Netflix | Release Date (Streaming): July 27, 2018
5.3
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 98 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
37
Mixed:
32
Negative:
29
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8
RtheomAug 5, 2018
I really liked this one. The acting for a few of the folks was a little sub-par, but the story was interesting and the twist was unexpected, which is nice. Usually I can predict the "twist" in most movies about 1/4 of the way through. TheyI really liked this one. The acting for a few of the folks was a little sub-par, but the story was interesting and the twist was unexpected, which is nice. Usually I can predict the "twist" in most movies about 1/4 of the way through. They gave just enough vague hints to tell you that something was amiss, but didn't make it obvious. I had fun trying to figure out what was actually going on and was pleasantly surprised by the actual explanation that worked well. This is a Netflix film worth seeing. Expand
6 of 7 users found this helpful61
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9
NilesandstuffAug 1, 2018
Its important to take this in the context that it is a sci-fi movie. The recipe for a good sci-fi movie goes something like: 1 or 2 crazy twists(✓), the idea of love being a major secondary plot point(✓), the main character kicking butt andIts important to take this in the context that it is a sci-fi movie. The recipe for a good sci-fi movie goes something like: 1 or 2 crazy twists(✓), the idea of love being a major secondary plot point(✓), the main character kicking butt and rising up to be a hero(✓), and most importantly the conflict resolves around a topic that is relatable to either the viewer directly or the society that the viewer lives (✓✓✓!)

This movie has all of that. Peña killed it as the lead... People critical of his acting have become too hooked on seeing confident and chiseled male leads... Peña was perfect because he perfectly portrayed someone who should be relatable to the target audience... A nerdy, shy, and flawed character.

Plot: 10/10
Effects: 9/10 (a few weak green screen shots)
Characters: 8/10 (a given for sci-fi... But those kids were really awful... Having them be a weight definitely served its purpose by making the family real... But its too much. More plot, less stupid kid please)
Acting: 8.5/10
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6 of 7 users found this helpful61
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8
sharp_katanaAug 13, 2018
Extinction is some solid sci-fi movie and while it has some strong resemblances with "The War of the Worlds", I liked this one definitely much more than the latest film adaptation (2005) of Wells' well-known book.
Despite all the downvoting,
Extinction is some solid sci-fi movie and while it has some strong resemblances with "The War of the Worlds", I liked this one definitely much more than the latest film adaptation (2005) of Wells' well-known book.
Despite all the downvoting, I think the action and the characters in "Extinction" were quite okay. Maybe there are so many negative reviews because there are no Hollywood heroes or epic scenes to be found here.
The movie is merely about an alien attack and the survival of a family. We experience the situation through the fate of an average family that really has no clue about what has befallen them and tries to act on the situation as best as they can.
The father seems to have seen it coming by weird nightmares and of course there is more to that. We find out late in the film and the actual revelation makes you think. It is good sci-fi movie with a social dilemma as motivation for the whole plot.
The movie itself will not bore you with long explanations. It builds up tension quite well, although it might not create epic feelings. But if you want, it leaves you with something to think about. And a story and some characters that are believable instead of being written for maximum views.
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5 of 6 users found this helpful51
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7
vdouglasjrAug 21, 2018
Based on the previews, Extinction (2018) seems to tell the typical alien invasion story. UFO’s flicker in the night, ships descend on an awed crowd of citizens, mass murder and destruction ensues, chaos in the streets, the usual. Yet thisBased on the previews, Extinction (2018) seems to tell the typical alien invasion story. UFO’s flicker in the night, ships descend on an awed crowd of citizens, mass murder and destruction ensues, chaos in the streets, the usual. Yet this Netflix sci-fi original offers philosophical commentary on the nature of the self as well as a twist that explores the political implications of artificial intelligence. In addition, it implicitly touches on highly relevant global issues like immigration, class antagonism, genocide and the tolls of war in general. The story takes place in a not too distant future where the main character, Peter (played by Michael Peña), is haunted by nightmares of an invasion in which he becomes convinced by the day that they are omens. At the expense of the pervasive premonitions, he neglects his family and increasingly exhibits poor performance at his job. Initially, one might get the sense that most of the movie would be about Peter trying to defend his sanity and repair damaged relationships, but writers Spenser Cohen and Brad Kane do a great job of allocating just the right about of time to get the audience to finally side with the protagonist before for the "I told so" moment happens and the action begins. This movie is packed with the right amount of suspense, a few big name actors and a brilliantly delivered existential curve ball. We follow the main character and his family’s short but precarious ten block journey from their bomb ridden apartment to a government safe facility as they evade violent encounters with their invaders. Peter’s revelation about the true nature of himself arises when one of his family members needs medical attention for a potentially fatal injury and his only hope is help from the alien who inflicted it. Michael Peña from “American Hustle” takes the lead role. Lizzy Caplan known for “Now You See Me 2” plays his wife and the Netflix's “Luke Cage” actor, Mike Colter, plays his boss. The film tells a great story in particular if you fancy the old Twilight Zone style rug ripped from under your expectations. It does a fantastic job at it. My only contentions with the movie are its hollow backstory and its lackluster ending. The audience is given glimpses of how things came to be through Peter’s tattered memories. As a result, there are a gaping set of holes in the chain of events that led to the origin of the alien invasion. These holes are only filled through brief references in a dialogue exchange between the main character and his antagonist. As for the film’s conclusion, like many Netflix originals, one kind of gets the feeling that either the producers exhausted their budget or the writers exhausted their imaginations. The main character gets individual resolve, but the movie's overall conflict does not. It is hard to tell if this is an attempt at leaving the possibility for a sequel or just weak writing. Altogether, however, the film offers a unique perspective within the alien invasion genre and one to be thoroughly enjoyed. Expand
4 of 5 users found this helpful41
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10
zaftgunOct 12, 2018
Really good movie for the material. I have not been moved by a movie for a very very long time, so much that I hardly ever bother watching any.

