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Alienate

Alienate

201686 minTV-MAMidcredits score: 1st percentile of all films
Director
Michael Shumway
Starring
Blake Webb, Tatum Langton, Jaclyn Hales, Keith Hottinger

A couple on the brink of ending their marriage spend a weekend in different cities. After a cataclysmic event strikes, the husband embarks on a physical and emotional quest to return home as a nation prepares for the worst.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Alienate?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Alienate streaming on Pluto TV (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Alienate?

Alienate earns 2 badges, led by Universally Panned and Nonlinear.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Alienate worth watching?

Alienate's Midcredits score is the 1st percentile of all films, from 1.1K ratings across 3 sources. 9% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

1st percentile

Among the least well received films

1st percentile among Drama1st percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)1st
Approval (how many liked it)1st

34 /100

1st percentile of all films

1st percentile among Drama2nd percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

The crowd leans negative, with most ratings sitting in the bottom half of the scale.

Approval

How many liked it

9% liked it

1st percentile of all films

1st percentile among Drama1st percentile among 2010s
9% rated it 7–1091% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

44th percentile

1.1K ratings across platforms

47th percentile among Drama47th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 4% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a slow, introspective alien-invasion drama focused on a husband's marital troubles rather than wall-to-wall spectacle.

Fans praised

  • introspective, character-driven take on alien invasion
  • good acting and well-done effects
  • slow-burn tension, both internal and external

Detractors panned

  • incoherent, choppy time jumps
  • idiotic, unlikable characters making ridiculous decisions
  • boring, dull, plodding pace

What stands out

AtmosphereDivisive50

tense, introspective mood vs. flat, emotionless tone

Effects and spectacleDivisive45

low-budget practical effects, better than average for the price point

TensionDivisive35

internal marital tension vs. no external thrills

ActingDivisive30

wooden, bored performances from newcomers; one-note lead

OriginalityDivisive25

introspective take on invasion genre vs. derivative, seen-before plot

Plot and storyDivisive15

incoherent flashback structure and underdeveloped alien storyline

CharactersDivisive10

idiotic, unlikable protagonists making stupid choices

PacingDivisive10

plodding, boring, with distracting time jumps

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is Alienate like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Scary: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want to be scared.

It is gentle, takes its time and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want things to move fast or you want every question answered.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Patience and a taste for open questions.

What it feels like

Scary.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseMelancholic
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Sentimental · 8% of films
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.
ToneThe film plays its story straight, earnestly depicting the protagonist's struggle to reconnect with his wife amid an apocalypse, though the low budget and execution undercut its aspirations.
The rideThe film builds tension through the alien threat, but its primary emotional weight lies in the protagonist's melancholic journey and tragic ending.
StructureThe story jumps between the alien invasion present and flashbacks to the protagonist's troubled marriage, using a nonlinear structure.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetDevastating · 3% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe protagonist's tragic reunion with his wife gives the story a bitter, emotionally heavy close.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestRescue
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% (this title) · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Rescue: Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).

10% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe protagonist is separated from his wife and must traverse a collapsing world to reunite with her, pursued by the danger of the alien invasion.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfMarriageBonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% (this title) · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Marriage · 2% of filmsSurvival
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores a marriage under strain, set against a deadly alien invasion that forces the protagonist to confront his priorities.
StanceThe film frames an invasion as a backdrop to interrogate a failing marriage and urban alienation — societal stakes via an alien invasion, but focused through David's single perspective.

The world

Contemporary
AmbientBackground music · original score · James Schafer
SettingA man's journey home across a collapsing suburban and rural American landscape during an alien invasion.
MusicCredited composer James Schafer provides an ambient, likely minimal score for this low-budget production; Michael Shumway is also credited.

Content guide

Is Alienate okay for kids?

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • UK15
  • Germany12

No detailed content scores for this title yet.

What content warnings does Alienate have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Alienate?

Cast

At least 3 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen.

Blake Webb
as David Madison
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Tatum Langton
as Amy Madison
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Jaclyn Hales
as Samantha Hayes
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Keith Hottinger
as Sam Mitchell
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Cuyle Carvin
as Brad Klick
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Richard Sharrah
as Matt Hayes
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Brandyn Cross
as Farmer
Caitlin E.J. Meyer
as Caitlin
Andrew Troy
as Sgt. Sebresos
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
D.L. Walker
as Highway Volunteer
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Alienate?

Movies like Alienate include Honeymoon (2014), The One I Love (2014) and The Bigamist (1953). Of the 4 closest matches, all are films about marriage, and most are films set in the American West.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Alienate?

378 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: alien contact. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.