Focus Features | Release Date: March 15, 2019
5.5
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 86 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
32
Mixed:
33
Negative:
21
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9
Aladdin718Dec 15, 2019
Really good. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll leave it at that. I highly recommend it.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
AWESOM-0Mar 18, 2020
A much better movie than given credit for. There is so much that is very good but so much that is incomplete and rushed. Still, because it’s better and smarter than a lot of crap that’s out there I give it an 8.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
JackusBlackusApr 12, 2019
This is a good movie. It has a broad mix of sci-fi, mystery, suspense, action, and clever twists. It is not an action movie or a CGI-fest. Don't go in expecting super-heroes, spectacular explosions, choreographed battles or thrilling chaseThis is a good movie. It has a broad mix of sci-fi, mystery, suspense, action, and clever twists. It is not an action movie or a CGI-fest. Don't go in expecting super-heroes, spectacular explosions, choreographed battles or thrilling chase scenes.

This is a thought-provoking story about a dystopian future when humans live under the subjugation of aliens. Think of the French Resistance operating in the shadows of the German occupation during World War II.

The movie focuses on the life of a person who is working to escape to the wilderness. He has minor interactions with the rebels in the beginning, but unknowingly becomes an important part of their plan.
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2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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10
katafragMay 30, 2019
A well-intentioned alien invasion story riddled with relevant but all too obvious and heavy-handed sociopolitical symbolism. In a film that's part "War of the Worlds," part "District 9" and part "Divergent," along with other all-too-familiarA well-intentioned alien invasion story riddled with relevant but all too obvious and heavy-handed sociopolitical symbolism. In a film that's part "War of the Worlds," part "District 9" and part "Divergent," along with other all-too-familiar sci-fi allusions thrown in. we're handed a story that's a little too crammed with ideas, characters, technologies and events to adequately keep track of things given the blistering pace of the story (a quality that, ironically, makes the picture somewhat tedious to watch). This could have been a lot better with some retooling -- and maybe a few more drafts of the screenplay. Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
LamontRaymondMar 19, 2019
One hell of a movie! I'm a little shocked that the critics weren't more on board with this one. Elegantly-told, it feels like 3 slow-moving seasons of USA's "Colony" supercharged into a bite-sized two hour chunk. Love the story, the effectsOne hell of a movie! I'm a little shocked that the critics weren't more on board with this one. Elegantly-told, it feels like 3 slow-moving seasons of USA's "Colony" supercharged into a bite-sized two hour chunk. Love the story, the effects are incredible, and the acting is perfect - not at all over done like so many sci-fi films of its ilk. Expand
6 of 10 users found this helpful64
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8
shpostalMar 16, 2019
Usually when a movie is released without much fanfare and a lack of critic reviews, it's a sign of a stinker. However, despite some negative reviews, "Captive State" is anything but a stinker. We get tired sure of dystopianUsually when a movie is released without much fanfare and a lack of critic reviews, it's a sign of a stinker. However, despite some negative reviews, "Captive State" is anything but a stinker. We get tired sure of dystopian futuristic societies, and alien movies any more are almost as abundant as super hero movies. It's admittedly a tempting subject to portray an alien civilization however the studio wants, either ugly and benevolent, cutesy, or pure malevolent evil. This movie doesn't show too much of the aliens who have made humans on earth their subjects, but it's much more a believable pitch on the order of "District 9" as opposed to the insultingly stupid "Independence Day" films. We are made to draw conclusions, only to have them proven wrong. The pace is riveting and the film centers around two types of the captive world population: thoroughly ass kissing and pandering, including corrupt law enforcement in Chicago where this story takes place who take their orders from the "legislators", aka the hideous aliens, and brave people who are determined to fight back against both the aliens and the humans who choose a fate as captives, involving turncoats and spies everywhere, making the main thrust of the movie, an attack against their captors and people unwilling to rise up to regain their planet back. John Goodman is a great actor - totally believable and an ultimately sympathetic character. If there is one minor gripe, it's the short role by Vera Farmiga, one of the best actresses out there. Her talent is not utilized to its potential, but even the small role she plays is a critical one. Most of any possible plot loopholes are closed up in the final part of the movie, and the dramatic feel is top notch for a movie of this genre. Those panning "Captive State" are frankly, unfair. The pace doesn't allow for the massive "character development" they ask for. Then again, none is really needed that doesn't already present itself. The film is articulate, dynamic and nothing of the confusing or disappointing descriptions some reviewers have determined it to be. Just pay close attention. Expand
6 of 10 users found this helpful64
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8
NobodyYouKnowMar 15, 2019
Excellent, tense sci-fi thriller. The best sci-fi, IMO, is allegorical as Captive State certainly is. The alien invasion could just as well be, say, the Nazis occupying Poland, but the suspense is enhanced by the mysteriousness of the aliensExcellent, tense sci-fi thriller. The best sci-fi, IMO, is allegorical as Captive State certainly is. The alien invasion could just as well be, say, the Nazis occupying Poland, but the suspense is enhanced by the mysteriousness of the aliens -- the unknown is always more frightening. The tension starts within minutes of the movie's beginning, and it slowly escalates over the next 1.5 hours till a climactic scene (which I won't divulge); things subsequently calm down in what seems a sort of epilogue... until there's a surprise (which I won't divulge :-) ). The direction style felt a lot like District 9.

