Risen
Movie Trailer
Release Date
August 20, 2021
Genre
Science Fiction, Thriller, Mystery
Cast & Crew
- Nicole Schalmo as Lauren Stone
- Jack Campbell as Colonel Emmerich
- Carolyn Bock as Dr. Linda Rowe
- Buffy Anne Littaua as Rachel O’Neill
- Kenneth Trujillo as Chief Mitchell
- Katerina Kotsonis as Meredith Woolley
Director
Eddie Arya
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Navigator (2015)
- Angel of Mine (2019) (producer)
Producer
- Eddie Arya
- James Thomas
Writer
- Eddie Arya
Budget
Estimated $2 million
Production Company
- Arya Films
Running Time
109 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
PG-13
Content Advisory
- Mild violence
- Intense suspense
- Sci-fi themes
Movie Story
“Risen” is a sci-fi thriller that begins with the mysterious impact of a meteorite in a small town, causing an unknown biological threat that starts infecting the local population. The film follows Lauren Stone (Nicole Schalmo), a scientist with a troubled past, who is called in by the military to investigate the strange occurrences linked to the meteorite crash.
As Lauren and her team uncover the truth behind the infection, they realize that the meteorite carries an alien pathogen that spreads rapidly, turning humans into violent, zombie-like creatures. The infection begins to spiral out of control, leading to a lockdown of the town as the military tries to contain the outbreak. Lauren must race against time to find a solution to the spreading contagion while grappling with her own personal demons.
The story takes a turn when it is revealed that the meteorite is not just a random event but part of a larger extraterrestrial conspiracy. As the situation grows more dire, Lauren and her team discover that the pathogen is linked to a larger, more dangerous alien force that threatens the entire planet. The film builds suspense as the characters face not only the infected humans but also the looming danger of a full-scale alien invasion.
“Risen” blends elements of sci-fi horror with a mystery-driven narrative, exploring themes of survival, redemption, and the unknown dangers of space exploration. The film’s focus on a single location adds to the tension, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere as the characters struggle to survive both the infection and the alien threat.
Special Effects
The special effects in “Risen” are central to creating the film’s tense and eerie atmosphere. The effects are used to depict the alien infection, the transformation of the infected, and the visual impact of the meteorite crash. While the film’s budget limits the scale of the effects, the filmmakers use practical effects and atmospheric lighting to enhance the horror elements of the story.
Box Office Performance
“Risen” had a limited theatrical release and was also distributed on streaming platforms, where it reached a wider audience. The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its suspenseful atmosphere and ambitious storyline, while others noted its pacing issues and the limitations of its budget. Despite these critiques, “Risen” found an audience among fans of indie sci-fi thrillers who appreciated its blend of mystery, horror, and extraterrestrial intrigue.
Filming Locations
- Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Notable Quotes
- “The truth isn’t out there; it’s already here.” – Lauren Stone
- “This isn’t just an outbreak; it’s a warning.” – Colonel Emmerich
- “We’re not alone, and we’re not ready.” – Dr. Linda Rowe
Behind-the-Scenes
“Risen” was directed by Eddie Arya, who also wrote and produced the film. Arya aimed to create a sci-fi thriller that would stand out for its atmospheric tension and intriguing storyline, despite the film’s modest budget. The production relied on practical effects and creative cinematography to bring the story to life, focusing on the characters’ psychological struggles as much as the external alien threat.
Awards
The film did not receive major awards but was recognized for its efforts in creating a suspenseful and engaging sci-fi thriller on a limited budget.
Final Verdict
“Risen” is a tense and atmospheric sci-fi thriller that offers an intriguing blend of alien invasion, mystery, and horror. While it may not have the high production values of blockbuster films, it delivers a compelling narrative and a strong sense of suspense. Fans of indie sci-fi and horror films will appreciate the film’s ambition and its exploration of themes related to the unknown and the dangers of extraterrestrial contact. “Risen” is a solid choice for viewers looking for a thriller that combines elements of mystery, science fiction, and survival horror.
IMDb Rating
3.4/10