In “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” Richard Dreyfuss’ entrance onto the Mothership was almost unique, being one of the rare instances where a movie hero willingly embarked on such a journey. Conversely, Peter Cilella’s film “Descendent” delves into more typical fears and confusion associated with UFO encounters. Starring Ross Marquand from “The Walking Dead,” this movie follows a working-class resident of Southern California whose life spirals out of control following an apparent alien abduction. The film, reminiscent of “Jacob’s Ladder,” skillfully portrays the protagonist’s descent into chaos within the ambiguous reality it presents. This captivating debut is set to premiere at SXSW.
However, viewers who anticipate a traditional sci-fi horror experience might feel frustrated by the filmmaker’s persistent choice to maintain an ambiguous atmosphere, blending elements from the narrative structures of “Communion” and “Mysterious Skin”. The film, “Cilella”, doesn’t provide a clear answer about whether its main character is truly under the influence of extraterrestrial interference or if it’s merely a manifestation of delayed childhood trauma, thus keeping the plot in a state of unresolved mystery.
In a peaceful suburban neighborhood near Los Angeles, Sean (Marquand) eagerly anticipates the birth of his first child with partner Andrea (Sarah Bolger). Despite his excitement, he appears troubled, concerned about his ability to offer a comfortable life as he works a modest job as a security guard at a local school. Some members of their extended family subtly express their belief that Sean is not living up to expectations, regarding him as somewhat inadequate. However, Andrea is content with her employment and confides in Sean that they will manage financially.
As her husband wakes up in the hospital, she becomes increasingly worried, especially since it appears he might have fallen from the school rooftop while attempting to repair a light fixture. However, Sean remembers seeing a mysterious object descending from the sky towards him, followed by strange medical procedures in an alien-like setting, alongside other restrained human prisoners.
It’s hard to believe that those events actually transpired. The revelation that Sean’s mother died during childbirth and his father passed away a few years afterward adds fuel to the doubt. Could the upcoming parenthood be stirring up deep-rooted insecurities that Sean has hidden for decades? Now, he is experiencing increasingly intense nightmares, lucid dreams, and episodes that seem like flashbacks, yet he struggles to distinguish reality from dreams. He also appears to have heightened hearing abilities, allowing him to overhear distant conversations, although these could be mere hallucinations as well. Strangely enough, despite having no previous artistic skills, he starts creating intricate paintings and sketches of an eerily otherworldly theme, yet frequently forgets that he has produced them afterward.
He expresses a sense of being confined in a distant place, struggling to find a way out, with no one seeming willing to help him escape. His wife, growing more concerned, wonders if his frequent absences and unpredictable actions are taking priority over her own critical situation during her pregnancy. The thought of Sean obtaining a gun raises alarm for everyone, not seen as a safe choice amidst what appears to be a mental health predicament.
The character portrayed by ‘Descendent’ skillfully conveys the turmoil of the main characters, as what initially seems like a harmonious relationship (despite skepticism from external sources) starts to unravel due to events beyond their control. Marquand’s acting is deeply empathetic, yet we’re left questioning his trustworthiness. His interactions with authority figures, such as a counselor (Aisha Camille Kabia) and his somewhat unpleasant ‘Aunt’ Robin (Susan Wilder), hint at underlying anger issues that his marriage had previously suppressed.
Although less extravagant elements are emphasized, it’s important to note that they shouldn’t be entirely dismissed as Sean’s imagination. A dog shows up mysteriously in his house, remarkably similar to the one he had years ago – twenty decades back – and lifelike enough for him to entrust its care to his close friend Christian (Dan O’Brien).
The lack of resolution to the main enigma in “Descendent” creates a psychological suspense, but this tension gradually fades as the film’s subdued climax mirrors its ambiguous storyline. Moreover, the movie doesn’t decisively lean towards either genre narrative or character study, instead balancing both in a subtle manner that is atmospheric, nuanced, and skillfully constructed, yet can become slightly frustrating in the end.
In Cilella’s method, there seems to be a thoughtful strategy that effectively leverages the strong ensemble. However, one can’t help but feel somewhat frustrated by his reluctance to clarify Sean’s situation. After about 90 minutes, much like Sean’s loved ones, we find ourselves growing impatient and questioning whether he’s dealing with external pressures or if he’s his own obstacle.
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2025-03-14 01:46