Director Adam Werth presents the 2026 Horror/Science Fiction homage Alien Storm. Werth also wrote the script based on a story by Sonny and Michael Mahal. If these latter two names feel familiar, they should. One of my favorite films, Arena Wars (2024) came from the two filmmakers. The Mahal’s appear to specialise in tribute type films. Alien Storm is no exception.
The Alien Storm Story
A strange fog rolls into various cities in the world. Along with the opaque anomaly, electricity and communications go awry. There is also something in that stuff; red-eyed (Not purple) people eaters. Survivors scramble to defeat the out of this world threat. Did I mention the zombies?
*Side note: The Late Sheb Wooley; a cowboy character actor was also a singer/songwriter. He is the one to thank for “One Eyed Purple People Eater” (1958) and the above allusion is down to him. It was one of the first things I thought of while watching the film.
The Alien Storm Main Cast
Kevin Sorbo is President Nolan.
Tom Arnold is Mayor Walker.
Glenn Plummer is Major Haines.
Robert Standley is Frank McConnely.
Molly Jean Edwards is Grace McConnely.
Laura Mason is Ophelia McConnely.
Anne-Marie Olsen is Elle.
A Lot of Cast
Alien Storm has just under 100 cast members; 96 to be exact. A salute goes out to Mr Werth and co for their people managing skills. To be fair though, Kevin Sorbo and Tom Arnold were very padded cameos. Sorbo, a personal favorite since the days of his Hercules travels, exudes some impressive gravitas in his few scenes.
Arnold, another actor that I grew to love after True Lies, gives us a mayor who’s seen better days.
The rest of the cast turn the film into a type of ensemble. The acting chops of the remaining actors vary in terms of “experience.” With a cast that size, it is to be expected. Even Arnold sounded pretty ropey a couple of times.
Despite having a “Cast of Thousands!” The main players acquit themselves very well. The little nuclear McConnely clan; Standley, Edwards and Mason, bring much to the table. Familial issues are played straight. They are as frenetic as the group dynamic and the story.
It Works
Initially? I felt this was going to be a nudge and a wink to The Mist, sans creepy bugs and elephantine legs. There is even a “christian character” a la Mrs Carmody, but in the guise of a man. Kudos to the folks for making this chap somewhat less off putting.
The 2007 film The Mist, one of the best adaptations thus far of Stephen King’s work, feels right. Or. How about this? It could be reimagining an earlier opaque setting. Giving a high five to Carpenter’s 1980 horror; The Fog. This time around, it’s not dead pirates exacting revenge, just red-eyed aliens.
This science fiction piece pays homage to a number of films. I got quite carried away with finding “bits” that made me think of other movies. As the film enters the third reel, a clear reference is made to Night of the Living Dead. The homage train has reached the station. It will not re-appear in this review.
Behind the Camera
Alien Storm puts us right into the front seat of “yesteryears” Drive-In theatres. DP Michael Su and Editor Eric Chase work well and help bring Werther’s vision to life. It is interesting to note that there are two arenas of conflict. (See what we did there?) They are broken down by “Guest Stars.”
A Tale of Two Environs
Set 1: President Nolan; Sorbo, is in a “White House” setting. It is sombre, as befitting the subject at hand.
Set 2: Mayor Walker; Arnold, is in Vegas. Initially this set matches the tawdry atmosphere of a gambling haven built on greed. Later, the set includes an underground bunker.
The Verdict
This film looks like it could fit right in with “Dollar a Car night at the 71 Drive-In.” It could easily be the prize feature or a 2nd headliner. Alien Storm is good fun. It is a sci-fi treat, easily earning 3.75 stars out of 5. It is available to rent or purchase via Prime. Check out the trailer and see what you think.
The Trailer
