Review: Attack the Block

Jessie here with a review of the brilliantly funny sci-fi film, Attack the Block.

You may think you've seen the 'alien invasion' genre done in every possible way, until you've seen it done on a South London council estate. Not many alien invasion films begin with the invader being beaten up by a gang of teenagers with a penchant for petty crime, but Attack the Block does, and it does it brilliantly.

"What kind of alien would invade some council estate in South London?
"One that's looking for a fight!"

And yet, the film manages to make its bizarre premise so convincing that we are immediately absorbed in the action. When hundreds more meterorites containing revenge-fueled aliens drop from the sky, we are right behind the gang in their quest to 'defend their block'.

Director Joe Cornish has commented on how inspired he was by the sci-fi look of urban housing estates. He captures this perfectly: the gritty underpasses and long dark corridors of the block are ideal for the creation of a creepy and ominous atmosphere. However, the film is also a fantastic comedy, balancing out the thrills with laughter. The funniest character for me was 'Brewin', played flawlessly by Luke Treadaway, who perfectly encapsulates the "posh stoner" role (being out-of-place and completely high during an alien invasion is just inherently funny).

The cast of unknowns each deliver excellent performances, and the chemistry between them is palpable. At first, their characters seem mean and menacing, and when they mug a nurse at knifepoint, we aren't exactly sympathetic towards them. However, throughout the film, each character becomes funnier, smarter and more human, and we can't help but relate. By the end of the film, the group of delinquents become trusty, brave and ultimately heroic.

This is where the film's social commentary lies. We soon discover that the teens first portrayed as the typical 'threatening youths' are in fact just disadvantaged children doing the best with what they have. In a particularly poignant moment, it is revealed that the tough leader of the gang, Moses, is only fifteen, living in a neglected household. Although the film sometimes hammers in this "actually good kids" message slightly too hard, it is still a positive response to an often negative portrayal of young people.

Attack the Block is a solid, fun film which despite its high-concept, never feels like a parody. It's a cinematic, energetic adventure which deserves a firm place in the sci-fi genre. Highly recommended, blud.

Attack the Block is screening at DCA until the end of May.