Powerful and insightful observation of small town life and a backward population's unsophisticated reaction to something they can't understand. Director Colin Theys, working from a deeply disturbing script by screen writer John Doolan, takes an alien invasion and turns it on its head as he creatively explores the irrational fear of outsiders inherent in many Middle American settlements. The blood and gore required of any horror film is present in this film and is indeed somewhat shocking at times. The terror is also almost unendurable and the intensity unrelenting. However, this still is one of the most incisive and significant films dealing with small-minded, closed communities and their fear of the unknown. A fine cast gives uniformly superb performances, with Roddy Piper particularly outstanding in the role of a heroic priest who is transformed by his encounter with evil.
Review of Alien Opponent