Those that rate this lowly is judging it superficially. It depends on what you see and get out of
Really good movie for the material. I have not been moved by a movie for a very very long time, so much that I hardly ever bother watching any.

Those that rate this lowly is judging it superficially. It depends on what you see and get out of it. There are a lot more than meets the eye. With any material, you have to be very careful of the content and keep an open mind, even if you think you know what it is.
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6 of 8 users found this helpful62
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9
JAFOAug 25, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, watching the trailer I thought this was your typical alien invasion movie, but turns out to be something unexpected and that's what I'm always looking for. If you're wanting a blockbuster movie with epicI thoroughly enjoyed this movie, watching the trailer I thought this was your typical alien invasion movie, but turns out to be something unexpected and that's what I'm always looking for. If you're wanting a blockbuster movie with epic stunts and special effects, then this is not for you, this movie is very thought provoking and asks the questions about artificial life, equality and genocide (without being preachy). If you enjoy & regularly watch sci-fi but want something that will give you pause, then I recommend it for you. Expand
6 of 8 users found this helpful62
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9
ArealmoviefanAug 6, 2018
At first I didn't think I would like this movie but being a real movie critic I dived in to the story not the visual of the movie or how much they spent on it and I really enjoyed this movie as a whole the acting was bland but once u put theAt first I didn't think I would like this movie but being a real movie critic I dived in to the story not the visual of the movie or how much they spent on it and I really enjoyed this movie as a whole the acting was bland but once u put the story together and understand it u see why they acted the way they did and I loved this movie as a whole couldn't ask for much better outta of a movies story maybe more money spent on special effects but that's it Expand
5 of 7 users found this helpful52
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9
goggomobileJul 29, 2018
Viewing the trailer, I thought this was going to be another version of war of the worlds, but was pleasantly surprised to see it wasn't. A very interesting story that will surprise, which may leave you with more questions than answers (andViewing the trailer, I thought this was going to be another version of war of the worlds, but was pleasantly surprised to see it wasn't. A very interesting story that will surprise, which may leave you with more questions than answers (and could also explain some of the poor reviews). Without giving too much away, what I gained from this film is the futility of war, the question of self awareness and a situation tantamount to slavery. It's a real shame it doesn't have a higher score, I enjoyed this movie & in my opinion, deserves a better score. Expand
11 of 16 users found this helpful115
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8
beowulf50Aug 2, 2018
Extinction has a great concept. It kept my attention all the way through. Good Movie. Not the best, but better than most of the Netflix drivel.
4 of 6 users found this helpful42
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7
ivan_terribleJul 27, 2018
Very rare for netflix to make decent sci-fi movies, this one is good and a great addition to netflix. I really enjoy it and it's entertaining. I hope they make 2nd installment but i doubt it. Alien invasion that's very shocking at the end andVery rare for netflix to make decent sci-fi movies, this one is good and a great addition to netflix. I really enjoy it and it's entertaining. I hope they make 2nd installment but i doubt it. Alien invasion that's very shocking at the end and it was unexpected. There are no good or bad guys here as far as i see. Expand
6 of 10 users found this helpful64
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7
b-0sJul 28, 2018
Good plot and good movie. Feels almost like a story from Philips K Dick but with an extra shot of adrenaline. Starts slow to set the mood and then the action kicks in. Ending could have been better thus the 7.
4 of 7 users found this helpful43
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10
JSintheStatesJul 29, 2018
This is an original sci-fi movie and well executed! I’d write more, but I don’t abide spoilers! Ignore the so-called critics, and watch this movie for yourselves. And finish the movie…!
5 of 11 users found this helpful56
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9
marty2010Dec 8, 2019
As always, metacritic proves they have no idea. This movie has nothing wrong with it. It's exciting, has great twists, and ends in a positive and exciting manner making you want to see more. metacritic, I know you are most likely people whoAs always, metacritic proves they have no idea. This movie has nothing wrong with it. It's exciting, has great twists, and ends in a positive and exciting manner making you want to see more. metacritic, I know you are most likely people who failed to get into the industry, and are thus bitter, but get your facts right. People want to be entertained. This movie did that. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
QuartzcatJan 1, 2022
This was a really good movie. I don't understand the low ratings. The movie is good sci fi just like midnight sky is - which is also underrated.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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