Assimilate

Zach (Joel Courtney) and Randy (Calum Worthy) are friends who bored with small town life have kitted themselves out with cameras and mobiles to film the town in motion. There isn’t that much going on as the pair comment on the film that will eventually be loaded up online.

Zach also has a crush on Kayla (Andi Matichack) and with the prospect of them all moving off to college, Randy is chiding him that its now or never. So there’s the familiar dull small town set up, of a boring life, potential romance and a place where everyone knows your name.

But people are starting to disappear and return acting strangely, lifeless and stiff with empty eyes and clipped speech. The boys pick up this and try to alert the town leaders. Trouble is the cops aren’t interested and the Pastor Greg (Terry Dale Parks) looks as if he knows more than he’s letting especially when the spy him boxing up some suspicious creatures.

The boys now joined by Kayla set about investigating what is going on which leads to capture and escape, going back for Joey (Mason McNulty) Kayla’s little brother, and a decent twist ending.

Wearing their influences with some pride co-writer (with Steven Palmer Peterson) and director John Murlowski has fashioned a decent film that has its moments but is just far too derivative with seasoned watchers ticking off the referenced films. One in particular is a massive influence that would frankly act as a humungous spoiler if I mentioned it. I’ll only say there are a few versions dating back to the 50’s all available all of which are worth watching.

Nevertheless the film just about keeps the viewers’ attention despite being a little saggy in the middle. The bodycams and the streaming uploads bring it right up to date, for the teen and the tech savvy.

Assimilate will be available digitally from 12 April.