Missouri town's folk are being duplicated, assimilated and replaced by otherworldly inhabitants. Two switched on streamers go about trying to expose the horror with the help of their friend and a cop before their small town is overrun.
From the outset strangely there is no credit to the source material despite clearly being an adaptation of the or remake of The Body Snatchers (1956), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978), Body Snatchers (1993) and/or Invasion (2007). While the similar film The Faculty (1998) was a homage of a number of sci-fi films director writer John Murlowski and fellow writer Steven Palmer Peterson, on the nose, assimilate the aforementioned adaptations.
Murlowski's direction has plenty of visually dark and interesting elements, the special effects, especially the creatures are notable. Along with Damian Horan's cinematography the on screen shenanigans offer dread and tension, which Sven Faulconer's music complements. To Peterson and Murlowski's credit the story with the POV, internet streaming aspect is sparingly put to good use and works within the story. The downbeat closing pulls no punches, and has a double little twist, a satisfying end on an end.
All the cast do a fine job, unlike most adult cast adaptations this has teen mostly leads. Joel Courtney as Zach and Andi Matichak as Kayla are particularly impressive. Notable with limited screen time is Cam Gigandet as Deputy Josh Haywood. Courtney and especially Matichak keep the proceedings, kinetic and grounded with solid performances.
It may be on the same level of some of its predecessors (or credit them); but thanks to a few fresh tweaks and the two young leads efforts, this 'adaptation' is certainly worth a watch.
