brilliantly projects a wide range of themes, from darkness and mystery to sci-fi complexities and horror elements. The tension escalates with each scene, blending fear and curiosity with a sublime touch of humor. As the storyline unfolds, the viewer is drawn deep into the mysterious world of Mister Johnson’s real identity and ominous mission.

The film showcases elements of the classic 1957 black-and-white movie of the same name but adds its unique zest to the narrative. The advanced technological feats visible in the alien character contrast sharply with the 1980s setting, thereby further augmenting the theme of strangeness and other-worldliness.

The creative union of alien existence, survival instincts, human vulnerabilities, and a foray into the concept of lifeforce, enhances the rich layers of the narrative. Coupled with elements of horror and the constant sense of dread and impending doom, Not of This Earth delivers as a must-watch thriller that masterfully combines mystery, science fiction, horror, humor and suspense.

The captivating cinematography, suspenseful story-line, and the brilliant performances by its cast make this film a worthwhile watch for movie buffs, especially those with a taste for suspenseful sci-fi horror. Whether you are a fan of Traci Lords or just a sucker for the brilliantly bizarre, Not of This Earth from 1988 gives the audience an unforgettable rendezvous with the frightful prospect of terrifying unknowns from distant worlds.