Xtro

Watch Xtro

"Some extra-terrestrials aren't friendly."
  • R
  • 1983
  • 1 hr 21 min
  • 5.6  (8,069)

Xtro is a British science fiction horror film directed by Harry Bromley Davenport and released in 1982. The movie is about a man named Sam (Philip Sayer) who disappears mysteriously one night, leaving his wife Rachel (Bernice Stegers) and son Tony (Simon Nash) distraught. Three years later, a bizarre alien creature appears in their backyard and Sam returns, but he is not the same man he once was.

The story unfolds with Tony’s birthday party, where Sam is late and the guests are waiting for him. When he finally arrives, he seems anxious and distant. During a game of hide and seek, Tony goes to find his father in the forest behind the house, but he witnesses Sam’s sudden disappearance, as he is sucked into a beam of light coming from a hovering spaceship. Rachel is left alone to raise their son and start a new life. Meanwhile, strange occurrences begin to happen around the house, including Tony’s inexplicable fascination with his father’s toys and a bizarre creature in their backyard.

As the story progresses, we see how Sam’s return changes the family dynamic. Rachel is initially overjoyed to have her husband back, but she soon realizes that something is terribly wrong. She begins to suspect that Sam may have been taken over by an extraterrestrial force. Sam behaves erratically, experiencing flashes of memory loss and exhibiting strange abilities. He becomes obsessed with retrieving a mysterious capsule that he claims will save Tony’s life.

Throughout the movie, we are witness to disturbing and graphic scenes that may not be suitable for all viewers. There are scenes showing explicit gore, including mutilation and dismemberment. The creature design is particularly creepy, with grotesque tentacles and slimy entrails that ooze across the screen. The movie does not shy away from depicting the gruesome reality of Sam’s transformation.

The special effects in Xtro are remarkable for their time, particularly the alien creature and the visual effects depicting Sam’s transformation. While some may find the effects dated, they are impressive for the era in which the film was made. The cinematography is stark and moody, with a strong emphasis on shadows and darkness.

The performances in Xtro are noteworthy, particularly Philip Sayer as Sam. He portrays a conflicted character torn between his desire to be reunited with his family and his loyalty to the alien entity that has taken him over. Bernice Stegers delivers a convincing performance as a mother struggling to protect her son from the ominous presence of Sam. Simon Nash as young Tony is excellent in his role, capturing the innocence and vulnerability of his character in the midst of the horrors that surround him.

Overall, Xtro is a classic sci-fi horror flick that is not for the faint of heart. It combines elements of alien invasion, body horror, and family drama to create a unique and unsettling viewing experience. While it may be too intense for some viewers, those who enjoy horror movies that push the boundaries will find much to appreciate in Xtro. This movie is a must-watch for fans of the genre who are looking for something truly out of this world.

Xtro
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Description
  • Release Date
    1983
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 21 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.6  (8,069)