Color Out Of Space
H.P. Lovecraft is well known for his weird, fantastical, horror fiction. The film adaptation of Lovecraft’s The Color Out Of Space brings his story to life in a vivid, technicolour fashion.
When a meteorite slams into a secluded farm the Gardner family finds themselves ensconced in a battle against an ephemeral alien which slowly drags them all into madness. Much like in Stephen King’s The Mist this film’s nefarious force is intentionally left shrouded in mystery and ambiguity. By doing this the viewer is forced to rely on the depiction of the slow descent into madness by the members of the Gardner family – led by Nicholas Cage at his weird and wacky best once again.
Whilst the film’s evil force has a seemingly dark, oppressive motive driving it forward it does so whilst also bringing beauty to the world. As the alien’s influence grows we see bright, vividly coloured plants growing throughout the farm. This makes the film beautiful to look upon but simultaneously contrasts with the oppressive nature of the story.
Color Out Of Space is a truly weird, unsettling and unique film which captures the H.P. Lovecraft aesthetic, however because of this it won’t be for everyone.
★★★
Available via on-demand platforms May 6
