Running Time: 77 Minutes
Starring: Clinton Liberty, Will Attenborough, Cressida Bonas, Kai Luke Brummer, Jason Flemyng
As part of Frightfest's First Blood strand, writer/director Josephine Rose makes her feature debut with Touchdown. The story opens with a meteor storm that brings a new life form to Earth, causing global authorities to react by implementing emergency controls. Across the globe, five friends speak online as they remain isolated in their respective countries. They are told to stay indoors, but as matters grow worse, they wonder if their best option is to disregard orders by venturing outdoors into potential danger.
Utilizing a small budget in effective ways, what Rose crafts is a grounded sci-fi adventure that uses fantastical elements to reflect modern times. This world is glimpsed through news reports and the five friends, as chatter is heard about sightings and the military moving in. Meanwhile, there is a rising unease as people are being silenced on social media within a growing fascist state. Those meant to protect people are instead putting them in harms way, while hysteria is shown in action as borders are locked down, leaving those considered "other" to be referred to as vermin. With such a potent and unsettling reflection on modern politics, one is left wondering if revelations about the Prime Minister holding a boozy party in Downing Street were left on the cutting room floor.
Of the friends who are central to this tale, Jamie (Clinton Liberty) is the one that is focused on the most. He spends his days uploading videos where he talks about the state of the world, but he still pines for Emma (Cressida Bonas), who moved for her job. Their relationship is approached as though it is intended to be an emotional anchor, yet this is hampered by how underexplored their connection feels. Despite the talented cast members, it does not help that considerable parts of the film leaves this relationship feeling forgotten about.
They may be separated across different countries, yet these friends try to stay united as they search for answers about what is happening. As some take part in the resistance, Chloe (Lily Frazer) desperately searches for answers online in her home. The characters feel spurred to action as this situation unfolds for longer, with it becoming more clear that humanity is its own largest threat. As such, the situation unfortunately appears hopeless when left up to authority figures who do not have the people's best interests in mind.
Across a breezy 77-minute runtime, there are times when this work can feel derivative. Yet, while Touchdown takes on familiar elements, it sets itself apart by using them in fresh ways that feel relevant to modern times.
Touchdown made its World Premiere at Frightfest 2024
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