The Darkest Hour | December 25, 2011

Director: Chris Gorak
Writer: Jon Spaihts (screenplay), Leslie Bohem (story)
Cast: Emile Hirsch, Olivia Thirlby, Max Minghella, Rachael Taylor

What it’s about: When aliens attack and swiftly conquer the world by frying our electronic grid and systematically hunting down the disorganized, pathetically under-defended survivors, a small band of tourists in Moscow combine to find a way to annihilate the aliens’ powerful defenses.

Why we’re excited: First of all, it’s nice to see aliens that aren’t giant bugs or robots. Indescribable light orbs trying to take over the planet is something new indeed. Second, the talented and compelling young cast. Emile Hirsch and Olivia Thirlby as a pairing feels so right, and the fact that they are starring together in an alien invasion film, rather than some bleak, depressing indie, is exciting in and of itself. A lot of action flicks will end up disappointing, but this one’s got a ton of things going for it to give it a bit of a head start.

Trailer: