Color Out Of Space Review

The mindful mixture of classic low-budget pulpiness and atmospheric horror helps writer/director Richard Stanley’s Color Out Of Space become a delightfully refreshing and entertaining sci-fi spectacle. The mesmerizing and often flamboyant cinematography creates hypnotizing aesthetics that compliments the Lovecraftian visuals and themes. Stanley’s direction proves that he’s in his element, crafting quirky and energetic pacing that proves momentous. But the biggest takeaway from Color Out Of Space is the undeniably unhinged and hyperactive performance from Nicholas Cage, who executes his notoriously deranged delivery in bold and memorable ways. The film has flaws and narrative discrepancies, but the irresistibly anomalous narrative, creative filmmaking, and fun performances turn Color Out Of Space into a memorable piece of cosmic horror.

When a meteorite crashes out of the sky onto the front yard of their farm, Nathan Gardner and his family notice strange things beginning to happen. Soon after, the anomalies start to get more severe, propelling the family into a battle with a mysterious extraterrestrial organism with unthinkable capabilities, transforming their once quiet life into a hellish terror.

There is a definite chaotic charm to the world that Stanley and his team have created. The hallucinogenic visuals and excellent set design pay homage to a plethora of iconic horror films while maintaining its originality. The abstract events and aware humour serve these elements well, while the script and filmmaking stay energetic and campy. Color Out Of Space is most successful when it harnesses and embraces its over the top vitality, crushing its viewers in waves of unrelenting colors and sounds, all while a manic and vulgar Nicolas Cage unstably bursts into various profanity-filled rants and odd pieces of humour. It becomes obvious that Stanley is consistently aware of what gives each scene its vigour, which helps provide a sense of unpredictability and unease during many of the film's slower moments.

The campy kaleidoscopic sequences and relentless magnetism of Color Out Of Space don't always work in the film's favour, though. Distractingly weak elements can often accompany the visceral special effects. At the same time, the attempts at engaging body horror are mostly tiresome and played out. Disjointed narrative choices can also leave the strives at intriguing character development underwhelming and the storyline to be erratic in tone. There are times where both Stanley and Cage are trying too hard to get a reaction. Still, their filmmaking and acting experience manages to keep much of the film on track and emphatically entertaining.

Overall, the vibrant visuals and relentless energy that oozes out of Color Out Of Space creates a beautiful and often refreshing piece of cosmic horror. A b-movie style venture that expertly blends horror, comedy and sci-fi to create an onslaught of bizarre yet memorable moments. Stanley ensures there’s enough brazenly crazy material for those hoping to see Cage unleash his infamous acting, but the fantastic world-building and mesmerizing use of special effects and cinematography will surely provide various layers of enjoyment.

The unrelenting performance from Nicolas Cage and Richard Stanley’s willingness to embrace the insanity of a Lovecraftian narrative makes Color Out Of Space an enjoyably vivid and gruesome spectacle.

Produced By: RLJE Films
Runtime: 110 minutes
Rating: NR