Skyman

Skyman, the 2019 film directed by Daniel Myrick, is a gripping science-fiction drama that integrates elements of mystery and psychological thrills, featuring Lee Broda, Willow Hale, and Patricia Lentz. The movie masterfully incorporates sci-fi elements with deeply drawn characters, making it a compelling narrative exploration.

The movie revolves around the life of Carl Merryweather, the lead character portrayed by Michael Selle. Interestingly, Carl believes in extraterrestrial life due to an unusual experience that happened during his childhood. At the age of ten, Carl promised his alien counterpart, a "Skyman," that they will have a reunion on his 40th birthday. As he reaches this milestone, Carl is compelled to pursue the truth about his extraterrestrial encounter and the promise he made. He stubbornly refuses to ignore what many understood as a childhood hallucination and throws himself into a journey filled with suspense, unuttered fears, and life-altering realizations.

Nicely plotted, the narrative picks up as he gears up for the anticipated reunion. The emotional support is portrayed by his skeptical yet affectionate sister, Gina, played by Nicolette Sweeney. Carl's mission presents as an exciting and eerie narrative thread. Alongside this, there is a genuine sense of family bonding and human connection that forms the heart of this evocative film.

The film introduces a team of filmmakers documenting Carl's quest, a clever decision by Myrick that utilises the 'found footage' technique he had successfully executed in his previous work, "The Blair Witch Project." Employing this format again adds a layer of authenticity and directorial flair to the storytelling.

Lee Broda, Patricia Lentz, along with the rest of the cast, manage to portray believable characters caught up in an unbelievable situation. Their performances contribute significantly to the film's resounding emotional impact, keeping audiences engaged throughout the duration.

Playing a noteworthy role, Willow Hale delivers a captivating performance as the mysterious desert dweller who could possibly hold clues to Carl’s encounter. One key element of Skyman that sets it apart is how it centers around a character in his middle age rather than the usual youth-oriented focus of most alien encounter movies. This age differential allows the exploration of deeper and complex emotional states and brings an aura of maturity to the plot.

The film’s brilliance also resides in its scenography and production design. The locations and sets are well chosen, complimenting the eerie aura and suspenseful storyline. Whether it's Carl’s cluttered childhood home filled with his alien sketches, his custom-built radio equipment, or the expansive desert landscapes, each setting effectively enhances the movie's narrative rhythms while adding to the characters' personalities and experiences.

Despite its sci-fi track, Skyman doesn’t involve elaborate CGI effects or hair-raising, suspenseful encounters with aliens. Instead, Myrick decides to play with subtlety, focusing more on the psychological state of the protagonists and the impact of their beliefs and experiences on their mental well-being.

The movie's atmospheric score composed by Billy Corgan adds a layer of tension and excitement, further enhancing the engrossing nature of the storyline. In Skyman, the cinematography, acting, and directing merge perfectly into a cohesive work that successfully blends genres and delivers suspenseful, thought-provoking entertainment.

In summary, Skyman is a distinct addition to the sci-fi genre, delving into a more profound exploration of its characters and their responses to extraordinary circumstances. It is an engrossing tale of how personal beliefs, regardless of their sheer absurdity to others, can shape one’s life and relationships. By focusing on psychological exploration, character development, and human connections, it transcends the typical alien encounter movie, interweaving a captivating mix of drama, mystery, and suspense that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. It's a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and psychological dramas alike.