Is Alien Encounters in Ancient Times Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 2021 release of Alien Encounters in Ancient Times stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Alien and UFO encounters are not just a modern phenomenon. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Alien and UFO encounters are not just a modern phenomenon. In fact, they go back thousands of years and amazingly resemble contemporary accounts worldwide. There are eyewitnesses from ancient times that actually recorded them and historical evidence exists in archaeology, landscapes and symbols. Why do we believe ancient accounts about battles and politics and yet ignore records about UFO sightings? From Egypt to Rome, from Africa to Europe, from South America to Australia - sightings have been recorded across vast periods of time, it's clear that we have never been alone."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. John Redden does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Philip Gardiner is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 70 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Alien Encounters in Ancient Times truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 2/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Alien Encounters in Ancient Times explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2021 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Philip Gardiner respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Alien Encounters in Ancient Times is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of John Redden or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Alien Encounters in Ancient Times is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.