Oegye+in 1bu / Alienoid (2022) - Explosive Mixture of Historical Fiction, Present-Day Action-Drama and Futuristic Science-Fiction - 8/10 (21/09/22)

Alienoid is the first part of a chaotic, creative and entertaining South Korean science-fiction duology that offers an extraordinary rollercoaster ride for about two and a half hours. The story revolves around humanoid robots Guard and Thunder who protect Planet Earth from an invasive parasitical alien species. In order to do so, they travel to Goryeo Dynasty and murder one such alien life form and its female human host. They decide to transport the host's baby daughter to the present day and raise her without telling her about her origins. Things spiral out of control when an invasion of alien prisoners menaces the fate of Planet Earth ten years later. In order to prevent the worst possible outcome, the two humanoid robots and their adopted daughter lure the leaders of the alien invasion into a trap that transports them all back to Goryeo Dynasty where they prepare for an ultimate showdown.

This quirky science-fiction epic convinces on several levels. First of all, the audio and visual special effects are of an absolutely outstanding quality and best enjoyed at a contemporary movie theatre. Up next, this film is filled with breathtaking action sequences with numerous vehicles and weapons. The characters are intriguing and especially the fate of the adopted daughter is at the core of this movie.

On the negative side, the numerous different connections, events and timelines can at times be overwhelming. It's hard to keep track of everything that is going on in this movie. The film's ambitious length makes the cinematic experience at times exhausting. The script would have benefited from being a little bit shorter and simpler to offer one single movie instead of two separate parts.

At the end of the day, Alienoid should please cinephiles who have appreciated the similar Along with the Gods duology that has received commercial and critical acclaim five years earlier. For those who are unaware of said duology, expect a quirky science-fiction movie that combines historical fiction, present-day action-drama and futuristic science-fiction elements. This mixture is explosive and unique but at times confusing and overwhelming. Multiple viewings are recommended to fully digest Alienoid and be prepared for its upcoming sequel. This is why you should both watch this film at your local movie theatre and purchase its digital or physical release to dive back into this fascinating universe to find out what you might have missed out on.