The Man Who Fell to Earth (2022) User Reviews

Tech God Willy Wonka

[bosporan · 8/10 · 24 April 2022]

An unusually talented cast, the mind of Kurtzman and a reliable core-concept, what could possibly go wrong? Well ... nothing actually, this is a fabulous start to this novel/movie adaptation/sequel told from a fresh perspective.

Chiwetel Ejiofor is exceptional as the wide-eyed, genius child with a sense of naïve wonderment, beautifully portrayed with rictus grin, uncoordinated movement and simpleton dialogue. As the Yin to his Yang, Naomie Harris plays his street-smart, big-hearted sidekick.

The effects are awesome, they are hardly noticeable and completely credible, dovetailing with gorgeous cinematographic choices.

Overall, a fine first episode with great promise, well worth a watch!

Sequel matter

[lucifer_over_tinseltown · 7/10 · 28 April 2022]

You see, this is a sequel. It seems most reviews missed this. A fresh and respectable one at that. Just don't call it woke, for that would date and degrade its artistry. Yes, Bowie's character appears here. Thomas (Jerome) Newton, played quite well with his spidery William S. Burroughs dead ringer look by Bill Nighy. I'm sure if Bowie were still alive, he'd be appearing here. Nice, classy touch titling each episode after a Bowie tune. Solid acting by the leads, decent cinematography, though not on the sublimely high level of the great Nic Roeg, and dare I say a bit more surface clarity in its storytelling than the movie. I do deeply miss Rip Torn though. I think the brilliant author Walter Tevis, one of the finest and most monstrously underrated sci-fi writers of his generation, would surely endorse this repurposing of his work. It is quite imaginative and inventive. Also, deft use of comedy where you wouldn't necessarily expect it. I expected this interpretation to fall flatly on its face, instead the experience was rather uplifting. Kudos to those responsible. Who doesn't like surprises?

Episode one - promising start

[ncentia · 8/10 · 25 April 2022]

I'm a big fan of the original as a big fan of David Bowie. This stands alone, but it echoes back and pays tribute nicely, while being a compelling story in its own right.

Chiwetel Ejiofor performs convincingly and with humour as an alien learning to behave as human and deal with the sensory input. Watching as an autistic person I felt resonance with that and I think that's no accident with Justin assuming and stating he was on the spectrum.

I really don't understand why anyone would be so fixated on the fact that lead characters happen to be black. If it's out of some sort of loyalty to the original film then it's sadly, deeply misguided. Bowie was passionate about civil rights and disgusted by racism and I believe he'd fully support the casting choices. It is in no way AT ALL honoring his memory or legacy to be racist.

Sci-Fi at the top of its game - extraordinary.

[rich-mac · 10/10 · 12 May 2022]

Seldom have the first one or two episodes of a new show hit the ball so convincingly out of the park and so far down the road.

This show reminds us that some of the very best creatives are working in TV and that there's nothing stopping TV from having cinematic moments - lots of them.

'Hooked' is probably a fair descriptor of my viewing state right now - enjoying every minute of 'The Man Who Fell to Earth' unfolding.

Update: Now that the series is complete a few things to add. Episode 6 was really something - a poetic take on humanity offering some serious insight.

This is extraordinary TV - calling it TV doesn't even seem to do it justice - it oozes top shelf movie quality from start to finish.

I'd go so far as to say that this is an exceptional Sci-Fi drama - it's also the first and probably last show I'll ever give a 10 to, but this deserves it.

Very interesting show

[18Buddha · 9/10 · 30 May 2022]

If you like Sci-Fi and aliens u surely will love this as it boasts great acting from the characters in it (well mostly). The Main character & the female main character put on a stellar performance as after watching the first 5 episodes I cant imagine anyone better suited for the roles.

Its got a very creative story thats not been done before and god the way the actor acts as the alien is amazing!

Give this series a try and you surely wont be let down unless you are someone that only likes action flicks then u surely will not enjoy.

