Watch Roswell
- PG-13
- 1994
- 1 hr 30 min
-
6.3 (2,750)
Set in Roswell, New Mexico during the summer of 1947, the 1994 movie Roswell tells the story of the infamous Roswell incident. Based on true events, the film is a mix of science fiction and political drama that explores the possibility of alien life and the government's efforts to keep it hidden from the public. The lead character, Mac Brazel(Kyle MacLachlan), is a local ranch hand who discovers what he believes to be a crashed aircraft. He reports it to the authorities and soon the military led by Colonel Blanchard (Martin Sheen) arrives to investigate. Brazel is warned to keep silent about what he has seen, but he later defies the military and reports the incident to the local newspaper.
Meanwhile, the government is dealing with an internal struggle over how to handle the situation. General Ramey (Dwight Yoakam) is at odds with his superior, Major General Harding (Bob Gunton), who wants to keep the incident under wraps. As the military investigates the crash site, they discover debris and strange materials that appear to be of extraterrestrial origin.
While the military attempts to keep the crash a secret, rumors begin to circulate in Roswell and the local press starts to ask questions. The film portrays the tension and paranoia that grips the town as citizens try to find out what happened, while the military tries to suppress the truth. Conspiracy theories abound, particularly among the media and civilians, as they try to piece together what really happened.
The film also introduces the character of an alien survivor, which adds a supernatural dimension to the story. The alien, depicted as female, is captured by the military and subjected to harsh experimentation. The scenes with the alien display an eerie and chilling atmosphere, adding to the overall feeling of otherworldliness.
As the government continues to cover up the incident, the press and the public become increasingly outraged. This leads to a congressional investigation, which ultimately reveals the truth about the Roswell incident--and implicates the government in decades of lies and cover-ups regarding alien life.
The performances by the lead actors are top notch. Kyle MacLachlan plays the role of Mac Brazel with great authenticity, conveying the character's doubt and confusion over what he has witnessed. Martin Sheen's Colonel Blanchard is a perfect foil for Dwight Yoakam's General Ramey. Both characters are ambitious and calculating, but Blanchard is more willing to take risks to get what he wants. Yoakam's General Ramey is cold and calculating, choosing to play it safe and keep the incident under wraps. These performances, combined with the tight pacing and well-written script, make for a well-rounded portrayal of the incident.
Roswellâs production value is admirable despite its low budget. The film features appropriate costumes, set designs, and cinematography. The scenes set during the 1940s were shot with care and attention to detail, which makes the film feel authentic.
Overall, Roswell is a compelling and well-made film about the Roswell incident, which remains one of the most intriguing mysteries in modern American history. The film manages to blend a solid script, strong acting, and accurate historical events with a touch of science fiction to create an intriguing, fascinating drama. Anyone who is a fan of science fiction or is interested in the history of alien life and government cover-ups should see this gripping movie.