| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Science Fiction, Dark Comedy |
| Director | Zach Clark |
| Setting | Suburban America, Greater Chicago |
| Key Themes | Identity, Alienation, Satire of Middle-Class Life |
| Cast | Isabel Alamin, Molly Plunk, Victoria Misu, Mike Lopez, Russell Mael |
| Inspiration | “The Fly” by David Cronenberg, Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” |
| Plot Elements | Body Takeovers, Alien Perspective, Cult Involvement |
| Critical View | Innovative but falters in the latter half |
Immigrant tales often provide a unique perspective, allowing us to see our world through the eyes of those who experience it anew. “The Becomers,” a film by Zach Clark, takes this concept to another level, offering a surreal, sci-fi lens on what it means to be an outsider in a familiar world. Rather than simply being a movie about extraterrestrials invading Earth, it flips the script—immersing us in the experiences of these alien beings as they navigate life among us.
A Unique Approach to Science Fiction
Shot against the backdrop of greater Chicago, the film dives straight into its premise without much preamble, letting the audience experience everything from the viewpoint of the aliens. This isn’t your typical alien invasion film; instead, it’s an exploration of human life through the eyes of beings who are trying to mimic us. The alien protagonists are two lovers from a dying planet, each arriving on Earth to start anew. Their journey, fraught with challenges, leads them to adopt a seemingly ordinary suburban lifestyle.
Clark’s choice to focus on the alien perspective rather than the human experience is a bold move that pays off in unexpected ways. The aliens are played by various actors, allowing for a fluid and ever-changing portrayal of their identities, a technique often seen in horror and sci-fi genres where creatures inhabit multiple hosts. The performances are subtle yet impactful, capturing the awkwardness and strangeness of beings who are almost—but not quite—human.
Suburban Life: A Satirical Playground
The film’s setting in suburbia isn’t the glossy, affluent world we often see in movies like “American Beauty.” Instead, it’s a more grounded, everyday version of suburban America—car culture, convenience stores, and discount shops define the landscape. Clark and cinematographer Darryl Pittman skillfully capture this environment, evoking a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho.” There’s a haunting quality to these familiar, yet eerie settings, underscoring the film’s exploration of alienation and identity.
“The Becomers” thrives on these small, poignant moments. The aliens’ interactions, whether they’re watching TV or eating snacks, are both humorous and thought-provoking. The film cleverly critiques middle-class conventions, turning mundane actions into symbols of alien strangeness.
A Love Story at Its Core
At its heart, “The Becomers” is a love story—albeit one with a sci-fi twist. The alien couple’s relationship is a spoof on the stereotypical American middle-class dream, yet it’s also endearing in its sincerity. Their struggle to fit in, to imitate human behavior while maintaining their otherworldly identities, mirrors the universal quest for acceptance and love.
This theme of love and connection is reminiscent of David Cronenberg’s “The Fly,” another film that uses science fiction to delve into the complexities of human relationships. Clark’s film, like Cronenberg’s, explores the extremes of commitment and the lengths to which beings—human or otherwise—will go to find companionship.
A Film That Almost Soars
Despite its many strengths, “The Becomers” stumbles in its second half. The introduction of a cult subplot adds a layer of black comedy but ultimately detracts from the film’s core narrative. The story shifts focus from the intimate exploration of the alien couple to a more heavy-handed satire of political extremism, which feels somewhat disconnected from the earlier, more personal elements of the film.
Even so, “The Becomers” remains an engaging and thought-provoking film. It’s a testament to Zach Clark’s creativity and resourcefulness—a film that does a lot with a little, offering a fresh perspective on both alien life and the human condition.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch for Sci-Fi Fans
For those who appreciate sci-fi with a twist and a dash of dark humor, “The Becomers” is well worth the watch. Its unique approach to storytelling and its satirical take on suburban life make it a standout in the genre. While it may falter towards the end, the film’s originality and the strength of its performances make it a memorable experience that’s sure to spark conversation.