The film has been hailed "brilliant" by fans
08:00, 01 Jan 2026
Highlighting the environmental crisis engulfing our planet, The Day the Earth Stood Still features Keanu Reeves as an extraterrestrial visitor on a mission to avert ecological catastrophe.
This cinematic offering is directed by Scott Derrickson and written by David Scarpa, boasting a stellar cast that includes Jennifer Connelly, John Cleese, Jon Hamm, Kathy Bates and young Jaden Smith. This contemporary remake reinterprets the 1951 original, which was set against the backdrop of Cold War anxieties, where an alien warned mankind about nuclear weapons and their global repercussions.
While the 2008 rendition changed the specific menace, the central message remained - humanity's detrimental effect on Earth's health. As an enigmatic celestial entity hurtles towards Earth, posing a threat to all life, American scientists frantically devise a survival strategy, reports the Express.
Their investigations uncover that the object is actually a spaceship carrying Klaatu (Reeves) - an alien being camouflaged in human guise - along with a mechanical ally. Astrobiologist Helen Benson, portrayed by Connelly, is tasked with studying Klaatu, who reveals his position as an interstellar envoy.
His mission: to save Earth from ecocide - widespread ecological destruction caused by sustained environmental damage. Based on his observations, especially Helen's stormy relationship with her stepson Jacob (Smith), Klaatu concludes that humanity is fundamentally destructive, though he later meets a Nobel Prize-winning Professor (Cleese) in an attempt to change his perspective.
While critics gave the film a lukewarm reception upon its cinema release, it still managed to rake in approximately £177 million worldwide, making it a significant box office hit. Fans on Rotten Tomatoes have hailed the film as "brilliant," insisting its themes remain incredibly pertinent today.
"I loved this movie," wrote one fan. "I think this sheds an important light on situations going on right now and how we really do need to focus more on helping the earth and saving the poor planet." Another said, praising the stellar cast: "Keanu, Jennifer and Jon... just watching them work - what's not to like? A syfy movie with a heart that we watch as a family while talking about actions and consequences. Was worth our time and we've seen it more than once."
A glowing five-star review from an enthusiast added: "I loved it brilliant, what a remake of this classic movie." Many viewers were left puzzled by the critics' tepid response. One commented: "No idea why there's low ratings... all around great movie," while another chimed in: "Better than the dork critics gave it credit for, but a disappointing ending."
The Day the Earth Stood Still will be airing on Film 4 at 6.55pm tonight, January 1.
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