“that Alien, Sound“: A quirky Sci-Fi Comedy that Eventually Finds Its Frequency
“You continue to play this alien part, and I’m fucking over it – I’ve had enough.” This blunt declaration, delivered just ten minutes into Brando Topp’s directorial debut, That Alien, Sound, might just echo your own sentiments as you navigate this decidedly unconventional indie sci-fi comedy. The film, released on digital platforms August 18th, initially presents a frustratingly loose narrative, but ultimately coalesces into a surprisingly resonant exploration of identity and connection.
The premise is undeniably bizarre. Mika (Mia Danelle) is enjoying her music when an alien soundwave, long adrift in space absorbing Earth’s vibrations, hijacks her body. What follows feels like a low-fi, Los Angeles-infused reimagining of The Man Who Fell to Earth.
Initially, the alien – dubbed Sound – struggles to comprehend the basics of human existence. Simple tasks like handling a fried breakfast become comical misadventures.Her bewildered parents and brother, Deyo (Deyo Forteza), attempt to guide her, while Sound marvels at the sensation of having a physical form.
A Slow burn with a Purpose
However, the film’s early stages are undeniably meandering. Scenes stretch on, lacking the narrative drive you might expect. The soundwave gimmick feels arbitrary, existing primarily for the sake of quirkiness. It’s easy to feel as exasperated as Mika’s boyfriend, Shannon (Will Tranfo), as Sound clumsily navigates her new body.
Furthermore, the film occasionally veers into preachy territory. Sound’s indignant soliloquies on climate change and human arrogance, while well-intentioned, feel heavy-handed and detract from the comedic momentum. These moments risk falling into the trap of performative activism, potentially alienating viewers.
Finding the Signal in the Noise
Fortunately, That Alien, Sound finds its footing in the final act. The narrative shifts focus to a music festival, where Sound, Shannon, and Deyo embark on a mission to transmit a radio signal, hoping to restore Mika.
This journey allows the film to explore deeper themes. The alien presence becomes a metaphor for the strangeness and distance that can develop within a relationship. it highlights the challenges of understanding and accepting a partner’s evolving identity.Even the film’s more eccentric moments - like Sound’s Mozart cosplay – begin to feel charming as Topp’s directorial vision sharpens. You start to appreciate the underlying message: sometimes, the most unconventional paths lead to genuine connection.
Is It Worth Your Time?
That Alien, Sound isn’t a perfect film. It demands patience and a willingness to embrace its inherent weirdness. Though, beneath the surface of its quirky exterior lies a surprisingly poignant story about self-revelation and the search for belonging.If you’re looking for a conventional sci-fi experience,this isn’t it. But if you appreciate autonomous cinema that dares to be different, and you’re open to a film that gradually reveals its heart, That alien, Sound is definately worth checking out. ultimately, it proves that even the most tricksy indie comedy can contain a genuinely compelling road movie waiting to be discovered.
