A stellar cast feature in a 2008 American science fiction film that was a remake of a fifties classic, the themes of which seem more relevant today than ever before
08:00, 14 Nov 2025Updated 08:46, 14 Nov 2025
Addressing the plight of planet earth, The Day the Earth Stood Still stars Keanu Reeves as an alien sent to try and change the course of impending environmental disaster.
Directed by Scott Derrickson from a screenplay by David Scarpa, it has a star-studded cast including Jennifer Connelly, John Cleese, Jon Hamm, Kathy Bates and a very young Jaden Smith. It is a remake of the 1951 movie of the same name which was set in the Cold War. The alien in that version came to earth to warn of the threat of nuclear warfare and its impact on the planet. The cause of the danger was altered in the eighties remake but the theme remained the same - the impact of humans on the health of the world.
When an object in space is predicted to destroy all life on earth a group of US scientists are assembled to try and work out a survival strategy. It turns out to be a spaceship which is carrying Klaatu (Reeves) - an alien in human form - and a robot.
Helen Benson, played by Connelly, is an astrobiologist hired to study Klaatu, who reveals he has been sent as a representative from other planets. His mission is to save the earth from ecocide - mass damage to an ecosystem caused by long-term harm. Based on what he sees, including Helen’s cold relationship with her stepson Jacob (Smith), Klaatu decides humans are destructive but he is taken to a Nobel Prize winning Professor (Cleese) to try and change his mind.
On its release the film wasn't very warmly welcomed by critics but it still managed to gross around £177 million worldwide, making it a huge financial success. Fans of the film on Rotten Tomatoes have called it "great" and think its themes are hugely relevant.
"I loved this movie," one wrote. "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 agreed and loved the casting: "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."
One fan who gave it five stars raved: "I loved it brilliant, what a remake of this classic movie." Others didn’t understand the critics. One said: "No idea why there's low ratings... all around great movie," while another reasoned: "Better than the dork critics gave it credit for, but a disappointing ending."
The Day the Earth Stood Still airs on Film 4 at 6.55pm tonight, Friday 14 November.