Occupation: Rainfall

Occupation: Rainfall is a 2020 Australian science fiction action film directed and written by Luke Sparke. Continuing the story of 2018's Occupation, the film features a cast that includes Dan Ewing, Jet Tranter, Temuera Morrison, and Daniel Gillies, and serves as a striking example of a high-octane, alien-invasion action saga that powerfully upends expectations.

Set two years after the calamitous events of the first film, Occupation: Rainfall presents a world in chaos, still in the throes of a fierce fight against an extraterrestrial invasion. Humanity has spent these years engaged in arduous, relentless warfare against alien forces that invaded Earth with little warning. The film primarily revolves around Matt Simmons (Dan Ewing) and alien-defector Gary (Lawrence Makoare) embarking on a high-risk mission while coping with the profound changes that war has wrought on them and the world around them.

Temuera Morrison, renowned for his roles in Star Wars, portrays Peter Bartlett, a former colonel with an intense spirit. He is deeply committed to the cause and embraces the mantra of protecting humanity at any cost, evoking a sense of resilience and determination in the face of monstrous adversity. Daniel Gillies, known for his performance in The Vampire Diaries, stars as 'Wing Commander Hayes,' a character shrouded in thriller-esque mystery while revealing the complexities of war dynamics.

Australian actor Dan Ewing delivers a compelling performance as Matt Simmons – a rebel fighter who takes the center-stage in this high-stake narrative involving the future of humanity itself. Alongside Ewing is alien-defector Gary, played by Lawrence Makoare, who provides a glimpse into an alien's perspective and the intriguing possibility of turning against his own kind.

The narrative of Occupation: Rainfall is punctuated by an array of diverse, colorful characters, each contributing to the breadth and depth of the ongoing war's narrative. Tris (Jet Tranter), a strong-willed protagonist with an emotional journey, adds multiple dimensions to the main storyline. From brutal on-field warriors, hardened military veterans, unsung heroes, alien defectors, to ordinary civilians thrown amid extraordinary events, the vast ensemble cast introduces a wide range of compelling characters, encompassing the sweep of war's brutal reach.

The film captivates audiences as it vividly manifests the ravaged, war-torn landscapes in a post-apocalyptic scenario, immersing them into the heart of a world under alien siege. Exceptional visual effects, paired with captivating production designs, ensure that the depiction of apocalyptic destruction and the daunting alien forces are convincingly stark, real, and riveting. The riveting, non-stop action sequences keep the audience at the edge of their seats, heightened by an atmospheric score that accentuates the escalating tensions of this globally affecting fight against annihilation.

Occupation: Rainfall also delves into the essence of human spirit and the lengths humanity can go to save their planet and their loved ones. While the narrative is dominated by explosive action set-pieces and grand panoramic visuals, it is balanced by an underlying exploration of compassion, unity, resilience, and courage.

Director Luke Sparke expertly balances the large-scale conflict with the personal journey of these characters, managing to create a narrative where the audience is hooked, not just by the unfolding action spectacle but also by the individual and collective battles these characters are fighting. The film's texture is further enhanced by the exploration of the grayer areas of war, including the intriguing dynamics between humans and alien defectors, illuminating the complexities of survival and alliances in desperate times.

Combining elements of warfare, survival, and resistance, Occupation: Rainfall presents a high-stakes battleground where humanity's survival hangs in the balance. What sets Occupation: Rainfall apart is that it doesn't just rely on heavy action sequences and impressive visual effects to tell its story; it also delves deep into the emotional terrain of its characters.

Through intense performances, a well-woven narrative, electrifying battle scenes, and a sprinkling of surprising plot twists, Occupation: Rainfall takes audiences on an engaging, emotional journey, revealing the true strength and resilience of humanity in the face of unimaginable odds.