On Guy Fawkes Night in south London, a trainee nurse named Sam is mugged by a gang of teenagers led by Moses. Their robbery is cut short when an object crashes down nearby and releases a small alien creature. The boys chase it down and kill it, planning to profit from their find, but soon discover that the creatures that follow are far bigger, fiercer and more dangerous. The housing estate turns into chaos as the young gang must fight off the aliens, the police and a violent local criminal. Blending neighbourhood comedy with monster and invasion movie thrills, the film follows a group of kids who end up protecting the people they once preyed upon.

How it was made

The story grew out of a real mugging Joe Cornish suffered in south London, which led him to wonder what might happen if the robbery had been interrupted by something fantastical. His influences included American films of the 1980s such as E.T., Gremlins and Predator. The script is full of street slang, which Cornish wanted to capture as young people actually speak. Big Talk developed the project with Film4, StudioCanal and the UK Film Council, and it marked Cornish's directing debut. Most of the cast were non-professionals picked through a large open casting call, and John Boyega, who plays Moses, was one of them. The creatures were built largely with practical effects, with a suit made by Spectral Motion and digital touch-ups added later.

Reception and legacy

The film opened in May 2011 and underperformed at the box office, but critics responded positively, especially to Cornish's direction and Boyega's performance. It collected several international honours, including the José Luis Guarner award at the Sitges Film Festival. Over time it has become something of a cult favourite among science fiction fans, and its mix of tones and its portrait of estate life have made it a notable reference in recent British cinema.

Stills

Trailer

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