TERRESTRIAL
Opening with a bang, Steve Pink‘s Fantasia 2025 film, TERRESTRIAL, has landed. It follows a sci-fi writer who is about to fulfill his dreams with a book and movie deal. Alan invites his college friends to his new mansion in the Hollywood Hills to celebrate his good fortune, but something feels off.
In his driveway, stands a large, striped termite-tented structure. Alan is seemingly obsessed with checking on it. There is no denying Alan’s overall behavior feels body-snatched, from moment to moment. He is hiding something big. End of Act 1, twenty-nine minutes in, and holy shit, a WTF moment.
The house contains an entire room dedicated to his favorite sci-fi series and writer, S. J. Purcell. It is all very H. P. Lovecraft coded. The classic television show becomes an ingrained part of Alan’s personality and plan. Screenwriters Connor Diedrich and Samuel Johnson feature the episodes running in the background, often informing Alan’s decision-making.
The three-act structure keeps you guessing. A flashback sets up a wild and wacky backstory, putting every assumption you have in jeopardy. Each subsequent decision Alan makes is born out of desperation and delusion. It is pure, heart-pounding, cinematic chaos.
Brendan Hunt is hilarious as Purcell. His character is undeniably shady, and Hunt nails each beat. His chemistry with Jermaine Fowler is magic. James Morosini (I LOVE MY DAD) plays absolute douch-canoe, Ryan. Harboring major jealousy and an inferiority complex, his aggressive approach pushes Alan to his breaking point.
Edy Modica, who killed it in JURY DUTY, plays Vic. She is hilarious with her self-absorbed approach to the visit. Upon discovering a mysterious note, Modica’s motivation shifts, really showcasing her immense talent.
Jermaine Fowler (STING and THE DROP) plays Alan with a passionate, fanboy enthusiasm that is infectious. You fall in love with him while simultaneously fearing his ever-evolving manic behavior. This performance is a multifaceted freight train propelled by panic and survival mode. It is award-worthy.
The synth score is perfect. At times, the camerawork is reminiscent of Psycho. The film gets darker and more twisted in its final act. TERRESTRIAL is completely unhinged and out of this world amazing.
Terrestrial Teaser Trailer:
Director
Steve Pink
Producer
Josh Jason, Molly Gilula, Molly Conners, AJ Bourscheid, Austin Lantero, Rachel Walden, Pauline Chalamet, Luca Balser
Writer
Connor Diedrich, Samuel Johnson
Cast
Jermaine Fowler, James Morosini, Pauline Chalamet, Edy Modica, Rob Yang, Brendan Hunt TERRESTRIAL
For all things Fantasia, 
Jermaine Fowler gives an unforgettable performance as Frank, the exterminator. All eyes are on him in every scene he shows up in. Noni Hazlehurst is loveable as Charlotte’s dementia-ridden grandmother. 
Ryan Corr gives Ethan a palpable charm in his mounting frustration. Charlotte’s stepfather, the building handyman by day and graphic artist by night, the epic snowstorm outside, the needy residents inside, and a giant ass, alien spider severely harsh his mellow. 
The film boasts a sometimes curious childlike score, an absurdly upbeat soundtrack, smart-looking opening credits, and an unmissable homage to Alien and Terminator. Our titular character is a creative wonder. Sting is something you have to see to appreciate. It is magnificent. Thank you, WĒTĀ Workshops. 
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