Man Tragically Dies After Being Sucked Into MRI Machine

Strap in for the numerous twists and turns served up on a cosmic platter in Terrestrial. Director Steve Pink unveiled his latest project at its world premiere during Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival. It’s funny, it’s clever, it’s tense — and that’s just the plot. There’s so much more.

Allen (a superb Jermaine Fowler — Sting (2024), The Blackening (2022)) is an up-and-coming sci-fi author reuniting with a few high school friends he hasn’t seen in years. He invites them to his humongous, luxurious mansion for a weekend get-together. Allen was always known for being a bit peculiar, but his long-lost friends are in for an especially odd weekend…

For their very first feature film, writers Connor Diedrich and Samuel Johnson concoct a script that is intelligent, comical, and suspenseful — all while intertwining different storylines that meld together in perfect harmony. The audience also gets a taste of romantic tension, mysterious secrets, and sci-fi obsession, in addition to a grim opening scene that foreshadows the dark events to come. Without revealing too much (because you’ll want to go into this movie blind — trust me), the film takes a sharp turn that no one sees coming and veers in a completely different and intriguing direction.

Director Steve Pink (best known for directing both Hot Tub Time Machine movies) brings his signature flair for comedy into this thrill of a ride. He uses beautiful and inventive camera shots, effective sound design, and a mood-appropriate score composed by James McAlister. There are definitely laugh-out-loud moments, clever dialogue, and timeline shifts that help clarify earlier, seemingly confusing events — all executed brilliantly. Though much of Pink’s directing career has focused on television, he proves himself a standout talent in this dark comedy thriller.

Jermaine Fowler is undoubtedly the star of the film, going above and beyond expectations with a phenomenal performance. His awkward antics, expressive facial reactions, and genuine emotions shine through in both calm and chaotic moments. Fowler clearly cements himself as a rising lead actor with serious range. He’s not alone in carrying the film, though — from the supporting cast to the minor roles, every actor brings authenticity, humor, and charm.

All three actors portraying Allen’s friends have primarily worked in TV and short films, but they shine just as brightly on the silver screen. Pauline Chalamet is brilliant as a naïve, kind old friend of Allen’s who tries to keep the peace. Her obnoxious boyfriend Ryan (James Morosini — American Horror Story) becomes increasingly, and intentionally, irritating as the story unfolds (and amusingly resembles a young Jeremy Holm, a fellow cult actor in the indie horror scene).

But the real scene-stealer might be Vic, played by Edy Monica, who delivers humor, swagger, and grounded charm in every scene. She’s likely to be a fan favorite. (Get it? “Terrestrial”? Never mind…) And yes, there’s a delightful little cameo from comedy legend Craig Robinson you won’t want to miss.

Terrestrial is an ingenious dark comedy thriller that takes viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions and plot twists. While a few details could have been trimmed without diminishing the experience, the film remains solid nonetheless. Lovers of gore, ultra-violence, and jump scares may walk away unsatisfied — but if your cup of tea is an inventive script, sharp direction, and a fantastic cast, then Steve Pink’s film might be just what you’re looking for. It earns 4 eyes out of 5.