Extraterrestrial expedition extends exactly to Earth to exterminate an exiled excommunicated extradited ex-con except they experience extensive extra interference from extracurricular astronomer students whose extemporaneously existential examination for explanations to excel in extreme exhibits of horrific experiences.

Creatures is a sci-fi horror/ comedy from the UK about a group of astronomy students whose bus gets into an accident becoming stranded on a country road while witnessing a meteor shower. Could the incidents be connected?

Directed by Tony Jopia, it was filmed in Oxfordshire, UK. That’s about 67 miles away from London. It has impressive aerial shots looking directly above the locations for a fabulous birds eye view of them. The fun camera work gives the film tremendous energy. I also like the POV shots from the aliens’ perspectives. He’s good at visual storytelling, showing not telling. There’s a good mix of CGI and practical effects. While the CGI isn’t the greatest, it’s not awful. The film has a good production value all around considering the low budget. Eventually they find an injured alien, naming him Mumpy. The puppet is adorable with its black fur and big blue eyes. The cute alien is being targeted by a predatory blue alien race. I like the creature design for the aliens too. The puppets look fantastic and move so fluidly. The practical gore effects are great. I wasn’t expecting so much of it, so I was pleasantly surprised.

Written by Andrew Fawn, Stu Jopia, and Tony Jopia, I like how the mystery is presented. The viewer learns things about the situation as the group does. I like how it goes in unanticipated directions. It subverts expectations by avoiding clichés. By sticking to a simple concept, it gives room for the well-balanced humour and horror to shine. On top of everything it’s a Christmas movie too, with the holiday’s iconography scattered all around.

The cast includes Romain Barbey, Jo Hart, Hephzibah Roe, Fina Saito, Zulekha Chaka, Joe Gallina, Cristo Fernández, Jack Frank, Andrew Greaves, Steve Aaron-Sipple, Chris Kyriacou, Derek Frood and Sarah Frances.

The characters, for the most part, are likable. I was fully invested from the start. I don’t understand certain character’s motivations though. Their illogical choices don’t coincide with how different characters were initially written. The ensemble cast has great chemistry. The acting is adequate enough. The cast doesn’t give the best performances but it’s suitable for a B movie like this. I’ve seen worse acting in bigger budgeted films

Overall, Creatures is a fun, campy, simple sci-fi horror/ comedy for the holidays. Sometimes less is more. Through innovative direction, clever writing and imaginative practical effects the filmmakers created a silly, enjoyable Christmas romp. Sure the CGI isn’t the greatest but it didn’t ruin the experience. The puppetry is especially good. The outstanding gore effects are the highlight though. It’s not without faults but it’s still put together very well bearing in mind the low budget. It reminds me of a mix of Gremlins and Slither so I recommend this if you like those. It’s available now on Tubi. And remember, not all aliens believe in peace on Earth and good will towards humankind.

7 out of 10