3. Dark Skies

Dark Skies Trailer

Scott Stewart wrote and directed the 2013 sci-fi horror, Dark Skies. Featuring an impressive performance by Keri Russell as Lacy, the Mom who watches her family crack under everyday stressors, and then some very bizarre physical illnesses. Though the premise is different than The Conjuring, the execution is comparable. The plot and turn of events play out exactly as if the family’s home has been invaded by spirits not of our world. In fact, this is true. However, as the puzzle pieces start to fall into place, we learn that this is an alien invaders flick. Without giving spoilers (this info is readily available in most synopses of the film), yes, these invaders literally do not come from our planet.

Once again, we can debate the disturbing presences and physical ailments as metaphoric, since the family had been having issues before the invasion took hold of them. A typical pre-teen son deals with coming of age while a sub-plot about child abuse moves the story forward. This family is not special (as they are blatantly told). They are a typical family with typical tensions. The invasion they face proves the attackers target victims indiscriminately. Much like in The Conjuring, we feel the family unit is helpless and has no control over ‘why me?’ and not someone else. The scariest parts of Dark Skies hinge on the realistic fear of the inability to protect our loved ones, and needing to pool resources as a unified front against evil. The invaders theme has been done a million times, but why this one works is because attention is focused on tangible angst and not only random screaming at unwanted intruders.