Occupation : Rainfall

Science fiction cinema no longer seems to be the prerogative of Hollywood studios as the development of special effects creation has allowed some inspired directors to compete with today's big productions. Writer and director Luke Sparke delivers with Occupation: Rainfall the sequel to his previous film Invaders (2018). In this new chapter, the action takes place two years after the intergalactic invasion of Earth, as the survivors fight a desperate ground war. As casualties mount daily, the resistance, along with unexpected allies, uncovers a plot that could decisively end the war. Now that the alien invaders are determined to make our planet their new home, the race is on to save humanity. 

Impossible to discover this film with spectacular special effects and benefiting not only from a superb photography and a neat music by Frederik Wiedmann, not to think of the outstanding science-fiction films, notably by some aspects to the Star Wars universe but also to films like Independence Day (1996). Even if the plot seems unnecessarily complicated at times, we must admit that we can only welcome this third film by a young Australian writer and director who seems to have grown up watching Star Wars at the cinema. While the first part seemed rather messy and was not totally mastered, this sequel easily fulfills its duties and lives up to its ambitions.

In spite of a reduced budget compared to other Hollywood productions, Occupation: Rainfall impresses us constantly because it proves to be not only an homage to the American science-fiction films of the 80's but also shows that with lesser means it is practically possible to do as well and this is what makes Occupation one of the good surprises of the moment: Rainfall one of the good surprises of the moment because while the big Hollywood studios except The Walt Disney Company which makes the joy of all blockbuster lovers seem to have deserted these last months, Occupation: Rainfall easily stands out as a nice surprise and a film that we can only encourage you to discover.

Occupation: Rainfall
Written and directed by Luke Sparke
Produced by Carly Imrie, Carmel Imrie 
Starring Dan Ewing, Temuera Morrison, Lawrence Makoare, Daniel Gillies, Zachary Garred, Jet Tranter, Mark Coles Smith, Trystan Go, David Roberts, Dena Kaplan, Izzy Stevens, Vince Colosimo, Jason Isaacs, Ken Jeong
Music by Frederik Wiedmann
Cinematography : Wade Muller
Edited by Luke Sparke 
Distributed by Saban Film (USA), Metropolita filmExport (France)
Release date : June 11, 2021 (USA)
Running time : 128 minutes

Seen on May 31, 2021 (press screener)

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