If you’re craving a smart sci-fi movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat and hits you right in the feels, Extinction needs to be at the top of your list.
Directed by Ben Young, Extinction stars Michael Peña and Lizzy Caplan as a married couple fighting for survival during what looks like a brutal alien invasion. Peña plays Peter, a regular guy plagued by terrifying dreams of destruction — dreams that seem all too real once a mysterious force attacks their city. But here’s the kicker: Extinction isn’t your typical alien attack movie. There’s a massive twist that flips the entire story on its head, and trust me, you won’t see it coming.
What makes Extinction stand out is its emotional core. It’s not just about explosions and high-speed chases (although you’ll definitely get those too). It’s about family, sacrifice, and the question of what makes us human in the face of unimaginable odds. Michael Peña brings real heart and vulnerability to his role, and Lizzy Caplan is equally fantastic as a mother desperate to protect her children.
The movie also does a great job with its world-building. It drops you into a future that feels just familiar enough, but eerie and advanced at the same time. The action scenes are intense without being over-the-top, and the pacing keeps you guessing until the very end.
Originally released on Netflix, Extinction didn’t get a huge theatrical buzz — but it’s one of those hidden gems that’s perfect for a night when you want something thrilling, emotional, and a little mind-bending.
If you love sci-fi stories like Edge of Tomorrow or District 9 — the kind that make you think long after the credits roll — give Extinction a shot. You might just discover a new favorite.