Grabbers (2012)

Director: Jon Wright

Starring: Killian Coyle, Stuart Graham, Michael Hough

When an island off the coast of Ireland is invaded by bloodsucking aliens, the heroes discover that getting drunk is the only way to survive.

The premise might sound like an excuse to drink, written by an alcoholic, but – on the contrary – this is actually a very cool premise and also well motivated and justified. In the context of the film it makes perfect sense, and ‘Grabbers’ might just have done for alien invasion movies what ‘Shaun of the Dead’ did for zombie movies.

Lisa is assigned to work with Ciaran in a fishing village while the sergeant goes on holiday. The night before her arrival, an alien fell into the ocean and attacked fishermen on a boat. The next morning dozens of dead whales wash ashore.

Fisherman Paddy accidentally catches an alien creature, which he keeps in his bathtub, but it grows much bigger and starts feasting on the villagers. Paddy later names them Grabbers.

When they manage to kill one of the creatures, marine ecologist Dr. Smith discovers it to be a female, who has just laid eggs. He also learns the creatures survive on blood and water. After a series of events they learn alcohol is toxic to the creatures, therefore in order to survive, you have to be drunk!

In the vein of ‘Shaun of the Dead’ and ‘Tremors’, ‘Grabbers’ is a fun ride. It is fast-paced, exciting, and funny, with likable characters, good practical and special effects, and a great setting on an island. There’s also a very funny moment with baby creatures in a scene similar to ‘Gremlins’. Oh, you gotta love it! Invite your friends and get the popcorn, because this is so perfect for movie night!

‘Grabbers’ received nominations for Best Film, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Script, and Best Makeup/Creature FX, among others.

Would I watch it again? Yes.