Alienoid

Alienoid is a South Korean science fiction action film directed by Choi Dong-hoon and released on 20 July 2022. The film features a talented cast, including Ryu Jun-yeol, Kim Woo-bin, and Kim Tae-ri. The story takes viewers on an extraordinary journey through time, connecting the late Goryeo era with the present day, as aliens begin to appear in 2022.

This film is unique in that it combines elements of action and fantasy, showcasing a narrative that spans different timelines. Following a prologue set in 1380, where monk warriors attempt to defeat an alien and its human host, the story shifts to modern times. Here, humanoid robots named Guard and Thunder arrive from the future, leading to a chain of events involving time travel, alien prisoners, and a young girl named Yi-an. As the plot unfolds, Yi-an grows suspicious of her guardians, leading her to discover the truth about their mysterious past.

The Prologue (1380 A.D.)

In this opening segment, the monk warriors face off against an alien who possesses a human. Despite their efforts, they are unsuccessful. Guard and Thunder arrive from the future to remove the alien from the host. As the former host passes away, she entrusts her baby to Guard. However, they soon learn that Thunder has secretly brought the infant to the present day.

Timeline 1 (2012-2022 A.D.)

Years pass, and Guard raises Yi-an, but hides his true identity from her. As she matures, Yi-an begins to piece together the truth about her life with Guard and Thunder. The story escalates when Yi-an infiltrates a hospital connected to an alien transport. Here, she learns of the complicated mechanics of alien imprisonment and their interactions with human hosts.

The tension builds when an alien pilot arrives on Earth with plans to awaken the Controller and release dangerous alien atmospheres that threaten humanity. Yi-an, alongside her guardians, must devise a plan to defeat the alien pilot and save the world. They create a daring mission to travel back in time, which sets the stage for an epic showdown.

Timeline 2 (1391 A.D.)

As the narrative continues, a Taoist bounty hunter named Mureuk emerges, seeking a powerful mystical knife that is linked to the story's central conflict. During his adventurous quest, Mureuk encounters various legendary martial artists and faces numerous challenges. The climax involves a chaotic battle with Yi-an and the alien entities, ultimately leading to unexpected revelations about their fates.

The film's complex narrative and character connections are ambitious, with moments that provide both excitement and intrigue. However, it has received mixed reviews from critics. Some praise its unique storytelling and visual artistry, while others note that its numerous elements may create confusion for viewers. Despite this, many appreciate the effort to carve a new path in the sci-fi genre.

As of 26 September 2022, _Alienoid_ had grossed approximately 12.6 million USD at the box office, making it one of the notable productions of the year, although it faced challenges in reaching its break-even point due to high production costs.

In summary, _Alienoid_ offers a rich and imaginative storyline, combining action, fantasy, and elements of time travel. Audiences looking for a unique cinematic experience may find this film intriguing, as it explores the intersection of different timelines and the complexities of human and alien interaction.

Fans of the genre can anticipate the continuation of this story with _Alienoid: Return to the Future_, set for release on 10 January 2024.