Almost Human (2013) is a low-budget, sci-fi horror film written and directed by Joe Begos. The movie blends alien abduction themes with a slasher-style narrative, delivering an intense and unsettling story.
The film begins in rural Maine, where a man named Mark Fisher mysteriously vanishes in a flash of bright light after a series of strange occurrences. Witnessing his disappearance are his best friend Seth Hampton and his girlfriend Jen Craven. Seth, traumatized and blamed for Mark’s disappearance, struggles with the memory for years.
Two years later, Mark suddenly reappears, but he is no longer the man he used to be. Possessed by a malevolent alien force, Mark embarks on a killing spree, brutally murdering and infecting those he encounters. His goal appears to be to propagate the alien lifeform inside him, turning his victims into conduits for further invasion.
Seth, still haunted by the past, teams up with Jen to confront Mark and stop the extraterrestrial menace. As they face their worst fears, the line between humanity and alien transformation becomes increasingly blurred. The film escalates to a tense and bloody climax, with Seth and Jen battling Mark in a desperate attempt to survive.
Almost Human explores themes of alien possession, human relationships strained by trauma, and the fragility of identity. The movie channels influences from 1980s horror and science fiction, featuring practical effects and visceral gore reminiscent of films like The Thing and Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Its minimalist approach to storytelling and small-town setting create a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere.
Despite its modest budget, Almost Human stands out for its raw intensity, gruesome effects, and homage to classic genre cinema. It’s a gritty, no-frills ride for fans of sci-fi horror with a love for practical effects and old-school scares.
