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Occupation (2018)
Film Review : Occupation
I got out of worse situations than this.
Been married three times.
This must be the stupidest movie ever made about aliens who want to use our planet as a replacement. We already saw it happening in “War of the worlds” and “Independence Day“. But those movies overwhelmed us with expensive special effects and immense battles between earthlings and non-earthlings. The most original thing about “Occupation” is that it doesn’t happen on American soil but on the other side of the world. Down-under in Australia in particular. What they did learn from the American versions, is the patriotic waving with a flag. So expect a half-burned Australian flag somewhere near the end.
Environmental protests.
Right now, there’s a 15-year-old Swedish girl who comes to the European Union to fight for better environmental measures before we all ruin our planet. Apparently, these alien invaders haven’t listened carefully to their local “Rise for climate” movement and thereby seriously fucked up their planet. The moment the Alien chief announced this, I laughed spontaneously. I don’t know if there were any environmental protests in the world when they released this movie, but I thought it was appropriate. But that was the only humorous thing I had to laugh about spontaneously and sincerely. The rest of the film makes you want to cry actually. Except for the first 15 to 20 minutes. I still had hope then. Admittedly, the special effects weren’t impressive, but it looked promising. Those 20 minutes were fully utilized to present the entire group of people that formed the basis of the revolution.
It’s really true. A mobile home can stay ahead of lightning-fast alien aircraft.
First, there’s Matt Simmons (Dan Ewing) and his wife Amelia (Stephany Jacobsen). He’s a recovering “Australian Football” player who re-enters the field after taking a dose of pills against his headache. Furthermore, we meet Peter (Temuera “Once were Warriors” Morrison) and his beautiful daughter Bella (Izzy Stevens) who happened to have chosen this small Australian village as a short-term stop during their trip with a mobile home.
And then Jackson (Charles Terrier), a teammate of Matt who has taken over his role as the team leader and explicitly shows that, and his girlfriend Vanessa (Rhiannon Fish) is introduced. The moment the power goes out and an apocalyptic, stroboscopic light lightens the sky, it’s the beginning of a murderous alien invasion. And this jumble of persons ends up in Peter’s mobile home (along with local commentator Seth Grimes played by Felix Williamson). And yes, they know how to get away from this superior breed and end up hiding in a derelict farm.
The CGI was at times excellent.
The story “Occupation” has been told countless times. Nothing new under the sun. Naturally, those randomly gathered individuals become the basis for an uprising against the alien invaders. For that, the very first mutual feuds and misunderstandings must be cleared up, in order to conclude that cooperation and togetherness are a fearsome weapon. Even against creatures that have evolved much further technologically.
What really impressed me was how amazing it sometimes looked. Certainly when you realize that the budget was considerably smaller than that of an American blockbusters. The CGI used for the Martians’ mothership was certainly not bad. The advancing ground troops certainly had an old-fashioned look and reminded me a bit of Scifi from the 70s. And yes, when they removed the helmets of the aliens, their appearance was kind of cliché with those eyes of a fly. The most realistic thing in this movie was the time period. The shown conflict lasts more than a few days. A few months are being bridged. But the story is so full of unrealistic and ridiculous things that you’ll forget about that real soon.
Let’s sum up some stupidities.
A small anthology. Extraterrestrials conquer the planet with their giant spaceships and an army of laser-equipped stormtroopers. What do you do if they infiltrate into your hideout? Indeed, you just crawl behind a mattress or door. Guaranteed safe.
And when you conclude that natural surroundings act as a kind of camouflage, why don’t you use that to protect yourself all the time? Apparently, they realized this at a certain point in time. When they approached a legion of aliens, they were able to avoid a confrontation by driving into a cornfield. The upcoming troops immediately lost track of our heroes (Stupid aliens, they just turned left) and stayed behind just looking around in a dazed way.
Do you remember the troops the Americans gathered to start their attack against the mother ship? Here they save the world by deploying an ultimate attack with roughly 12 people. Even in a Smart, prepared for the upcoming war. And when someone just escaped death and was lying in bed comatose for a long time, you can get him up and running immediately by throwing a bucket of ice-cold water over him. And the final boss fight is just too grotesque for words.
Hey, you blew up half the planet, let’s shake hands.
