| Terrestrial | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Steve Pink |
| Written by | Connor Diedrich Samuel Johnson |
| Produced by | |
| Cinematography | Tom Hernquist |
| Music by | James McAlister (composer) |
Production companies |
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Release date |
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Running time | 95 minutes [1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Terrestrial is 2025 American black comedy film directed by Steve Pink.
The film premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival on July 20, 2025. In Canada, it bears the title Chimera.
Reviewer Dennis Harvey of Variety wrote, "A cheerfully macabre comedy of misunderstandings, lies and delusion, 'Terrestrial' teases with the promise of science-fiction — but it turns out the kind of fantasy at work here is less about outer space than the inner space of frantic reality-denial. An auspicious first produced screenplay for the duo of Samuel Johnson and Connor Dietrich, this Fantasia premiere also affords director Steve Pink his best feature to date, one whose tonal finesse is a considerable leap from his studio comedy 'Hot Tub Time Machine' (and its sequel). While the lack of major marquee names might limit initial exposure, the mingled genre elements, subversive humor and genuinely clever, unpredictable narrative should accrue the indie production an enthusiastic cult following. [...] There's a lot going on here, unfolding in a fashion that will send some viewers back for seconds or thirds, just to better appreciate how adroitly all the moving parts work together." [1]
Reviewer Sara Clements of nextbestpicture.com wrote, "All is not as it seems in this film – not even close. [...] What makes 'Terrestrial' so effective isn’t its sci-fi leanings but its commentary on idolatry, self-delusion, and the crushing pressure to appear successful, especially in a world obsessed with fame and image. Allen’s spiralling descent isn’t just about mental illness; it’s about a very human need to be seen as important, as worthy. The film asks: What happens when the dream isn’t real, but we live like it is anyway? [...] 'Terrestrial' is a sharply written, emotionally volatile ride that fuses genre thrills with grounded drama in its gripping exploration of ego, madness, and the lies we tell to survive." [2]
Reviewer Ken O'Shea of warped-perspective.com wrote, "Whilst it’s rare to start a review with as-yet unqualified praise, needs must in this case: Terrestrial (2025) is such an incredibly clever, ambitious project. This tale for our times is filled with surprises, and it’s a huge credit to director Steve Pink and to writers Connor Diedrich and – good name for a writer – Samuel Johnson, that those surprises keep on coming. [...] An exhilarating, tangled web of deception, double-crossing and questioning, it wouldn’t do to say too much more about this title. This makes it slightly tricky to review, but if a review is at least partly there to help people decide whether to see a film or not, then I hope this one has said enough to make people want to watch. Go in with as few preconceptions as possible, and just allow this creative, humane, modern moral tale to do its thing." [3]
Reviewer Jared Mobarak of thefilmstage.com wrote, "This is a genre film taking big narrative and tonal swings, so the chance Allen is walking himself off a cliff of lies to a bloody end is just as likely as him being chosen and replaced by an alien at a moment of desperate need. [...] Terrestrial wears a pitch-black humor on its sleeve, a fact that won’t prepare you for how bleak the filmmakers are willing to run. Right when you think things are falling apart perfectly for Allen to ease out of trouble (or, at the very least, mitigate it so his friends can escape) Pink and company hit the gas and ensure the consequences of his actions land as hard and painful as possible. I love the willingness to go for the jugular and really push this character to a point of no return as far as being unable to accept what he has wrought. It provides Fowler a great acting showcase, demanding he constantly flip between devastation and an uncanny calm. The death of a dream can sometimes be impossible to bear." [4]
Reviewer John Dotson of thecosmiccircus.com wrote, "Similar to Grosse Point Blank , Pink's new film delights in subversive dark comedy. [...] Terrestrial accomplishes a feat that is difficult for a storyteller. The narrative begins with a visual that makes the viewer believe they are watching a specific genre of film. For a while, it maintains the illusion while introducing the characters. But like any good magician, the performer (or storyteller) suddenly pulls the rug out from under the audience. Steve Pink's dark comedy entertains viewers while skillfully playing with this twisty storytelling style, commenting on the barriers of being discovered as an artist. While Terrestrial has a rough landing, director Steve Pink weaves many of his Grosse Point Blank sensibilities into the film. [...] Terrestrial's only flaw is its final act. Like the works of famous writers such as Stephen King, the effort struggles to find a conclusion worthy of the excellent second act. To be as vague as possible, the ending unravels all of its weaving threads predictably. It’s not a terrible finale, but considering the impressive narrative twists in the middle, it seems like the writers put all their energy into the halfway mark and lost momentum afterward. Even so, Pink's Terrestrial is a sharp and subversive ride." [5]
Reviewer Nathaniel Muir of aiptcomics.com wrote, "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. [...] 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." [6]
Reviewer Jake Tropila of inreviewonline.com wrote, "Terrestrial is a very difficult film to summarize to any meaningful degree, as revealing any of the film’s many secrets would spoil all the fun present therein. Without giving too much away, there’s a hard turn at the end of act one that shifts focus to another major character and places all the film’s preceding events into new perspective. Pink successfully juggles multiple tones as the weekend stay grows much darker from this point, even wading into material regarding the dangers of toxic fandom and para-social relationships. At a point, this surfeit all threatens to crumble under its own weight, but Terrestrial keeps things intact by committing to a lightness of foot, moving briskly through any potential danger zone so as to not any one thing saddle proceedings. The cast is especially helpful in service of the film’s aims, and Fowler in particular, as the actor is tasked with a very difficult role that must be played at multiple registers, which he executes impressively as he carries the film across the finish line. Ultimately, then, Terrestrial proves to be a solidly entertaining genre sandbox, a film savvy enough to undercut its weaknesses of overinflation, and one that will certainly play better to viewers who go in as blind as possible." [7]