Extinction (2018) is a science fiction thriller directed by Ben Young, starring Michael Peña, Lizzy Caplan, and Israel Broussard. The film revolves around an ordinary man named Peter (Michael Peña), who is plagued by recurring nightmares of an alien invasion that threatens his family. As these visions become increasingly vivid and unsettling, Peter begins to suspect that they may be premonitions rather than just dreams.

Plot Summary:

Peter is an engineer living in a futuristic world, struggling with frequent nightmares of mass destruction and war. These vivid dreams disturb his peace and affect his relationship with his wife, Alice (Lizzy Caplan), and their two daughters. Despite Alice’s insistence that he seek therapy, Peter remains convinced that something catastrophic is about to happen.

One night, a sudden and brutal alien invasion strikes Earth, and Peter realizes that his nightmares were a warning of this very event. As the invaders wreak havoc on the city, Peter and his family must fight for their survival. They seek shelter, navigating through the chaos and destruction while trying to avoid the relentless alien forces.

As they attempt to escape the invasion, Peter’s nightmares seem to guide him, providing crucial information on how to evade the attackers. During the battle, Peter experiences a startling revelation about his true identity and the nature of the invaders. The film takes a significant twist as it is revealed that Peter, his family, and the other human survivors are not humans at all, but synthetic beings (androids) living on a planet that once belonged to them. The “aliens” attacking Earth are, in fact, humans who have returned to reclaim their world from the androids.

Key Themes:

1. Memory and Identity: One of the central themes in Extinction is the exploration of memory and identity. Peter’s nightmares are not merely premonitions but suppressed memories of the androids’ violent takeover of Earth from the humans. The film delves into how memory shapes one’s sense of identity and purpose, as Peter grapples with the truth about his existence.
2. Humanity and Survival: The movie raises philosophical questions about what it means to be human. Despite being androids, Peter and the others exhibit human emotions, fears, and a strong will to protect their loved ones. The film blurs the line between human and machine, prompting viewers to reconsider their definitions of life, survival, and empathy.
3. War and Reconciliation: The film’s climax reflects on the cyclical nature of war and conflict. The androids, once the oppressed, became the oppressors, and now the original humans are returning to reclaim their world. This idea highlights the destructive nature of conflict and the difficulty of reconciliation between different groups.

Characters:

• Michael Peña as Peter: Peter is a loving father and husband who is haunted by his mysterious dreams. As the protagonist, he must face the truth about his identity and protect his family in the midst of a chaotic invasion. Michael Peña delivers a solid performance, balancing the emotional struggles of a man torn between his family and the disturbing reality he discovers.
• Lizzy Caplan as Alice: Alice is Peter’s wife, who initially dismisses his concerns about his nightmares. However, as the invasion begins, she fights alongside Peter to protect their children and survive the attack. Lizzy Caplan’s portrayal brings emotional depth to the family dynamic and highlights the strength of her character under pressure.
• Israel Broussard as Miles: Miles is a colleague of Peter’s, and his role expands as the invasion unfolds. He becomes an ally in Peter’s fight for survival.

Cinematic Elements:

1. Twist Ending: Extinction is notable for its unexpected twist, which reveals that the “humans” being attacked are actually androids, and the “invaders” are the real humans returning to reclaim their home. This twist reshapes the entire narrative and adds a layer of depth to the story’s exploration of identity and survival.
2. Action and Suspense: The film features intense action sequences, particularly during the alien invasion. The atmosphere is tense and chaotic, with suspense building as Peter and his family attempt to evade the invaders. The direction keeps the audience on edge, wondering what will happen next and how the characters will survive.
3. Visual Effects: The film’s visual effects, particularly the depiction of the alien invaders and the futuristic world, add a sense of scale and threat. The CGI helps bring the alien technology to life, making the invaders appear menacing and powerful.

Reception:

Extinction received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While some praised the film’s unexpected twist and philosophical themes, others felt that it fell short in terms of character development and pacing. The film’s premise was considered intriguing, but its execution, particularly in the first half, was seen as somewhat slow and formulaic. However, the twist in the latter half of the film helped elevate it beyond a typical alien invasion movie.

Conclusion:

Extinction is a sci-fi thriller that blends action, suspense, and a thought-provoking twist about identity and survival. While it may not stand out among other films in the genre, its unexpected narrative shift and exploration of philosophical themes make it a unique addition to the sci-fi landscape. Michael Peña and Lizzy Caplan provide strong performances, and the film’s focus on family dynamics amid chaos adds an emotional core to the high-stakes action.