A fresh take on alien invasion: ‘The Becomers’ explores coexistence
A new twist on a classic theme
Seventy years have passed since the publication of Jack Finney’s “The Body Snatchers”, a story that has inspired numerous adaptations set in various locales, from small-town USA to high school settings. These adaptations share a common thread: humanity being infiltrated by a shape-shifting alien force. Zach Clark’s “The Becomers” introduces a novel twist to this theme. This time, the body-hopping aliens are not bent on conquest but rather seek peaceful coexistence. However, they soon realize that today’s humanity might be too chaotic to be worth the effort.
A promising premise with mixed execution
Clark’s film aims for a blend of sly, deadpan absurdism, but despite its intriguing premise, the episodic narrative falls short of the quirky charm found in his previous works like “Little Sister” and “White Reindeer”. “The Becomers” is a shaggy dog story that, while initially engaging, gradually loses its appeal as it becomes clear that it’s not heading anywhere specific. The film is mild in its approach to sci-fi, spoof, and sociopolitical satire, catching attention with its off-kilter style but ultimately feeling underdeveloped.
An alien’s journey through human chaos
The film begins with voiceover narration by Russell Mael of the cult band Sparks, introducing our nameless, genderless protagonist. They recount their life on a dying home planet and their subsequent evacuation, traveling through space in separate pods. The narrator lands in a forested area of Illinois, where their crashed spacecraft’s pink smoke attracts a hunter, who becomes the first human body occupied by the alien. This leads to a series of body swaps, starting with a woman in distress about to give birth, and continuing with various other characters.
Absorbing human culture
As the alien learns to pass as human, they check into a Motel 6 and absorb language and culture through TV, even if the channel they watch seems to parody Fox News. However, their situation becomes complicated when the police start searching for them, and a curious motel clerk grows suspicious. The alien must go on the run again, taking over the body and home of a suburban housewife, only to find themselves entangled with fanatical conspiracy theorists.
A missed opportunity for deeper critique
The film’s potential lies in its exploration of space creatures seeking asylum, only to be swept into the bizarre extremes of human politics. However, “The Becomers” never fully capitalizes on this opportunity, lacking the wackiness or critique needed to make a strong impact. The film’s closest screen corollary is John Sayles’ “Brother From Another Planet”, but without the warmth or appealing central performance that made that film memorable. The voiceover narration has a droll mix of banality and surrealism, but the depicted events fail to amplify this tone.
A clever idea that falls short
While the identity-swapping premise keeps the film diverting, it ultimately leaves too slight an impression for such a bold concept. There’s not enough emotional depth to make the extraterrestrial lovers’ plight touching, and the social commentary elements promise more than they deliver. Competently acted and crafted, “The Becomers” feels like a clever idea that’s still being sketched out when it comes to a close.
Release and availability
Dark Star Pictures opened the Chicago-shot indie at NYC’s Cinema Village, with bookings in other cities to follow and an On Demand launch on September 24. For those interested in exploring this unique take on the alien invasion genre, “The Becomers” offers a fresh perspective, even if it doesn’t fully realize its potential.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit The Becomers.
Personal reflections for cinema and TV series enthusiasts
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, “The Becomers” presents an intriguing yet underwhelming experience. The film’s premise of aliens seeking peaceful coexistence on Earth is a refreshing departure from the typical invasion narrative. However, the execution leaves much to be desired. The episodic structure and lack of a clear direction make it difficult to stay fully engaged. Despite this, the film’s offbeat humor and unique take on human-alien interactions offer moments of genuine amusement.
For those who appreciate quirky, low-key sci-fi with a touch of social commentary, “The Becomers” is worth a watch. However, it’s important to temper expectations and approach the film with an open mind, ready to appreciate its subtle charms rather than expecting a fully fleshed-out narrative.
Additional context and analysis
“The Becomers” can be seen as a reflection of our current sociopolitical climate, where the search for identity and belonging is more relevant than ever. The film’s portrayal of aliens navigating human culture and politics highlights the absurdity and complexity of our world. This theme resonates with the ongoing debates about immigration, identity, and the search for common ground in an increasingly polarized society.
The film’s use of body-swapping as a narrative device also raises interesting questions about identity and empathy. By inhabiting different human bodies, the alien protagonist experiences life from multiple perspectives, offering a unique lens through which to explore the human condition. This aspect of the film invites viewers to consider how our identities are shaped by our experiences and interactions with others.
“The Becomers” is a thought-provoking film that, despite its flaws, offers a unique and timely exploration of identity, belonging, and the human experience. For those willing to look beyond its shortcomings, the film provides a fresh and engaging take on the classic alien invasion narrative.