[Fantasia ’25] ‘Terrestrial’ review: False narrative

Terrestrial is a Fantasia World Premiere from director Steve Pink (Hot Tub Time Machine). Allen is a struggling writer who finally seems to have hit it big. His friends come to visit him and are impressed by his huge house and expensive possessions. With a book and movie deal in place, Allen seems to be on top of the world. But why is he acting so strangely?

The first act of the film is used to develop characters and build suspense. It is clear that something is going on with Allen. He is unable to focus for long periods of time, acts erratically, and seems distant from his friends. It almost seems as if the only reason he wants them there is to show off his good fortune.

Even before Terrestrial’s twist, Allen seems to be justified in how he is acting towards the others. While Maddie (Pauline Chalamet, Sex Lives of College Girls) genuinely seems to care about him, Vic (Edy Modica, Jury Duty) seems to just be along for the ride. Meanwhile, Ryan (James Morosini, I Love My Dad) is suspicious and antagonistic towards Allen.

Character quirks and scenes from the earlier parts of the movie are paid off later on. Some things like missing wall decorations and the state of the home beg an explanation. But even seemingly innocuous moments like dinner the first night start to have meaning as Terrestrial unfolds. The writing for Maddie is especially good at this. Her willingness to overlook anything that appear to be off about Allen showcases the strength of their bond. While they share a true friendship, there is a deeper reason for her concern.

The writing is also the source of Terrestrial’s biggest flaws. Science fiction plays a big part while simultaneously not seeming essential. Large swaths of the film completely ignore the sci-fi aspect before randomly throwing in a cut-in involving aliens or scenes from a cheap movie. The deeper meaning the writers seem to be aiming for ends up getting lost.

More damning is the fact that the plot is one that is supposed to make the audience feel for the protagonist. As things get worse and Allen finds himself in wackier and deadlier situations, we should feel pity for him. Terrestrial seems to be aiming for a trope that is common in screwball comedies and sitcoms: what else can happen to this poor guy?

Except as things progress, Allen becomes less likeable. This becomes particularly true during the climax when Terrestrial goes out of its way to make him an awful person. It works – most people watching will dislike him immensely. The problem is the movie spends much of its time trying to build pity for the characters. The end result is confusing and frustrating.

Terrestrial is a comedy of errors that is not very funny. There is good tension and some shocking moments, but tonally it feels off. The sci-fi aspects which open things up end up meaning little in the grand scheme of things. It ends up being more disappointing than anything else.