Britain has produced some of the most iconic of all science fiction: The War of the Worlds, Doctor Who, The Day of the Triffids, even the Alien franchise. The original Star Wars trilogy, for that matter, was partially made there also. Following any of those is surely a tall order, but recently we've seen more lighthearted British SF come into its own also, on screens big and small.
Joe Cornish's 2011 sci-fi comedy gem Attack the Block follows a band of South London street hoodlums on Guy Fawkes Night who, after robbing feisty young nurse Samantha (Jodie Whittaker), encounter an alien invasion, which somehow slips under the council's radar. With the very taciturn Moses (John Boyega, now best-known as Finn from Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and smartarse Pest (Alex Esmail) out front and Samantha in tow after she begrudgingly operates on Pest's alien-bitten leg in her apartment on their block, it's time for the showdown: working-class, uncouth young Brits vs. intergalactic killing machines!
Originally a comedian and radio announcer, writer-director Joe Cornish's first inspiration for Attack the Block came when he himself was robbed in London. But thankfully rather than dwell on that ideal, he got creative with it, giving us one gruesome, energetic, suspenseful and genuinely witty sci-fi comedy adventure. Obviously he doesn't condone the gang's lifestyle, but he does emphasize what ultimately redeems them: how they take a stand against the invaders, the brotherly loyalty and understanding that binds them (all outcasts as they are), and their gradual humanity towards Samantha. And she, for her part, proves she shouldn't be fucked with either.
The cast all evidently had endless fun filming this and you can cut their chemistry and authenticity (aesthetically and emotionally) with a playing card. Cornish also clearly enjoyed his work here and his pacing and narrative cues never miss a beat, especially for a directorial debut. And the aliens themselves are very convincingly and distinctively realised, thanks also to make-up and visual effects that are incredible for such a low-budget effort.
Movies don't often make you care for street hoods. But Attack the Block sure does. Hell, it may even make you appreciate them.
Movies don't often make you care for street hoods. But Attack the Block sure does. Hell, it may even make you appreciate them.
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