Terrestrial Review: Jermain Fowler Shines in a Less Sci-Fi, But Darker Thriller

Courtesy of Aero Films

Released into theatres on October 16th, this suspenseful, science fiction thriller was directed by the same man who brought us Hot Tub Time Machine back in 2010 - Steve Pink. Honestly, It’s a bit odd to connect such a prolific comedy creator (also responsible for Accepted and Hot Tub Time Machine 2) with such a film that’s so opposite in nature but Mr. Pink conveys the feeling of success delusion quite well - for the most part.

Whether intentional or not, there’s an eerie inner conflict that starts to form when watching this movie towards the main character. I think that’s a testament to actor Jermain Fowler as an actor. But let me explain. Terrestrial revolves around Allen (Mr. Fowler’s character), an aspiring science fiction writer who has a chance encounter with the author of his dreams - S.J Purcell (played by Brendan Hunt). Through correct timing and an overwhelming need to be someone he’s currently not - Allen has free reign over Purcell’s house for the weekend.

He invites three of his friends over for the break and that’s when the mirage starts to crumble. They question how Allen has such a big house, a book deal and a movie deal - but nothing to show for it. Believing in this small, intimate world of Terrestrial (that is Allen and his friends, S.J Purcell and his family) is only possible if you believe in the characters and what they are saying to each other.

There is not a single weak cast member in Terrestrial. Fowler exhibits fantastic face work when his fantasy (stitched together by lies) does not mix with the constant interference of reality and such names like James Morisini, Pauline Chalamet and Edy Modica (they play his three old friends) really bring home his detrimental past without the use of explicit flashbacks.

From the very beginning, Terrestrial lets you know - someway and somehow - that something is very wrong here. The deep-thumming (best way to describe it) soundtrack brings home the fact that every second that passes is another moment that we - as the collective viewer - dive deeper into one man’s deadly fantasy. Be it the score or through more visual cues like Allen’s mood swings, the odd moments in the house or even the huge tent in the driveway that’s always swaying in the wind…the horror and science fiction tease is always there - right in your face.

Now is the time to go back to that first line. The word is usually extraterrestrial, not terrestrial - this cut-off in the title already creates a decisive direction for the movie. Without revealing anything that you should instead experience first-hand while watching this movie, the “science fiction” motif doesn’t play out as far as it could - and that’s disappointing. There are definitely turning points where the teases could have easily evolved and made this movie into a science fiction version of Casper Kelly’s Buddy. But alas.

I wouldn’t call it a bait and switch though (even though the marketing material pushed the alien presence too far) because Fowler’s nerve wracking demeanor easily makes this an enjoyable ride. Allen’s fall from grace - one of which he never obtained in the first place -  is a sight to see. One minute, you’re laughing at him trying to juggle these two scenarios. In the next, you’re downright shocked at how far he’s willing to take it. There are deaths here - and they don’t leave any space for breathing room (in the best of ways). I commend director Pink as well as writers Samuel Johnson and Connor Diedrich. The pacing remains consistent throughout - hitting a peak in the final act that leaves you with your jaw on the floor wondering what the hell just happened.

Admittedly, Terrestrial does have a shaky foundation when it comes to the paranormal side of the story. Besides the promotional material leading potential viewers askew, some act three props (especially in the closing scene) look cheaply made, no way alien-like. Science fiction fans will come away disappointed - in more ways than one. Those that like psychological thrillers though, will definitely have a blast. To see someone become so infatuated with something fictional is usually a laughing matter, but Terrestrial reminds us that it can take some to a dark place.

I will give Terrestrial a 4 out of 5.

After premiering at the Fantasia International Film Festival on July 20th, 2025, Terrestrial will debut in select US and Canada theatres on October 16th with a wider release set on the 23rd of this month.