THE INVASION

THE INVASION 

THE INVASION: B+

A modern day INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS with a hint of A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, THE INVASION is suspenseful thriller that keeps you on your toes throughout its entirety.

Well written in a sense of give and take, as questions are asked, then answered, asked, then answered at a comfortable pace. Enough time is given to create a sense of urgency, yet answers come quick enough to avoid both boredom and frustration.

The only flaw in the characters as they are written and directed, is that they make poor decisions throughout the film, even after certain discoveries that would benefit them. For example, Carol discovers that the infected can be killed, or at least hurt and slowed down. Yet she continuously gives up weapons and advantages throughout the film, putting herself in a more vulnerable position. The film obviously wanted its audience to never have a sense of security, to watch in constant fear; yet when you hit home how successful and educated your main character is, you sort of expect them to act in an intelligent manner. This is the only real flaw I saw in an otherwise strong script.

As to the directing, I thought it was an interesting as well as unique choice to include flashbacks of future events in order to move the story forward. This helped in getting answers to the many questions that were asked in a timely manner.

As to the acting, Nicole Kidman as she does usually gave a solid performance. Nothing worth raving about and little to complain about. Yet I do wonder if she stole a chapter out of Kevin Costner's ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES book. She went in and out of accent throughout the whole film. Either speak with an American accent or speak with an Australian accent. The in and out of it was quite annoying. Daniel Craig didn't even bother, he just spoke as he speaks. I would have appreciated that had Kidman as well.