But especially the end is totally whacked. Finally, they succeed in overriding the cruel conquerors and then suddenly they get all evangelical. Remember that phrase about turning the other cheek? In short, half the population was disintegrated or became slaves, and then they are going to shake hands and talk about improving the world by working together as a united force? Any spiritual or religious movement could use this as a study material.
It’s strange they are suddenly so kindhearted when you compare this with the scene where Temuera Morrison takes care of a captured alien. That was pure rage. But there are more of these oddities to discover in this courageous attempt by the Australians to prove that they are also capable of producing Scifi. In any case, I hope that if we ever have to deal with an alien invasion, these Martians will also be as tame and stupid as those you see in this movie.
My rating 3/10
Links: IMDB
There are great movies, there are unforgettable movies, and then there are films that redefine what blockbuster filmmaking can be. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey firmly belongs in the latter category. With breathtaking visuals, career-defining performances, and an emotional core that never loses sight of Homer’s timeless story, The Odyssey isn’t simply one of the year’s best films. It stands among the finest achievements of Nolan’s extraordinary career.
Rather than treating Homer’s epic as nothing more than an excuse for massive action sequences and mythical creatures, Nolan crafts a deeply human story about perseverance, family, identity, and the emotional cost of war. Every impossible obstacle Odysseus faces feels meaningful because the journey has always been about one thing: finding his way home.
The Odyssey [credit: Universal Pictures]
Matt Damon delivers one of the most restrained performances of his career. His Odysseus isn’t portrayed as an invincible action hero, but as a weathered man carrying years of physical and emotional scars. The performance perfectly complements Nolan’s vision, showing a legendary warrior whose greatest battle is simply surviving long enough to return to the people he loves.
Anne Hathaway shines as Penelope, bringing remarkable strength and quiet resilience to every scene. Tom Holland delivers one of his strongest dramatic performances as Telemachus, whose own journey becomes just as compelling as his father’s. Robert Pattinson nearly steals every scene he’s in with an unforgettable performance that provides just enough unpredictability to keep audiences on edge.
Visually, The Odyssey is simply astonishing.
Shot entirely for IMAX, Nolan and cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema create images that demand to be experienced on the biggest screen possible. From towering cliffs and endless oceans to mythical encounters that feel both terrifying and beautiful, every frame reminds viewers why practical filmmaking still matters. There is a tangible scale and realism here that computer-generated spectacle rarely achieves.
Ludwig Göransson’s score deserves equal praise. The music elevates every triumph, every loss, and every quiet moment of reflection, becoming the emotional heartbeat of the entire film.
Perhaps Nolan’s greatest accomplishment is balancing spectacle with intimacy. While audiences will undoubtedly remember the Cyclops, the Sirens, and the film’s massive action sequences, it’s the quieter moments between family members that leave the deepest impression. The relationship between Odysseus, Penelope, and Telemachus gives the film genuine emotional weight that continues long after the credits roll.
The Odyssey [credit: Universal Pictures]
The film’s nearly three-hour runtime never feels excessive. Every chapter serves a purpose, allowing the audience to fully experience the trials that shaped one of literature’s greatest heroes. Nolan’s signature nonlinear storytelling is present but never distracting, adding depth without sacrificing clarity.
If there’s any criticism to be made, it’s only that some supporting characters deserved more time to breathe. With a cast this talented, a few memorable performances inevitably disappear sooner than audiences might hope. Yet even this feels less like a flaw and more like the unavoidable reality of adapting one of history’s greatest epics into a single film.
Critics have been nearly unanimous in their praise. The New York Times named it a Critic’s Pick, calling it “a classic in every sense” and “a transporting affirmation of the art and a work of pure cinema.” The Associated Press similarly praised the film’s emotional depth and breathtaking spectacle, while early reactions have hailed it as one of Nolan’s most ambitious accomplishments.
Christopher Nolan has spent decades pushing the boundaries of blockbuster filmmaking with films like Memento, The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar, Dunkirk, and Oppenheimer. Somehow, The Odyssey feels like the culmination of everything he has learned along the way. It is visually magnificent, emotionally resonant, intellectually engaging, and endlessly cinematic.
This is exactly why people go to the movies.
