Prometheus star Rafe Spall just about returns to Earth in this Irish sci-fi rom-com that, despite its humble budget, proves a far more emotionally engaging effort than the uninvolving blockbuster. A quirky intergalactic tale that blends romance, coming of age, issues surrounding mental illness and charmingly hokey sci-fi homages; Alan Brennan’s modest Earthbound may not set the Irish box office alight, but there’s much to enjoy for those who dare to venture forth into the unknown.

Spall is delightfully awkward as Joe, an orphan whose father’s final words reveal him to be an alien. Surrounding himself with toys believed to be intergalactic weapons and communicating with his father via a special hologram, Joe lives in a state of emotional suspended animation, as his desire to leave the planet disallows him from truly embracing life on it. When he meets endearing Earthling geekette Maria (Belfast actress Jenn Murray), he’s forced not only to grow up, but to question whether the prophecy he has been clinging to is real, or merely a self-preserving fantasy.
Though Earthbound’s approach to Joe’s predicament may prove ultimately too light, Brennan’s script offers intelligent examinations of belated maturation, paranoia and self-doubt as Joe begins to question his sanity. Murray proves a charming on-screen presence, beautifully balancing the humour and heartbreak of dealing with the increasingly erratic Joe. Their romance will delight sci-fi and romance fans as they unite over Battlestar Galactica references and a determination to face the universe’s challenges together.
Though budget constraints and simple continuity errors occasionally detract from the polish of the film, the charming performances, Liam Bates’ witty score and endearingly geeky homages to everything from Superman to Star Wars to Flash Gordon make Earthbound immensely likeable.