Strange Invaders (1983)

Director: Michael Laughlin

Starring: Paul Le Mat, Nancy Allen, Diana Scarwid

Alien beings, whose settlement in a small midwestern town, are disturbed by a young professor determined to rescue his daughter from their clutches.

In 1958, a space ship lands in a small town of Centreville, Illinois. We then jump to 1983. Having to go to Illinois for a her Mother’s funeral, Charles’ ex-wife, Margaret, leaves their daughter with him “for a few days”. However, when he doesn’t hear from her and she doesn’t return, Charles goes to Centreville to look for her.

Paul Le Mat stars as Charles, and I thought his natural acting lent credibility to the character, and the film in general. Soon after arriving in Centreville, he notices something odd about the few residents, and almost deserted town.

Convinced he saw an alien, he approaches Betty (Nancy Allen), who published a photo of an alien similar to the one he saw in her tabloid magazine. They team up to find Margaret, and Charles’ daughter, who was abducted from her grandmother’s home while Charles was in Centreville.

The film’s practical effects are very good and there are a few stunning visual shots, especially the wide angle shots. I found ‘Strange Invaders’ an interesting mystery fantasy, with elements of horror. (More of a thriller, really). This was an entertaining film, and better than initially expected.

‘Strange Invaders’ received several award nominations, including Best Science Fiction Film, Best Writing, Best Make-Up, Best Special Effects, and Best Cinematography (for which it won).

Would I watch it again? Maybe, yes.

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