March 4th, 2014 
James Shotwell 
Film: Almost Human
Starring: Graham Skipper, Josh Ethier, Vanessa Leigh
Directed by: Joe Begos
There is a moment about twenty minutes into Almost Human when the two main characters are hastily exchanging words in a small town diner over what may or may not be going on in their quiet region in Maine and how it could possibly relate to their mutual friend’s disappearance two years prior during which the film transcends the world of indie filmmaking. Almost Human may be a small film in respect to budget, cast size, and recognition of those involved, but the scope of the story told and the skill with which each frame is brought together is in a league all its own.
Opening with an abduction that brings to mind the best moments of 80s science fiction with just enough Spielberg-like imagination to be both fun and terrifying, Almost Human wastes no time diving knee-deep into its twisted tale of small town horror. Mark Fisher, a relatively average joe type man, is abducted from his home in a flash of bright blue light. His best friend, Seth, sees it happen and can never bring himself to move on with his life. Two years pass, things go from bad to worse, and following a short title sequence the film finds Seth essentially paralyzed by his obsession with the unknown. He saw Mark vanish, but he cannot help feeling like he is still out there. Somewhere.
Following a series of strange occurrences at night, Seth realizes the same events that transpired around the time of Mark’s disappearance may be happening once more. He is hopeful at first, even if only for moment, but then gets a sinking feeling in his stomach that something much more horrific may be afoot after learning of a mysterious murderer on the loose in a nearby town.
Turns out, Mark is back. Well, someone who matches the exact description of Mark in a physical sense is back. His personality, however, is another story entirely.
Writer/director Joe Begos is something of a madman. Almost Human is the kind of film you would expect a studio like 20th Century Fox to pour $150 million dollars into making a summertime tentpole (with an open door ending for sequels), but here Begos makes magic happen on a shoestring budget. There are moments where you see behind the professional curtain, specifically in the execution of the film’s outrageous third act, but even when the film is at its weakest visually it still shines as a testament to fervent dedication and fully realized creativity. You’re in, and I mean way in, from the opening sequence to the closing frame. Strap in and hold on tight.
There have been films like Almost Human throughout science fiction history, and you will likely begin to think of a few (namely Invasion of The Body Snatchers) as the story plays out. In some cases this could be seen as a weakness, but Begos puts enough effort into making his story unique that the similarities do absolutely no harm to the final product. If anything, it goes to show Begos’ appreciation for the genre as a whole, and his desire to be a part of the sci-fi/horror/thriller ecosystem in general. If true, I, for one, welcome him with open arms.
Fans of everything from aliens to flat-out horror features will find something (if not everything) to love about Almost Human. Those of you who are not hooked by the time the title screens flash may want to head to the nearest hospital and ask them to check your vitals because Joe Begos has crafted a film that will be loved, appreciated, and studied by film fans for many years to come. The story is strong, the cast is great, the direction is superb, and the ending is both satisfying and wonderfully finite.
Hollywood needs more filmmakers like Joe Begos. Here’s to the future of science fiction and horror.
Score: A
Written by: James Shotwell Follow @utgjames
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