Final Verdict
The Odyssey is an extraordinary achievement that honors one of history’s greatest stories while firmly establishing itself as one of the defining films of modern cinema. It is epic in scale, intimate in emotion, and unforgettable from beginning to end. Christopher Nolan has once again reminded audiences why he remains one of the greatest filmmakers of his generation.
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Millie Bobby Brown Reveals Secret Pact With the Duffer Brothers Over Eleven’s Fate in Stranger Things
Even months after Stranger Things concluded its five-season run, fans continue to debate one lingering mystery: What really happened to Eleven?
According to Millie Bobby Brown, she actually knows the answer but she isn’t allowed to tell anyone.
Brown Swore to Keep the Secret
While appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Millie Bobby Brown revealed that Matt and Ross Duffer made her swear to secrecy about Eleven’s true fate.
“They were like, ‘Do not tell anyone. Because we made it a secret kind of pledge,'” Brown said. “No one else knows. It’s just us three. And what we do with that information, it’ll be up to them.”
Brown explained that the Duffer Brothers entrusted her with the truth behind Eleven’s ending, making her the only cast member who knows exactly what happened to the beloved character after the series finale.
Stranger Things Season 5 [credit: Netflix]
The Ending Was Meant to Stay Open to Interpretation
The ambiguous finale has sparked countless fan theories since Stranger Things wrapped up, with viewers questioning whether Eleven survived, sacrificed herself, or if the truth lies somewhere in between.
The Duffer Brothers have intentionally left the ending open to interpretation, allowing fans to decide for themselves what Eleven’s future ultimately looks like. Brown’s comments suggest that while the creators have a definitive answer, they have no plans to reveal it publicly.
That means fans hoping Brown might accidentally spill the secret during an interview probably shouldn’t hold their breath.
A Mystery That Will Continue
For many viewers, the uncertainty surrounding Eleven’s fate has become one of the defining talking points of the series finale. While some fans would prefer a concrete answer, others appreciate the mystery and the freedom to interpret the ending for themselves.
For now, Brown appears committed to honoring the promise she made to the Duffer Brothers, ensuring that one of Stranger Things’ biggest mysteries remains exactly that—a mystery.
As the franchise moves forward with new projects, including the upcoming animated series Stranger Things: Tales From ’85’, it appears the secret of Eleven’s ultimate fate will remain safely locked away between Millie Bobby Brown and the Duffer Brothers.
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Shang-Chi 2 Gets Promising Update as Director Destin Daniel Cretton Confirms Sequel Is Still Moving Forward
Marvel fans have been waiting nearly five years for news on Shang-Chi 2, and now director Destin Daniel Cretton has finally provided a promising update on the long-awaited sequel.
Despite taking on the massive responsibility of directing Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Cretton confirmed that Shang-Chi 2 remains very much alive at Marvel Studios. During a recent interview, the filmmaker assured fans that development is ongoing and that the creative team is taking its time to make sure the sequel lives up to the expectations set by the original film.
“We’re working on it,” Cretton said. “The first film’s reception was incredible, and we want to honor that. It’s evolving in a way we’re excited about.”
The update comes as welcome news for Marvel fans who have questioned the future of the franchise after years of limited information. The original Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings debuted in 2021 to strong reviews and impressive box office results, grossing more than $432 million worldwide while introducing audiences to one of the MCU’s most beloved new heroes.
Shang-Chi [credit: Marvel Studios]
Much of the uncertainty surrounding the sequel stemmed from Cretton’s increasingly busy Marvel schedule. After stepping away from what eventually became Avengers: Doomsday, the director shifted his focus to projects including Wonder Man, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and the Shang-Chi sequel itself.
While Marvel has yet to announce an official release date, the latest comments suggest the studio is prioritizing quality over speed. Cretton remained tight-lipped about plot details, but he did tease that the emotional core of the original film remains an important part of the sequel’s development.
“I can’t say specifics, but the emotional core is very important to us,” he explained.
Star Simu Liu has also repeatedly stated that he expects to return as Shang-Chi, and earlier this year reaffirmed that the project is still in active development.
For now, Marvel fans may have to wait a little longer before Shang-Chi finally returns to the big screen. But after years of uncertainty, one thing is now clear: the Master of the Ten Rings hasn’t thrown his final punch just yet.
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