I walked into Exterritorial hoping for something bold, maybe even genre-defining—it had that kind of pre-release buzz. The trailers promised moody landscapes, existential sci-fi themes, and a strong character-driven narrative. And to be fair, the film tries to deliver on all of that. But walking out of the theater, I was left with mixed feelings.
Let’s start with the good: the cinematography is gorgeous. The desolate outposts, sterile corridors, and massive alien structures are captured in a way that feels both grand and unsettling. It nails that quiet, eerie tone sci-fi fans love—like a spiritual cousin to Arrival or Annihilation. The score, too, is atmospheric and haunting. In those quiet moments where the camera lingers and the music hums low, it works beautifully.
The lead actor—let’s just say they carried a lot of emotional weight. There’s a scene about halfway through, where they confront a version of themselves (no spoilers)—and for a moment, I actually held my breath. It felt raw and earned, like I was intruding on something deeply personal.
But then there’s the writing. The dialogue is where Exterritorial begins to fall apart. Too often, it falls into the trap of being cryptic just for the sake of sounding deep. Characters speak in vague metaphors about “the boundary” and “the echo of memory” without much payoff. After a while, it started to feel like the script was more interested in sounding smart than actually saying something.
The pacing is also a challenge. It’s a slow burn—which I usually appreciate—but here, it sometimes just felt slow. I caught myself checking my watch more than once during the second act. The emotional stakes didn’t always land, and some of the subplots—like the one involving the AI companion—felt underdeveloped.
That said, I can’t say I regret watching it. Exterritorial swings for the fences, and even if it doesn’t always connect, there’s something admirable about a film that’s willing to be strange and difficult in an age of formulaic blockbusters.
If you’re into philosophical sci-fi and can be patient with a film that takes its time, Exterritorial might resonate with you. But don’t expect a tight, satisfying narrative. Go in for the atmosphere, the visuals, and a few powerful moments—just temper your expectations.
⭐ Rating: 6.5/10
Would I watch it again? Maybe… but probably with subtitles on and a strong cup of coffee.
