Watch The Alien Girl

The Alien Girl is a gritty 2010 Russian film directed by Anton Bormatov that weaves action, drama, and elements of crime thriller into a raw and gripping cinematic experience. The film is set in the tumultuous post-Soviet landscape of the 1990s, a time marked by upheaval, lawlessness, and the rise of organized crime. With a backdrop of the Eastern European underworld, The Alien Girl delivers a nuanced portrayal of betrayal, loyalty, and the quest for survival.

The narrative centers around the character of "The Alien Girl," portrayed by Natalya Romanycheva, whose intense performance anchors the film's emotional core. She embodies a mysterious and formidable presence—compounded by her piercing gaze and a reputation that precedes her. Around her swirl rumors of being a cold-blooded mercenary, yet as the plot unfolds, the audience is invited to look beyond her tough exterior and explore the depths of a more complex individual.

As the story opens, we find ourselves amidst the gritty hierarchy of the Russian criminal fraternity, where the brothers' loyalty and trust, while seemingly paramount, are often distorted by the lure of power and wealth. The main character around whom much of the action revolves is Mikhail, portrayed by Evgeniy Tkachuk. Mikhail is an ambitious and calculating individual, whose latest endeavor threatens to destabilize the fragile equilibrium within his crime syndicate. His life becomes entangled with the mysterious 'Alien Girl' when plans are set in motion that could irreversibly change the course of their lives.

The other prominent figure in the criminal organization is Kirill Polukhin's character. He represents the old guard, deeply enmeshed in the underworld's codes and machinations, cautious and cunning in his approach to maintaining his status. His involvement in the scheme that is central to the plot serves as a catalyst that propels the story toward its intense climax.

The film's title, The Alien Girl, refers not only to the central character's enigmatic and detached nature but also to the broader theme of estrangement—be it from society, family, or one's sense of self. Each character seems alienated in their own way, as they navigate a world rife with corruption and moral ambiguity. The movie tackles these themes head-on, depicting a stark reality where characters are constantly forced to choose between the lesser of two evils, often with dire consequences.

Natalya Romanycheva's performance as The Alien Girl captivates with its blend of vulnerability and steeliness. Through her, the audience is given a glimpse into the world of someone who has become a pawn in a much larger game—her stoicism and bouts of introspection suggest a history marred by violence and loss. The film excels at creating a character who is both lethal and empathetic, a testament to Romanycheva's acting prowess.

Mikhail and The Alien Girl's paths converge, leading to a tense interplay that pits personal vendettas against a backdrop of criminal endeavor. As events unfold, allegiances shift, trust is broken, and characters are thrust into an ever-escalating spiral of tension and conflict. The Alien Girl's skills are put to the test, as are the motives and convictions of those around her as they maneuver within a treacherous web of deceit.

The cinematic style of The Alien Girl is characterized by a hazy, almost dreamlike aesthetic, juxtaposed with moments of brutal realism—the gritty streets and dimly lit interiors serve as the perfect stage for the film's narrative. The director, Anton Bormatov, displays a deft touch in navigating the film's mood, shifting between somber introspection and explosive action with ease. The cinematography, a play of shadows and light, complements the film's thematic undertones, further immersing the viewer into this underworld saga.

The score of the film also plays a critical role in its storytelling, with music that underscores the tension and foreboding of the Russian crime world. It acts as an essential thread that ties together the various emotional and adrenaline-fueled scenes, casting a lingering effect that amplifies the impact of the unfolding drama.

Ultimately, The Alien Girl is a story about the intersection of fate and human agency—a tale where characters are driven by their instincts for self-preservation, loyalty, and the search for a semblance of justice in a fundamentally unjust world. As the movie progresses, audiences are left to ponder the consequences of the characters' choices and the inevitable collision course they seem to be on.

The blend of action and introspection, along with strong performances and a dark, atmospheric setting, makes The Alien Girl a compelling watch. It's a film that resonates with the moral complexities of its time and remains an engaging showcase of the talent within Russian cinema. Its ability to evoke empathy for even the seemingly unforgivable characters is a testament to the storytellers’ craft, making it a noteworthy entry in the genre.

The Alien Girl is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 21.