I understand some of the criticism about character development, but it's not really a character-driven story. It's about the human desire for freedom and the lengths to which some people will go to obtain that freedom. It's conceptually similar to the tv series Colony: people make choices about the kind of life they want to live and whether it's worth giving up that life for a greater good. It's certainly not surprising to know that some people will always choose to fight for freedom, and we go into Captive State knowing this, but we can still enjoy the ride.

The movie doesn't spell everything out for you, which I appreciate, but some might find it frustrating at certain moments where you have to fill in the blanks. It's an intelligent thriller with excellent performances (wish Vera Farmiga were featured more) and an ending which most will find satisfying.
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6 of 10 users found this helpful64
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7
HealingToolboxAug 16, 2019
I'm with the Variety review rated 90. I'm also with the reviews who say it's a mess and very likely was a nightmare to edit. Still, John Goodman holds the thing together masterfully. The title is useless. The real title is Endgame, whereI'm with the Variety review rated 90. I'm also with the reviews who say it's a mess and very likely was a nightmare to edit. Still, John Goodman holds the thing together masterfully. The title is useless. The real title is Endgame, where one game is played and then the endgame reveals itself. This pays off handsomely in the third act. Up to then tho too hard to identify with anyone. What I suspect is this movie was not story boarded nor pre-vized end to end. If it had been, the messiness would have been greatly reduced. It's problems are not lack of talent or good ideas. It's problems are messy cinematic storytelling. I also do honor this director's Planet of the Apes contribution. Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
ohnomrbillMar 15, 2019
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. a brilliant movie! a whirlwind of scifi suggestion. turn off your mind and watch with instinct. it is refreshing and original, i did not get bored once. special effects are minimal yet the story carries the reader across the finish line and does it with the idea that less is best, and it works so well! Expand
4 of 13 users found this helpful49
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9
AvgassJul 12, 2021
Seriously underrated sci fi. Found it enthralling til the end and wish there was a sequel
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
BrunoM02Jun 16, 2019
Captive state it´s not a bad movie, but it´s not a good one too.
it´s just an average movie with average visual efects and an average scrip, it could be better, it was the essencial idea but it doesn´t really grab you to the seat, the
Captive state it´s not a bad movie, but it´s not a good one too.
it´s just an average movie with average visual efects and an average scrip, it could be better, it was the essencial idea but it doesn´t really grab you to the seat, the soudtrack was one of the best things along with the acting of the cast, but the rest is just meh, I usualy rate the movies from 1 to 100 and i would give it 66, it doens´t go really far on what the aliens want and why earth, why some caracther´s really do that...
it just passes the time when you got nothing to do.
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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
GrantD243Sep 4, 2019
The marketing for this film was quite deceiving and I think hurt it quite a bit with general audiences, but I enjoyed it a lot. The first 20 minutes or so feel a little unfocused, but once it reaches the second act it starts to put thingsThe marketing for this film was quite deceiving and I think hurt it quite a bit with general audiences, but I enjoyed it a lot. The first 20 minutes or so feel a little unfocused, but once it reaches the second act it starts to put things together and inches towards a climax that I found to be highly satisfying. Do not go into this film expecting a ton of action and aliens. The presence of the aliens is felt, but they are hardly ever seen. This is a low budget sci-fi thriller, and a damn good one at that. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
glommanJul 18, 2021
This movie surprised me because it's a Netflix original production that isn't absolute **** Maybe the whole setting could've been better explained, since the movie's length is very limiting, even the characters are mostly shallow. Sure, thereThis movie surprised me because it's a Netflix original production that isn't absolute **** Maybe the whole setting could've been better explained, since the movie's length is very limiting, even the characters are mostly shallow. Sure, there are some special moments here and there, but ultimately you won't care if someone dies.
Still, it was very entertaining, the setting is realistic, the design of the aliens original, and I had fun, despite its shortcomings.
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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
olgaTrulalaJan 28, 2023
Captive State is a film that is not only entertaining, but also thought-provoking, tackling themes of resistance, government control and power, and the cost of freedom. The story is expertly crafted, with twists and turns that keep theCaptive State is a film that is not only entertaining, but also thought-provoking, tackling themes of resistance, government control and power, and the cost of freedom. The story is expertly crafted, with twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The film's atmosphere is palpable, with the gritty and oppressive nature of the alien-controlled Chicago adding to the tension and making the audience feel as though they are right there in the middle of the action. The performances from the cast, particularly John Goodman and Ashton Sanders, are fantastic, adding depth and complexity to their characters. The film also does a great job of creating a believable and terrifying alien threat. Special effects are used sparingly, but to great effect, making the aliens feel like a real and looming presence throughout the film.

Captive State is a film that should not be missed. It's a masterful blend of science fiction, action, and political commentary, that will leave audiences thinking long after the credits have rolled. It's a film that will resonate with audiences, and one that will be remembered as a classic in the genre.
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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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