Darkening Sky (2011)

Darkening Sky Poster

When an alien abduction nightmare is revealed to have been much more than a dream, a skeptical grad student studying the "modern mythology" of UFOs and ETs finds himself confronting an impossible reality involving shape-shifting extraterrestrials, implanted objects, organ harvesting and humans possessed by a malevolent alien presence unlike anything he has ever heard about. All while dealing with a growing suspicion that he is somehow the center of the aliens' plan.

Introduction
"Darkening Sky" is an American independent sci-fi thriller movie directed by Victor Bornia in 2011. The movie's plot revolves around experiences infused with mystery, suspense, alien abduction, and psychological fear. The central character is a distressed young university student called Eric Rainer, a role impressively represented by Rider Strong.

Plot Overview
In "Darkening Sky", Eric Rainer, a trainee studying extraterrestrial sightings, experiences persistent headaches that appear strangely connected to real alien abduction events, making him question his sanity. He starts to suspect if these dreams might be quelched memories from his harsh past. Rider Strong skillfully highlights Eric's extreme battle with his internal chaos and external reality, which includes layers to this thrilling narrative.

The movie opens with Eric moving into a brand-new apartment, stimulating off a chain of peculiar events. His new mysterious and sexy neighbor, Kahara (Danielle Keaton), and the building's maintenance guy, Bill (Danica Stewart), both act inexplicably, raising Eric's suspicions. As the story unfolds, Eric experiences enigmatic signs, reoccurring visions of a darkening sky, time lapses, and things proceeding their own, which all even more deepen the plot's secret.

Mind Games and Alien Abductions
Magnifying the plot's suspense, Eric starts seeing unexplainable patterns that align with conventional circumstances of alien kidnappings. As he attempts to unravel these patterns, he is challenged with alternate truths and required to question everything he once thought. The film's ominous tone and the character's paranoid conviction add to the sensations of impending danger-- a signature of psychological thrillers.

Eric's distressing past and his elaborate mental landscape play out as he deals with realistic alien kidnapping circumstances that puzzle him about the nature of his truth. Lesser-known yet excellent efficiencies by Charley Rossman as Dr. Cornelius and Townsend Coleman as NED further add to the atmosphere of intrigue and horror.

Symbolism and Psychological Complexity
As Eric falls deeper into his paranoia, he finds his own connection with the alien events. The filmmaker uses heavy symbolism and mental complexity, making the audiences question if Eric belongs to a bigger alien conspiracy or if he's struggling with a mental breakdown. The eponymous "darkening sky" symbolizes these foreign entities' progressively intrusive presence in Eric's life, adding a layer of meaning to the narrative.

The Ending
In the climactic ending, the lines between truth and impression become significantly blurred for Eric. He is drawn towards a mind-bending confrontation with his fears and the unknown, causing a surprising twist. His supreme realization is represented with great subtlety, producing a gratifying resolution that leaves the audiences considering long after the credits have rolled.

Conclusion
"Darkening Sky" is a gripping piece of cinema that uses alien abduction as a metaphor for checking out the lead character's fractured psychology. The motion picture showcases Victor Bornia's thorough understanding of thriller, scary, and psychosis. It impressively integrates components of suspenseful storytelling with thought-provoking psychological assessment. It is an appealing thriller that takes the audiences on a roller-coaster trip, effectively leaving an imprint on their mind with its captivating characters, mysterious signs, and fascinating story.

Top Cast

  • Rider Strong (small)
    Rider Strong
    Eric Rainer
  • Danielle Keaton
    Beth
  • Danica Stewart
    Cindy
  • Charley Rossman (small)
    Charley Rossman
    Harold
  • Sally Berman (small)
    Sally Berman
    Emily
  • Ezra Buzzington (small)
    Ezra Buzzington
    Guy