This show entertains through their story and acting and doesnt depend on flashy CGI to succeed, though the CGI is a bonus.

Wow! This is an amazing show!

[moniquerich · 10/10 · 8 May 2022]

Let me take you back in time for a minute.

The year is 1987. A little black girl just received a series of Childcraft books from her parents. A couple of those books are on science. She begins to read the books until the pages fall out. Her love of science began that day when she turned the first page.

Fast forward to 2022. That little girl is now a 40 year old mother of 4 daughter's. She stumbles across this show and the title peaks her interest, mostly because she vaguely remembers the original. She decides to watch it. And is blown away. So much so, that she recommends the show to her children. Because representation matters. Because one of her children is a genius and this show is important for those little children that love science too.

Obviously she is me. My love of science and extraterrestrial life has led me to this amazing show with amazing actors! This is a good one. And I'm following it closely!

Judging already (updated)

[AfricanBro · 7/10 · 26 June 2022]

I really hate it when people rate a show poorly before it even starts, this had a 5.4 rating on here before it aired. I'm glad that's improved since then. As a fan of sci-fi I really enjoyed the pilot episode and surprised at why the rating isn't higher as the few reviews I've read are mostly positive(even though some are over the top with praise). It feels like a meticulously thought out concept and I always love it when a tv show/movie brings something new to the genre; and it's supported by a more than capable cast to carry the show. Of course there's a plethora of shows/movies about aliens landing on earth but this feels different so I hope(and believe) it'll build on that and not fall into a more inane conventional storyline trap. The first episode and trailer make the future episodes seem promising. There's a gem to be made here and I'm looking forward to it. But then again, this still could go either way, it's early days. Judging before you even get it.

This was my review after episode one but it somehow got removed even though it was up for nearly two months, have no idea why but I'm salty because it was the top review lol. Anyway, it's up to episode nine now and it's honestly gotten better. I love how it didn't just end up being a generic sci-fi or one where it's written as they go because it feels well thought out. There were one or two episodes that felt a bit humdrum but it's really lived up to my expectations, I still keep the rating at a 7 but 8/10 reviews would still be justified. Some people have said it's "woke" but it's really just an alien's perspective on human nature and it felt believable. Wonderful performances throughout, Naomi Harris is sometimes over the top but nothing too bothersome. Thinking back we got to see a billionaire-esque version of Faraday in the early episodes and that hasn't come to fruition yet with 1 episode to go. I wonder if episode 10's going to be the last one or it's renewed, if it is I hope it's not forced and they actually have a decent story to follow up season 1.

Not a video game, not a franchise and no men in tights = AWESOME

[reviewsfortherestofus · 8/10 · 25 April 2022]

Not inspired by a video game, nor is it a tired spinoff in a tired franchise - fresh sci-fi for the thinking person who also likes high adventure. Who knew that was still possible in Hollywood? Marvelous performances by everyone on cast, pleasing cinematography, riveting plot and editing, intriguing CGI that serves rather than fuels the story, even funny at times, what's there not to like?

Oh wait, it's "woke". Or so we are told by dozens of reviewers. I literally scrutinized the show for inappropriate wokeness, ready to cringe at the very first opportunity. But no.

Could this be because the show implies we are destroying ourselves as a civilization? That's such a reach given what's going on, right? Or because the main characters are ... gasp ... black? That was so unheard of in 1950. I will concede that they don't look like David Bowie, who starred in the original movie the show is very loosely based on. If that sort of departure disappoints then skip this show.

If you like anything intelligent at all, then by all means watch it. You'll love it, as I did. Looking forward to a rocking season.

Started well, then fell apart

[ercfunk-445-950046 · 6/10 · 29 June 2023]

Chiwetel Ejiofor does an outstanding job acting in this series. The show started the first few episodes with a lot of promise and it was pretty entertaining. Naomie Harris' character is supposed to be highly intelligent but instead she's written to be a highly emotional ridiculous character. (I blame the writing, not the actress)

Once the series hits halfway, you can tell there's a shift behind the scenes where they decided to go from a series to limited series and end it at the end of the season. This is where it all falls apart. Nonsense everywhere. Terrible characters making stupid choices all the time. Everything that made the first half good was reversed.

