Poor young Luis Sonntag is the lonely son of a ufo-ologist. They live in a somewhat decrepit house in a street where their neighbours drive fast cars and have manicured lawns. His father spends all day sleeping so he can spend all night searching the heavens for any sign of intelligent life. He is the stereotypical mad scientist.
Luis is reeling from the loss of his mother. His father is in denial as to the sole parental responsibility now bestowed upon him. He sees Luis as a mature young man, in little need of what he could further offer. It is out of this seeming neglect, that Luis is reported to social services. Now, on the day of his birthday, Luis is suddenly a wanted child, harassed and chased by the frightening Valentina, who would send the image of child support services back decades.
As he narrowly escapes one attempt at being captured, he stumbles upon three unlikely characters – the Aliens which his father has spent his lifetime trying to prove real. Getting over the initial surprise, to Luis, these clumsy, yet friendly beings provide just the needed distraction and companionship that he craves.
There are a number of amusing scenes that ensue as the alien’s special talent of being able to morph into other people become apparent. Imitating Luis’ neighbours and their housekeeper almost gets him out of trouble with child services but not for long.
Luis is forced to consider drastic actions, which for the setup don’t ring all that true. Despite this and a little clunky dialogue, it’s a happy going 90 or so minutes.
3 stars
Rated PG
Luis and The Aliens opens in Australian cinemas from Thursday 30 August 2018.
About Luis and The Aliens
Written and Directed by: Christoph Lauenstein, Wolfgang Lauenstein
Stars: Callum Maloney, Dermot Magennis, Ian Coppinger
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