The original classic (based on Jack Finney’s serialized novella) is strong enough to have inspired many generations of filmmakers to try their hand at its basic but frightening concept: People systemically being replaced by emotionless aliens bred out of pods that overtake their victims while they sleep. There’s a lot of potential for socio-political commentary in such a concept, which here, director Don Siegel applies here to McCarthy-era Communist witch hunts of the 1950s, which still carries weight to this day. It’s an entertaining, chilling little movie with a knockout ending that’s worth the price of admission on its own.
Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)
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