Captive State

2020 • 109 minutes

About this movie

A decade since an extra-terrestrial force has occupied our planet, deceiving humanity with the promise of peace and unity, Chicago Police Officer William Mulligan (John Goodman, 10 Cloverfield Lane) is tasked with maintaining law and order in a city on the brink of rebellion. Gabriel (Ashton Sanders, Moonlight), the young brother of a fallen militant and the son of Mulligan's ex-partner, is faced with the crucial choice: collaborate...or fight back. Also starring Vera Farmiga (TV's Bates Motel), Captive State is unlike any future world ever imagined.

Ratings and reviews

An ambitious, but at times messy, narrative told through fresh world building to tell an alien invasion story through politics rather than space age technology. The film's message of fighting for what you believe in even in the most insurmountable odds is a timeless one, and its tale of an uprising resistance is a timely one given recent events. Captive State is a must watch film with great performances, a unique score by Rob Simonsen and well crafted original VFX, and a surprise twist ending.

This is an exceptionally interesting film and John Goodman really portrays his character well. Not too distant future, good storyline, alternative possibility to an alien invasion. Worth the watch!

I don't understand why the film received such bad reviews. It's a brilliant political thriller wrapped up in a science fiction film. Amazing performance from John Goodman.