Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Seed’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Seed’.
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One particular concept that tends to both titillate and terrify humanity, is the possibility that there is life in outer space and our polarizing response to that idea makes total sense. Because from a positive perspective, discovering life in the universe, means that we are not alone and that perhaps we play a bigger role in the cosmos than merely existing on a tiny blue rock in the middle of the void. As for the fear, well that exists because the unknown comes into play. For we haven’t a clue if sentient life from out there would be friendly or if it would harbor plans to conquer all of humanity and of course, the discovery of life outside of planet Earth, could bring forth chaos from those who believe in a higher power over science. Since their natural order would be threatened by such a discovery.
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But what we don’t talk about enough or bring to life via fiction all that often, is the possibility that perhaps the discovery of life on other worlds, might be more primal than we give it credit. For we oft assume that our first contact with a non-human species will involve sentient interaction, allowing for communication between two societies from across the stars. But when one considers how we are the outlier on this planet from an evolution standpoint, and that the rest of our world is wild and primal and given to instinct more often than not, there is a real possibility our first encounter with aliens will involve an introduction to creatures that are more primal in nature and well… what would that look like? If anything, that fascinating question is top of mind today, because Shudder is now host to a movie that explores a possible answer in The Seed.

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a trio of friends named, Deidre, Charlotte, and Heather and when we catch up with them, here, they’re off to Heather’s dad’s desert hideaway to celebrate a once in a lifetime event. For a powerful meteor shower is about to dazzle the skies and what better place to see it than in the desert, away from the light pollution of the city? But while the cosmos puts on quite the impressive show, it also leaves behind a parting gift. For the ladies discover a strange little alien creature has made its way to Earth and despite Charlotte’s desire to care for it since it appears weak and wounded, the others demand it to be removed. A decision that Charlotte should have listened to from the get-go. For this being isn’t as wounded as the trio were led to believe and it has primal plans for all of humanity and it will be up to Charlotte to stop its machinations before its plans… doom all of mankind.

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Which is a pretty straightforward plot that doesn’t mess around and leans hard into the possibility that visitors from another world might use our world or our flesh... to take care of primal needs. Which in this storyline involves the propagation of their species in a creepy and uncomfortable manner, by using our bodies in a way that absolutely makes you squirm with its borderline homage to the ending of Society. But what matters more here, is that this angle storytelling wise allows for some genuine horror take place, the kind where the complex nature of humanity is once again pitted against the cruel and wanton needs of nature above anything else and that brings about tragedy and suffering and plenty of gore and wild moments for certain, and some other throwback moments as well.

Since this is a horror film that more or less pays respects to some of the great space related horror stories out there. After all, the arrival of the creature and the vapid concerns surrounding its appearance in the backyard of this swanky getaway, harkens back to ‘The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill’ from the George Romero/Stephen King masterpiece, Creepshow. Plus, Deidre’s obsession with material objects in life and Heather’s desire to party hearty, combined with a dangerous meteor show, evokes memories of the 1984 classic Night of the Comet and those big-time homages make this an outright fun horror film, one that throws in a little comedy for good measure and entertains through and through and that makes this quite the refreshing motion picture when all is said and done.

Because this is that rare, horror film in the raw. One devoid of incredibly deep commentary or social observations. It’s simply about the unknown and it preys upon our fears of losing control to nature and that makes this story chilling at times and genuinely engaging, since it inadvertently reminds us of some of our worries and fears from the past couple of years. Plus, it features some magnificent performances as well since Lucy Martin (Deidre), Chelsea Edge (Charlotte), and Sophie Vavasseur (Heather) sell every wild moment with an earnest nature that truly immerses the viewer in this wild tale where visitors from another world have come to our world to breed. So, if you’re looking for a fun escapist horror/sci-fi/comedy film that offers up guts and gore and chuckles galore, swing by Shudder when you get a chance and give The Seed a look.

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