1st they bite you…then they clone you. Zach (Joel Courtney) & Randy (Calum Worthy) are best friends who spend their spare time filming an online reality series (not YouTube- here it’s called “VidTube”). They have spy cameras attached to the collars of their shirts at all times and film random videos to show the world some of the funny interactions they have with people within their small neighbourhood. But both Zach and Randy begin to notice some extraordinary activity. People in the town are acting differently, and some are claiming to have been biting by some type of spider only to find the bite disappears the next day. Zach and Randy are soon joined in their curiosity by another friend, Kayla (Andi Matichak). All three teenagers will work together to find out what the hell is going on…
If you’re thinking the plot sounds similar to films such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers or The Faculty you would be correct. But thankfully Assimilate isn’t a complete “copy”. Naturally, it’s a B Grade version with a different take on the genre of Alien Invasions.
A couple of elements I did enjoy was the friendship that begins with Zach and Randy. It’s believable, and it’s also fun watching these two be boys as they film funny videos of and with people and family members. The concept and style of the alien creatures is also creative. As a story, there are some entertaining risks taken, particularly with the film’s ending which I wasn’t expecting.
Unfortunately for Assimilate there some cliché moments too. One of the issues is that our leading teenagers continue to escape without getting bitten, but for some reason, the people around them get bitten. There is no reason for this other than we need heroes to fight for us, right? Some of the moments with and between characters later in the film also come across as cheesy rather than building what should have been a suspenseful film.
Overall, I would say that this is worth checking out for those who enjoy films such as Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1956) or The Faculty (1998). While this film may seem similar, it’s still fun to see a different take on the concept of aliens taking over Earth, even it is a B grade film. I also admit that I enjoyed the film’s last ending moments too.
4.5/10
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