It began well, but became inconsistent and background noise by half way through

[xanbounce-22143 · 3/10 · 22 September 2022]

It started out well in the initial few episodes with a bit of a bumpy landing, but turned into some kind of media student cliché production around the half way mark with some sort of experimental meta 4th wall breaking, which up until that point had only been brief scenes here and there.

I like to watch a story unfold, not be read a showrunner's internal monologue audiobook for an hour.

Thankfully I only wasted 2 days of my Paramount free trial. I can't see myself subscribing to the service as it's all so very mediocre hit and miss inconsistent writing in which you think you've found a diamond in the rough, but it evaporates in short order.

I tried the star treks on Paramount Plus too and they have the same problem of wildly inconsistent writing with characters who are believable or relatable one moment, then turn into caricatures the next.

I would say have a go with the free trial, but the moment you activate the trial you should immediately remove your payment renewal method so you actively have to add it again if you think anything you've watched is worth paying a subscription to continue viewing.

Intelligent and quirky.

[visionandyouth · 8/10 · 22 May 2022]

So far, I think it's great 4 episodes in! Most original series I have seen for years. Screenplay and characters are original and first class. I am all in!!

Hey, it's good

[ellipseanostalrius · 7/10 · 28 April 2022]

There's so many ways this could go wrong, but so far, so good. It gets a little hokey and that's ok. The tongue-in-cheek humor is light and done well.

When I saw it was a Showtime series, I was like...meh, they'll find a way to mess it up, and they still could : P

Chiwetel Ejiofor does some amazing things. The dude is awesome.

I hope this series stays on an even keel, because sic-fi, alien-comes -to-Earth is so overdone and almost always irretrievably bad. For sure, there's going to be a mess of reviews that complain WOKE...because it has a non-whites in it...and he's an alien. It's impossible for people to help themselves. : D.

a child's view of science, engineering, and life.

[c_birkett · 2/10 · 30 June 2022]

It is really annoying when someone who knows NOTHING about science or engineering tries to write a drama about it.

The lead character portrays someone who doesn't have the patience or intelligence to pass a college physics class, let alone discover nuclear fusion. It is just absurd. She is a mess of emotions, risking her life and perhaps the future of earth because she takes umbrage at things a strange alien says. She brings her car to a sudden stop on a road where people are driving 70 because she is upset. The entire work looks like the director, actors, and perhaps writers had not the slighted clue what a scientist or engineer is about.

Too bad, because the plot has an interesting start. But I must rate this series not worth my time any more. I can't enjoy a movie that constantly collides with how people in my world act.

If this portrays how the average artist, business person, or marketing person see science and scientists, we are in real trouble as a society. That others who write reviews don't immediately see that also is doubly disturbing.

Ignore the "WOKE" claims.

[adamjdavis-91950 · 8/10 · 24 April 2022]

I really can't see the point in the woke calls, so what the alien is now black.

As a work of fiction race/gender swapping happens all the time, put your energy into calling out when it's fact.

I really enjoyed the first episode, had enough to it for me to series link it.

Alway a fan of chewy and Naomi as the are top draw actors.

You can tell by the ratings that they're BOGUS 3 episodes in and its simply BRILLIANT phenomenal cast, story, LOVE IT!! ignore the LIARS!!

[joiningjt · 10/10 · 12 May 2022]

This was fantastic right from the 1st episode to be fair I'm only 3 episodes in but it'll have to bomb heavily to bring it down but I will re access my score after its complete. I wanted to get my review in now as the 6.3 as of today is absolutely LUDICROUS go look at each episode all are mid 7s and episode 3 in in the 8s so???? Get new math quotatios imdb!! The lead actor is phenomenal and so is the actress really everyone involved is passionate about this series you can always tell . It shows in the end results it's the type of show you cant hardly wait to see what we get to enjoy in the next episode. Trust us scifi fanatics this is a keeper! I wasnt a huge lover of the original I'm not a fan of David Bowie's acting but I like the movie but this version is actually BETTER than the original.

