There are currently three films in the Skyline franchise: Skyline (2010), Skyline: Beyond the Horizon (2017), and Skylines (2020). While critically divisive, these science fiction action films have cultivated a dedicated audience intrigued by their unique alien invasion premise and evolving narrative.
The Skyline Saga: A Deep Dive
The Skyline film series, originating in 2010, presents a specific vision of an alien invasion. Instead of the conventional global-scale destruction portrayed in many alien invasion movies, Skyline focused on the immediate aftermath in Los Angeles. The subsequent films expanded the scope, exploring the alien homeworld and the desperate struggle for humanity’s survival. To fully understand the series, we need to examine each film individually and understand the connective tissue binding them.
Skyline (2010): The Initial Invasion
The first Skyline film introduced the world to a terrifying new threat: gigantic alien ships appearing over Los Angeles, emitting a hypnotic blue light that lures humans to their doom. Directed by Greg and Colin Strause, known for their visual effects work, the film emphasized spectacle and suspense. The narrative followed a group of friends trapped in a high-rise apartment building as they desperately tried to survive the initial wave of the invasion. While praised for its visual effects, the film was criticized for its plot and character development, highlighting the challenges in balancing spectacle with narrative depth. The ending left the fate of the surviving characters ambiguous, setting the stage for future installments.
Skyline: Beyond the Horizon (2017): Expanding the Universe
Seven years later, Skyline: Beyond the Horizon picked up the story, taking a dramatically different direction. Directed by Liam O’Donnell, who wrote and produced the first film, this sequel significantly expanded the scope of the Skyline universe. It moved beyond Los Angeles, showcasing the global fight against the alien invaders. The narrative centered around Mark Corley (Frank Grillo), a tough detective who joins a team of soldiers on a perilous mission to the alien homeworld to retrieve a crucial technology that could turn the tide of the war. This film introduced more elaborate action sequences and explored the biological aspects of the aliens, providing a deeper understanding of their motivations and weaknesses.
Skylines (2020): A Hopeful Future
The third and (currently) final installment, Skylines, again directed by Liam O’Donnell, shifted the focus to a new generation fighting for humanity’s future. The film introduced Rose Corley (Lindsey Morgan), the daughter of Mark Corley, now possessing unique alien-human hybrid abilities. When a virus threatens the “Pilot” aliens – those who were human brains placed in alien bodies, fighting on the side of humanity – Rose leads a team on a mission to the alien homeworld to find a cure. Skylines showcased a more polished narrative, improved character development, and breathtaking visuals, solidifying its place as a fan-favorite within the franchise. This film offered a glimmer of hope for the future, showcasing humanity’s resilience and adaptability in the face of overwhelming odds.
FAQs: Unveiling the Mysteries of Skyline
To further explore the Skyline universe, here are some frequently asked questions:
H3: Is Skyline based on a book?
No, the Skyline films are not based on any pre-existing book, comic book, or other intellectual property. They are original screenplays conceived by Greg and Colin Strause for the first film, and later expanded upon by Liam O’Donnell for the sequels.
H3: What are the aliens called in Skyline?
The aliens in Skyline are never explicitly named in the films. However, fans and industry professionals often refer to them based on their visual characteristics and roles within the narrative. Some common designations include “Drones,” “Tanks,” and “Leviathans” for the larger, more powerful alien ships. In Skylines, the human-brain-in-alien-body soldiers are called “Pilots”.
H3: How are humans captured in the Skyline movies?
Humans are primarily captured by being lured in by the aliens’ hypnotic blue light, which emanates from the alien ships. This light seemingly compels individuals to stare directly at it, rendering them vulnerable and susceptible to abduction via energy beams.
H3: What happened to Jarrod and Elaine in Skyline?
In Skyline, Jarrod is captured by the aliens and has his brain extracted and placed into a biomechanical body. Elaine is pregnant with Jarrod’s child, who turns out to be the source of her accelerated pregnancy and later, extraordinary alien-human hybrid abilities. Their fate is uncertain at the end of the first film, but they both appear in a transformed state in Beyond the Horizon.
H3: Is there a Skyline 4 in development?
As of the writing of this article, there is no official confirmation or announcement of a Skyline 4. However, the ending of Skylines certainly leaves the door open for future installments, and given the franchise’s dedicated fanbase, the possibility remains.
H3: Are the Skyline movies connected to Alien vs Predator: Requiem?
Despite being directed by the same filmmakers (Greg and Colin Strause), the Skyline films are not connected to Alien vs Predator: Requiem or any other existing science fiction franchise. They exist within their own unique and self-contained universe.
H3: What makes the Skyline movies unique compared to other alien invasion films?
The Skyline films differentiate themselves through their intimate and personal focus on the immediate aftermath of the invasion. While many alien invasion movies showcase large-scale global destruction, Skyline zeroes in on the experiences of a small group of individuals trying to survive in a confined setting, offering a more grounded and relatable perspective. The later films added a unique biological element with the brain extraction and hybrid concepts.
H3: Who are the main actors in the Skyline movies?
The Skyline franchise features a diverse cast of actors across its three films. The original Skyline starred Eric Balfour, Scottie Thompson, Brittany Daniel, and Crystal Reed. Skyline: Beyond the Horizon introduced Frank Grillo and Bojana Novakovic. Skylines featured Lindsey Morgan as the central protagonist, along with Jonathan Howard, Daniel Bernhardt, and Rhona Mitra.
H3: What is the overall theme of the Skyline series?
The Skyline series explores themes of survival, adaptation, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. It also delves into the complex relationship between humanity and technology, and the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement. The family relationships are also strong, especially in the second and third films.
H3: What is the reception of the Skyline films among critics and audiences?
The Skyline films have received mixed reviews from critics. The first film was heavily criticized for its plot and character development, while the sequels generally garnered a more positive response for their expanded scope, improved visuals, and engaging action sequences. Audiences, however, have shown a more consistent appreciation for the franchise, praising its unique premise, visual spectacle, and evolving narrative.
H3: Where can I watch the Skyline movies?
The Skyline movies are typically available for streaming on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Vudu. They can also be rented or purchased digitally through services like iTunes and Google Play Movies. Physical copies (Blu-ray and DVD) are also widely available. Availability varies depending on your region.
H3: Are the special effects in the Skyline movies any good?
Despite varying critical opinions on the plot and character development, the Skyline franchise is generally praised for its impressive visual effects. The alien ships, creatures, and action sequences are often cited as highlights of the series, showcasing the filmmakers’ expertise in visual storytelling.
The Future of the Skyline Universe
While the future of the Skyline franchise remains uncertain, its unique blend of science fiction action, intriguing world-building, and compelling characters has solidified its place in the hearts of many fans. Whether or not we see a Skyline 4, the existing trilogy offers a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of alien invasion and the indomitable human spirit. The Skyline series stands as a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the enduring appeal of imaginative science fiction.