Dark Skies Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Aliens really need to up their game in decorating, so they target a suburban family to re-arrange their kitchenware in abstract art installations, ultimately leading to a hostile home makeover.

🍿 Dark Skies: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Barrett Family and Initial Disturbances

The Barretts—Lacy, Daniel, Jesse, and Sammy—live a typical suburban life. Daniel struggles with unemployment, straining the family’s finances and putting pressure on Lacy. Strange events begin to plague their home: kitchen items are arranged bizarrely, the alarm system malfunctions with no apparent entry, and Sammy experiences unexplained episodes, claiming a ‘Sandman’ is responsible.

Escalating Events and Memory Loss

The disturbances escalate, including a mass bird strike on their home, causing significant damage. The family members begin to experience catatonic episodes and memory loss, leading them to suspect something sinister is at play. Lacy and Daniel become increasingly desperate as these occurrences intensify, impacting their sleep and sanity.

Seeking Answers and Confronting the Truth

Lacy researches their experiences online and discovers similar cases related to alien abduction. They consult Edwin Pollard, an expert on the subject, who confirms their suspicions. Pollard reveals they have been ‘chosen’ and are now subject to increasingly invasive encounters. The family braces for the ultimate confrontation as they realize one of them may be taken.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lacy Barrett (Keri Russell): A struggling real estate agent and mother who becomes increasingly desperate to protect her family from a terrifying threat.
• Daniel Barrett (Josh Hamilton): An unemployed architect and father who initially dismisses the strange occurrences but eventually confronts the reality of the situation.
• Jesse Barrett (Dakota Goyo): The older son who experiences disturbing events and forms a bond with the entities targeting his family.
• Sam Barrett (Kadan Rockett): The younger son who first senses the presence of the malevolent force and becomes a target.
• Edwin Pollard (J.K. Simmons): An expert on alien abduction who provides information and warnings to the Barrett family.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Title Card: “Two possibilities exist… Either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying. – Arthur C. Clarke” – This quote sets the tone for the movie, highlighting the unsettling nature of the unknown regarding extraterrestrial life.
• Edwin Pollard: “What’s so special about us?” – This line encapsulates the universal fear and paranoia of being singled out by an unknown, powerful entity.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3.5M
• Domestic Gross: $17.4M
• Worldwide Gross: $27.9M

💥 Dark Skies Reviews

Personal Review

As a fan of alien encounter movies, I found ‘Dark Skies’ surprisingly engaging. It’s not a perfect film, but it delivers genuine scares without relying on cheap jump scares. The performances are solid, especially Keri Russell, and the suspense builds effectively. I particularly enjoyed the scenes where the family is trying to figure out what’s happening to them – the sense of paranoia is palpable. I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi thriller with a touch of horror.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of science fiction horror”
  • “Viewers interested in alien abduction themes”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful thrillers with a family focus”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Disturbing events and imagery”
  • “Occasional jump scares”
  • “Brief scenes of violence and peril”
  • “Suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Keri Russell delivers a raw and layered performance as Lacy Barrett, a struggling realtor. The film takes an old-school approach when it comes to developing the story and characters. I happen to like how the film took its time delivering the details and made it a suspenseful and mind boggling watch even if it raises more questions than answers.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “A decent slow burn, story was interesting enough for a decent viewing experience & it did have some good frightening scenes spread thinly throughout. Overall it was mainly a psychological thriller and was hardly a horror film.
• Metacritic: “This is a fabulous movie with a lot of twists and turns. A great cast and a sensational and very freaky story. I am a connoisseur of alien movies and this is one of the best and deserves a sequel!

Audience Reactions

The film’s slow-burn approach to building suspense and creating an atmosphere of dread resonated well with audiences.: Many viewers praised the acting, especially Keri Russell’s portrayal of a mother desperately trying to protect her family.

The chilling atmosphere and genuine scares, combined with the relatable family dynamic, made ‘Dark Skies’ a memorable experience.: The movie strikes a balance between science fiction and horror, appealing to fans of both genres.

Overall Consensus: ‘Dark Skies’ is a decent thriller that uses strong performances and suspenseful atmosphere to overcome a somewhat familiar plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Keri Russell was the first choice for the female lead, Lacy Barrett.”
• “The film draws inspiration from real-life alien abduction stories and aims to create a sense of unsettling realism in a suburban setting.”
• “Director Scott Stewart previously worked on ‘Legion’ and ‘Priest,’ showcasing a move towards a more grounded horror approach with ‘Dark Skies.'”

🖥️ How to Watch Dark Skies?

Dark Skies is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Vudu, and Apple TV, where you can rent or purchase the movie. Check your local listings for availability on other streaming services or cable providers. Amazon also provides options to buy the movie on physical media.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Dark Skies, you might like these similar films:

• The Fourth Kind (2009): Both films explore the disturbing phenomenon of alien abduction, presented with a mix of found footage elements and dramatic reenactments.
• Signs (2002): Shares a similar theme of a family facing an alien threat while dealing with personal struggles and a loss of faith, creating a sense of vulnerability and fear.
• Fire in the Sky (1993): Based on a true story, this film provides a more graphic and disturbing depiction of alien abduction, focusing on the physical and psychological trauma of the experience.
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977): This movie delves into the awe and wonder of potential alien contact but also the disruption it causes in ordinary lives, as seen in the Barrett family’s experience.

🛒 Dark Skies Related Products

• Dark Skies (Blu-ray): Experience the suspense and terror of Dark Skies in stunning high-definition with this Blu-ray edition. Perfect for collectors and fans of the movie.
• Alien Facehugger Plush Toy: A cuddly and creepy plush toy inspired by the iconic Facehugger. This Alien plush toy is a unique addition to any sci-fi fan’s collection.
• Sci-Fi Horror Movie Poster: Enhance your home decor with this high-quality Sci-Fi Horror Movie Poster. This poster is a must-have for any fan of science fiction and horror films.
• XCOM 2: Fight off an alien invasion in this tactical turn-based strategy game. XCOM 2 offers intense gameplay and strategic depth, perfect for fans of sci-fi and alien encounters.

🎧 Soundtrack

Dark Skies features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Stars and Stripes Forever” – performed by The United States Marine Band

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

On Cinema (S2, Ep. 203): ‘Snitch’ and ‘Dark Skies’

Ever wonder what a comedy duo would say about ‘Snitch’ and ‘Dark Skies’? This ‘On Cinema’ segment dives in, and honestly, their takes are pretty hilarious. You might even see the movies in a completely different light after watching!

✨ Rate