Flipping heck! Not what I expected! I can't wait for episode two!

[TomInLondon · 10/10 · 24 April 2022]

I didn't know what to expect from this, I'm familiar with the old David Bowie movie but this is in a different league. Wow!

Great storyline, effects and acting were great and a big surprise towards the end, I'm luving it! I can't wait for episode two! Congrats to everyone involved in this, it's put a smile on my face! :-)

I liked that

[news-121 · 7/10 · 24 April 2022]

This show definitely has promise.

Without giving anything away on plot.

Great acting by all and the added bonus of Bill Nye is going to make this interesting.

Looking forward to episode 2.

I have watched the show unlike some who have not and given it a poor rating.

Off to a really great start

[jonwoodh · 9/10 · 25 April 2022]

I loved the Bowie movie and so was curious about this updating. What a fantastic start. Love the two main characters - get a grip for those moaning about wokeness - and that asinine comment about no life out there, just wow, and have you heard of something called fiction? Anyway I was intrigued how they have updated the original with a contemporary narrative, and judging by the sneak glimpses of future episodes it seems we're going to be thrilled. Congratulations Showtime!

black not woke

[Arkatub · 7/10 · 24 April 2022]

No social justice message, story is about the story, actors are just black.

....going by the 1st episode, will continue to watch, other sci-fi has it worse.

Great start and very interesting!

[info-90701 · 3/10 · 3 May 2022]

Chiwetel Ejiofor is great in this updated version of a combination of three movies, and borrows largely from each it seems, and fairly well. It has the road trip element of Starman, and the duck out of water element of Brother From Another Planet, with the successful career of Bowie in The Man Who Fell to Earth, as a base for this work. However, it is only a base and the joy in watching it is the addition of the twists, turns and other elements. It is nice to see creativity in science fiction that honors the work that came before it, yet springboards way past the obvious!

The best part is that black people have been science fiction fans since it started, and one of the greatest science fiction writers ever, Octavia Butler, is a primary writer that many science fiction films have been based upon her work, like the film Fallen, a close or derivative of a spirit that takes over bodies in Butler's Wild Seed series. Additionally, Jenny Lumet is following her father's footsteps as a creator of interesting, thoughtful work with this and Star Trek: Discovery, and for that I am thankful.

I look forward to the rest of this series and all that it provides.

Summary: Great take on Starman, Brother From Another Planet and Bowie's Man Who Fell!

UPDATE: Okay, I watched the entire first season, and boy, it went down hill to silly, infantile town after the 5th episode and made zero sense. It had such potential, but the writing just turned into nonsense. It is like a 12 year old took over and wrote the most sophomoric nonsense ever! Ridiculous. So sad. It ended perfectly absurdly, with the people in the desert in the USA, looking up into the sky to see the spaceship taking off from Cambodia!! Good grief - stupid on a cracker.

Really awesome pilot

[wildlime · 10/10 · 24 April 2022]

Not sure what other people watched based on the bad reviews here, but the first episode was very good. Had good character building and enough sci-fi to keep me interested. Promising start!

The reason for the low score

[mo-shadfar · 6/10 · 7 July 2022]

In my opinion the character of Spencer Clay is repulsively negative and it was so exaggerated. On the other hand Justin Falls was always moaning or complaining about something and she was the symbol of ingratitude in all aspects. She really was on my nerves. I think these two characters cause a lot of damage to this story, actually I'm talking about characters, not acting. We are all seeing these kinds of sick people in real life or in the news every day and no one really wants to see more of them, especially in the series that they have chosen to watch for fun.

