Experience the Human Side of an Alien Invasion Like Never Before

Discover deeply relatable stories of everyday individuals set against breathtaking backdrops from around the world.

Premiering on Apple TV+ on October 22, the series "Invasion" is crafted by Simon Kinberg, known for the "X-Men" franchise, and David Weil, who contributed to "Hunters" with Al Pacino.

This sci-fi drama centers on a hostile extraterrestrial incursion on Earth. While inspired in part by H.G. Wells' classic "War of the Worlds," the show stands on its own, rarely showing the aliens directly. Instead, it focuses on diverse human experiences as people across various countries navigate this unprecedented crisis. The result is a thoughtful, slow-burning drama with compelling characters.

A Tapestry of Global Narratives

As aliens invade Earth, attacking cities and people, their motives and appearance remain mysterious for much of the story. Despite explosions, power outages, and chaos sparking widespread panic worldwide, many inhabitants struggle to understand the true nature of the threat.

"Invasion" unfolds through five interconnected stories from different corners of the globe. Aging sheriff Tyson (Sam Neill), preparing for retirement, discovers strange markings in his fields. Syrian immigrant Anisha (Golshifteh Farahani), living in the U.S., embarks on a search for safety with her family. An American military squad in Afghanistan encounters an alien ship, with only Trevante Ward (Shamir Anderson) surviving and attempting to escape the desert. In Japan, a spacecraft loses contact, prompting JASA scientist Mitsuki (Shiori Kutsuna) to investigate. Meanwhile, in the UK, a bus carrying schoolchildren plunges off a cliff, forcing the kids to survive without adult help.

While the multiple characters and storylines might seem overwhelming, this mosaic approach is central to the narrative’s depth. The creators cite Alejandro González Iñárritu’s film "Babel" as an inspiration for this structure. Additionally, with nearly 10 hours of runtime, each storyline receives ample development.

The storytelling flows smoothly, gradually revealing new chapters in each character’s journey before shifting focus. Notably, there is a "bottle episode" centered on Anisha and her companions, set entirely within a single house.

Importantly, the series avoids conventional detective tropes; storylines don’t converge unexpectedly, and characters aren’t related. Instead, viewers piece together the full scope of the alien invasion through these fragmented yet interconnected perspectives—some face the invaders directly, others study them in labs, and others attempt to decode their language.

The Drama of Everyday Lives

Contrary to expectations, "Invasion" contains minimal action sequences or direct alien confrontations. Those seeking high-octane sci-fi battles might prefer titles like "The Tomorrow War." The trailer features many of the series’ most dynamic moments, but the core is far more introspective.

Apple TV+ promotes the show as an opportunity to "feel what it’s like to survive an alien invasion." This reflects the series’ focus on relatable, everyday people grappling with their personal struggles amid global upheaval. A couple faces a relationship crisis due to infidelity. A shy child with chronic illness endures bullying at school. A soldier longs less for saving the world than for reunion with family. A female scientist is more preoccupied with personal loss than alien contact.

This grounded approach makes it easier for viewers to connect and believe in the characters, rather than rooting for invincible heroes. The characters exhibit fear, hysteria, and morally complex decisions driven by survival instincts—realistic responses any ordinary person might have.

While the series doesn’t fully echo M. Night Shyamalan’s "Signs," where characters remain confined indoors awaiting news, some protagonists here do impact larger events. Yet their actions remain authentic and believable throughout.

Visual Elegance and Measured Pacing

As noted, the series offers limited large-scale battles or flashy special effects. When aliens appear up close, their design might feel underwhelming, lacking novelty. However, this does not detract from the show’s striking visual appeal.

The diverse filming locations—USA, UK, Morocco, and Japan—offer a rich variety of settings, from scorching deserts and overcast English skies to towering Asian cityscapes.

The deliberate pacing allows for extended, beautifully crafted scenes that delve into characters’ emotions. Mitsuki’s storyline is a standout example, featuring a mesmerizing moment where she falls asleep inside a giant radio telescope while David Bowie’s "Space Oddity" plays softly in the background.

"Invasion" may disappoint viewers expecting a traditional alien action thriller, but it will captivate those who appreciate nuanced drama and gradual storytelling. The only drawback is its staggered release schedule on Apple TV+, with three episodes dropping initially and subsequent episodes weekly—ideal viewing would be a full binge session.

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