Extinction (2/5)

Extinction is a new Sci-Fi Thriller on Netflix. The first hour really isn’t too interesting, but the last 30 minutes redeem it a lot.

Extinction is out on Netflix now, but originally, the sci-fi thriller was slated for theatrical release. Much like Cloverfield Paradox, the studio decided to sell the rights to Netflix instead. In other words, this isn’t a movie created by Netflix. So no need to hate on Netflix if you don’t like the movie.

When watching Extinction, it does seem like it was the right choice. This is actually unlike Cloverfield Paradox., which I would’ve loved to experience on the big screen. Check out our review of Cloverfield Paradox here >

Extinction simply isn’t the kind of story that needs to be seen on the big screen. The focus is much heavier on smaller stylized elements than big cinematic moments.

The first hour drags on

It almost feels like Extinction is a slow-burner even though there’s plenty of action. The story just seems to be almost at a standstill for the first hour. We’re literally in the same apartment building for almost the entire first half of the movie.

And yes, you will get all the annoying tropes: The kid not staying in safety and the dad getting a weapon from the attacking army. All the while you’ll probably be wondering why the “aliens” look so much like humans. I mean, they have bayonets for crying out loud.

They arrive on space-ships yet fight using bayonets?! Oh yeah, I was rolling my eyes quite a bit at multiple weird moments.

And I know I wasn’t the only one to guess [at least some] major plot twists. And yet, the last half hour absolutely redeemed a lot of the issues from the first hour.

Quite an interesting cast

I’ve always liked Michael Peña and he’s been brilliant in movies like Crash and End of Watch. Unfortunately, his role in Extinction is kind of boring and Peña isn’t able to change that.

Do I think Michael Peña is leading man material? Absolutely! But this isn’t the movie to illustrate that fact properly.

His wife is portrayed by Lizzy Caplan (Cloverfield) and their kids are portrayed by Amelia Crouch and Erica Tremblay. And yes, the latter is the sister of Jacob Tremblay (Room, Before I Wake) and the two do look very much alike.

Another of the main supporting characters is played by Mike Colter (Luke Cage) and Emma Booth (Glitch) also has a small, but memorable role.

One of the characters from the last half of the movie is Miles, who is played by Israel Broussard (Happy Death Day). Once he arrives, the story finally begins taking off in a good and interesting direction.

Potential for so much more

The final 30 minutes really shows you what Extinction could have been. I can’t say for sure why it turned out this way, but I do know that Eric Heisserer is credited with the final screenplay version. Spenser Cohen and Brad Kane are credited for an “earlier script”.

Since Eric Heisserer wrote Arrival and Lights Out, I do feel like he’s the one who managed to pull something interesting out of the story. And really, this movie should’ve been a lot better.

Ben Young is the director of Extinction and he tends to do better when he also writes his movies. He wrote and directed Hounds of Love (2016), which was pretty damn interesting.

If you do decide to watch Extinction, then please don’t give up until it’s done. The first hour will test your patience, but it does get better. The overall result isn’t great, but it does make for a decent story.

Extinction is out on Netflix worldwide now!

Details

Director: Ben Young
Cast: Michael Peña, Lizzy Caplan, Mike Colter, Emma Booth, Israel Broussard

Plot

A father has a recurring dream of losing his family. His nightmare turns into reality when the planet is invaded by a force bent on destruction. Fighting for their lives, he comes to realize an unknown strength to keep them safe from harm.