WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Connivances and collusions. Can there ever be a semblance of true disclosure when the parties privy to potentially world-altering secrets choose to keep them hidden? For when power plays are out in full force, it becomes that ongoing chess match to see exactly who will flinch first. Or, for that matter, IF they will. What could be the actual consequences conveyed upon the losers and even the Earth itself? A clandestine meeting has arrived between U.S. President Helen Colton (Wendy Hartman), her National Security Advisor Elisabeth Seward (Stephanie Eaton), USAF Space Command’s General John Reager (Paul Noonan), his right hand Maj. Ellen Sampson (Patience McStravick), and two enigmatic civilian scientific experts, Cedric Yonah (Conor Timmis) and James Griffin (Chris Goodwin). But, what they discuss soon devolves into not just issues of nations’ security, but an entire planet’s as well, all centered on one fact–we are not alone.
Next, my Mind:
In all reality, this 102-minute indie feature film effort that arrives in our space through writer/director/executive producer Mark Lund and producers Dan Eaton, Missi Eaton, Daniel Groom, and Patience McStravick certainly doesn’t find itself remotely landing in the all-too-familiar (and sometimes overdone) “aliens exist they’re here to kick our butts” mold, but rather hovers more in the somewhat surprising realms of a politically-charged character drama with extraterrestrial intelligence and revelation as a foundational backdrop. Likewise, it also chooses to remain very uncomplicated in its overall execution, which indie cinema can effectively and deftly deliver in spades, while still offering enough entertainment value for those who don’t mind a more, what I felt, intentionally evocative mood and tone as opposed to outright alien-driven insanity.
While the level at which this effort operates is by no means on that of a visually bombastic “ID4” or the heady and/or world-ending explorations/illustrations of an “Annihilation”, it does manage to strike a relevant chord within that resonates with today’s current climate of volatility–socially, politically, and ethically. The narrative, focusing on a subterfuge-laden gathering involving our top U.S. leadership being brought into the light about the presence of a possible threat to national security via a decidedly off-world source, soon leans more into expanding this through a large myriad of thematic undercurrents that cover everything from distrust, secrecy, conspiracies, ulterior motives, keeping the public in the dark, protecting the greater good, lack of government disclosure, egos, clashing ideologies, the “study vs. attack” mentality, the few deciding for the many, and several other notions.
Add to this expounding on hate, ignorance, judgement against others, criticizing and even castigating that which we don’t understand, we as humans tending to destroy first before knowing the facts, trying to show a united leadership front, cooler heads trying to prevail, and the fully logical and hugely necessary cornerstone idea that we need to pause and genuinely look at where we’re heading and how we can make the changes to find higher, more constructive ground where things we might think will hurt us may have actually already been, and remain, here to help–IF we would allow it. It’s all seen throughout the film as specific twists and turns are revealed that shine the revealing light on events, all culminating into a finale that brings it all firmly together, giving us a glimpse at a “one person can alter the world” vibe. Like I said, this film is very much aiming for a more thought-provoking atmosphere than a “sit back and watch things burn” approach, and may not be for everyone who was actually expecting or hoping for the latter.
From a literal visual standpoint, the film as mentioned above takes a highly practical stratagem, basing much of its perspectives in multiple, single-setting views that primarily draw one’s attention to the characters themselves and the subsequent dialogue rather than being distracted by explosions or slimy creatures running amok. There are some special effects involved, and they suit the need here adequately enough, but do fall JUST a little short in quality in today’s age of CGI-based efforts like an “ID4”, “Arrival”, or “Interstellar” among others. Not that I personally EXPECTED that here, but still. The soundtrack definitely fits the bill, offering that needed orchestrally-infused ambiance that so suits the science fiction genre. There were certain moments throughout the project where I felt the dialogue was a little clunky, more so given the magnitude of tension I felt was meant to be building, but that is something I can tend to overlook if the grander tale is capturing me, which this did for the most part, if not quite all-inclusively.
Hartman brings a believably straightforward and impassioned performance as President Colton, a woman brought to the ragged edge of having to decide whether to place the good of the many against the manipulations of the few while trying not to compromise her own internal values and those of the country she’s leading in the face of the unknown. Noonan rises up well in his bravado-filled effort as Gen. Reager, a military-hardened commander who seems more than ready to fire first and ask questions later, even when confronted with truths that could change his opinion, or expose complicity in cover-up. Eaton exudes quiet yet purposeful intimidation as Colton’s National Security Advisor Seward, whom one cannot always tell exactly what she’s thinking–or planning. Timmis also oozes an arrogance-meets-mysterious air in his role as Yonah, an initially shady individual whose motives are unclear yet who also may hold the key to greater actualities.
McStravick plays the role of Reager’s right hand, Maj. Sampson, with a very apropos level of both timid-ness then fiery determination as the character navigates her often “caught-in-the-middle” circumstances. Finally, Goodwin brings about a more subdued yet no less uncanny demeanor through his turn as Griffin, a civilian scientist who may also have much more stake in the occurring game than is first realized. Primary supporting appearances are made by Michael Anthony Coppola as a compromised Senator, Paul Hadrian, Lindy Nettleton as British Prime Minister Allison Colby, Yefim Somin as Russian President Tupolov. Additional appearances are made by David Afflick, Jeff Bouffard, Aj Cvan, David Matthew Jenkins, Glenn Pickering, and Carissa Roy. So, in total, “First Signal” is a decent piece if indie sci-fi stardust, managing to overcome any faults by offering us a reminder of the human condition that is so needed in this world today–we need to HEAR what we SHOULD, not just what we WANT or SEE, WHO we might actually learn this from, and then put into action those things that will alter our world for the better rather than for the worse.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