Overrated

[nico-cba-16952 · 5/10 · 20 January 2023]

It was hard to watch up to the first half of the season, I quitted it several times until I finally got hooked from the second half on. The setting up of the family relationship was incredibly long and dull. Despite the family bonds premise, the amount of screen time spent in little girl Molly and her grandfather Josiah is absurd for a sci-fi show. I was thinking of another sci-fi show with a slow-paced set-up and family relationships as a pivotal point to the plot, like Night Sky; unlike this one, that one was well written, well executed and with a great payoff.

Fortunately the main alien character arc saved us from just another apocalyptic/ecologist story, and there're a couple of interesting characters like agent Clay and Sister Prescott that made it more watchable.

It should've been 2-episode shorter, and not renewal for a second season was a wise decision, it was fine where it ended and it would've been pointless trying to force a continuation with this alien civilization on Earth.

Good sequel, hope it goes where it seems to be aiming

[miaalike · 10/10 · 1 May 2022]

Would have given 10/10, but it only aired 2 episodes and I feel it is so early... But the current overall rating is unfair, this show is good! It is not a remake, but a sequel, and it is all about trying one more time, in the desperate hope this time things will go better - which is all the action is about, so far.

It is Sci Fi, but also much more. Feels like inspired by real events, because it depicts the way human life looks like. We fail as humanity, because, despite claiming arrogantly to have evolved, a person's life is conditioned and brought down to how much MONEY someone has. Then we spent countless resources in justifying why this is OK. No, it is not OK. This way, so many people cannot use their talents and abilities, they are constrained to poverty and failure. We loose, as humanity, the best of what we should be, we relinquish kindness, brilliant minds and souls, we dispatch so many people into the darkness, just because... Why?! Let those who amass way too much answer to that - who gives them the right to sacrifice the others? To sacrifice the future? Who put them in charge and keeps them there, for decades of mean, bad decisions? Who gave them humanity's future, to waste in exchange for shiny things and showing off, like some inane monkeys?! It is all about that - those who cannot come up with solutions, incapable of fulfilling their good purpose in life, yet clenching to the power, forever and ever... OK, maybe a short digression. But this show made me cry, during both episodes, and it is not something I easily do. It hit hard, where it should. Where more shows should. Human life is not to be made a mockery of, it is not expandable, nor should it be easy to rob of decency. It is just not right to shove so many people into being pariahs, poor, broken, mean and evil dooers, then blaming it on them. And this side of TMFE is important so far, and wery well done!

Ramblings about woker or not woke, not another remake, or the cast color are unimportant. When the world falls into place, it is not that we don't see age, color, shape, or whatever peculiarities differentiate people - it would be that we see all these and love the beauty of each person, because it is an important part of humanity. Each one deserves to be, in the world. Each one has a place where they feel they belong and they like to be. The chaos of now, the pain felt by so many, is but a result of some scrambling the path in life for all the rest. Yet we fight to get up and keep going. We fight to save ourselves, even after we feel we have no power at all anymore. We crawl and we cry and we are still here, still human.

I love how this show brought all this to my mind and heart, not that it was gone.

Just try it, without expectations clichéd to the Sci Fi genre and see what it brings up in you. It deserves a try.

It surprised me. Even after episode 1, when I was a bit down, thinking it is but a remake, with a known ending... it surprised me again. Not a remake, a sequel. Not boring. So far, enthralling.

FINALLY!!!!!!!!

[conn-38882 · 10/10 · 25 April 2022]

Finally a sci-fi worth watching, hilarious at alot of scenes and sad in some, this is what I get just from the 1st episode, the alien-Chiwetal Ejiofor is sent to Earth to help his species on his planet, gets aid from at one time in her life a promising young brilliant scientist-Naomie Harris, and in starting to understand the help she is giving, she is also helping humans to keep from becoming extinct. Bill Nighy's character from what I piece together so far is someone who knows Chiwetal Ejiofor's alien, possibly from the Alien's world, I'm not quite sure on that character but it seems that Nighy's character is a slightly evil character who wants something back. It is a fresh and new series finally worth watching. Very excited to see where it goes.