This movie is terrible. Jonah is a film that has no idea what it wants to be. It is basically 2 movies rolled into one. It's a thriller about a crazy woman, who's crazy for no reason ,while also trying to be a sci fi film about human extinction and aliens and it doesn't work at all. Firstly, throughout most of the movie there's a whole lot of nothing going on. The characters don't make much sense either. As a child, Ozzie was abducted by aliens. Now, as an adult, he crosses paths with Jonah who was also abducted, but the writers don't really connect the 2 stories. At the end of the movie Ozzie and Jonah get into the alien ship and that's it?! No explanation as to why Ozzie and Jonah were abducted in the first place?! Why is Jonah in a vegetative state but Ozzie wasnt when he was a kid? The aliens arent explained much beyond them not wanting to intervene in Humankind's impending extinction. Margot's character was the strangest of all. Why is she seemingly normal for most of the movie and then suddenly she's completely insane and homicidal without any explanation?! It made no sense why she chased down Darren, killed him and brought his body back to the house. Why invite Darren and Ozzie to the house in the first place? I honestly wasnt surprised that this movie was bad. I could tell by the trailer that it wasnt any good but Alaina Huffman was good in Supernatural, Stargate Universe and The 100 so I wanted to see what she's been up to lately.
15 Reviews
We Need to Go Home
nogodnomasters3 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Jonah (Lincoln Huffman) appears to be taken by aliens, at least that is what his mother Margot (Alaina Huffman) claims. Ozzy (Osric Chau) is an investigator/journalist looking for the net oddball story and it appears he has one. He shows up at the remote rural residence with his cameraman (Ken Kirby). Their initial instinct is that mom is abusing the boy and is not playing with a full deck. As the story gets deeper we discover that Jonah and Ozzy are very similar and have had similar experiences. Jonah explains he is from Alpha Centauri and the world is headed for self-inflicted environmental destruction, oceans, bees, etc. Wars fought for water and dwindling resources. Just a bundle of joy.
This was a low-budget sci-fi film void of fancy special effects. The plot leads you in multiple directions as you try to solve the mystery with Ozzy as clues go both ways.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity. Not that Margot didn't offer.
This was a low-budget sci-fi film void of fancy special effects. The plot leads you in multiple directions as you try to solve the mystery with Ozzy as clues go both ways.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity. Not that Margot didn't offer.
Great story, weak execution
ahmed-arshi14 March 2024
"Jonah," directed by Ben Van Kleek in 2024, weaves a compelling narrative about a journalist confronted with his repressed childhood trauma while investigating a mother's claim that her son was abducted by aliens. On paper, the film's premise, conflicts, and the backstories of its characters check all the boxes for a captivating thriller. It cleverly raises questions about the true intentions of each character and the enveloping mystery they are all trying to unravel, setting the stage for an engaging exploration of human emotion and the unknown.
The potential of "Jonah" lies in its ability to blend personal struggle with supernatural elements, offering a rich soil from which complex character dynamics and thrilling plot twists can grow. The backstories are poised to add depth, making the audience invested in the outcomes of these well-conceived characters. This depth, coupled with the overarching mystery, should have provided a fertile ground for suspense and engagement, drawing viewers into a web of intrigue and emotional complexity.
However, the film stumbles significantly when it comes to its execution, particularly in the casting and performance aspects. Despite the brilliance of the script and the clear vision behind the project, the actors' portrayals fall short of bringing the characters to life in a believable manner. This disconnect between the characters' potential depth and their on-screen representation undermines the immersive experience that is critical for a thriller of this nature. The audience's belief in the characters and the story they inhabit is crucial, and when the performances are not convincing, it detracts from the entire narrative, no matter how well-written or conceived it may be.
In conclusion, while "Jonah" promises a riveting exploration of human psyche intertwined with otherworldly mysteries, its impact is dulled by a cast that fails to deliver the emotional and psychological complexity required. This results in a film that, despite its intriguing premise and underlying script brilliance, offers an experience that falls below expectations, leaving viewers disengaged from what could have been a profoundly moving journey.
The potential of "Jonah" lies in its ability to blend personal struggle with supernatural elements, offering a rich soil from which complex character dynamics and thrilling plot twists can grow. The backstories are poised to add depth, making the audience invested in the outcomes of these well-conceived characters. This depth, coupled with the overarching mystery, should have provided a fertile ground for suspense and engagement, drawing viewers into a web of intrigue and emotional complexity.
However, the film stumbles significantly when it comes to its execution, particularly in the casting and performance aspects. Despite the brilliance of the script and the clear vision behind the project, the actors' portrayals fall short of bringing the characters to life in a believable manner. This disconnect between the characters' potential depth and their on-screen representation undermines the immersive experience that is critical for a thriller of this nature. The audience's belief in the characters and the story they inhabit is crucial, and when the performances are not convincing, it detracts from the entire narrative, no matter how well-written or conceived it may be.
In conclusion, while "Jonah" promises a riveting exploration of human psyche intertwined with otherworldly mysteries, its impact is dulled by a cast that fails to deliver the emotional and psychological complexity required. This results in a film that, despite its intriguing premise and underlying script brilliance, offers an experience that falls below expectations, leaving viewers disengaged from what could have been a profoundly moving journey.
Disappointed with the Plot
betelgeussie22 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
It was horrifying time wasted, I was expected whether any of Jonah's mother or Jonah's himself is Alien. It ended up showing a ambiguity between Jonah's mother being a psych and alien involvement. Like.. what's the reason of her abusing Jonah, but she still wanted the journalists to come up in her house. It's unnecessary.
I thought Ozzie's character will be the main character that play out the Jonah's truth, also what's the reason of Jonah's mother to get rid of Darren was really unnecessary.
The movie was ended up absurd.. Why wouldn't Jonah just call his colony earlier then if he needed to go home. It's unclear what was his purpose staying with a violent mother, to just meet Ozzie.
I thought Ozzie's character will be the main character that play out the Jonah's truth, also what's the reason of Jonah's mother to get rid of Darren was really unnecessary.
The movie was ended up absurd.. Why wouldn't Jonah just call his colony earlier then if he needed to go home. It's unclear what was his purpose staying with a violent mother, to just meet Ozzie.
This movie is horrid.
titanintrepid14 March 2024
It began as promising but as it progressed it got worse and worse and worse. I wasted 1 hour 27 minutes of precious time that I could never recover. They should have just made this to be about a psycho mother, no alien involvement. It began as promising but as it progressed it got worse and worse and worse. I wasted 1 hour 27 minutes of precious time that I could never recover. They should have just made this to be about a psycho mother, no alien involvement. It began as promising but as it progressed it got worse and worse and worse. I wasted 1 hour 27 minutes of precious time that I could never recover. They should have just made this to be about a psycho mother, no alien involvement.
Compelling Script, Low Budget
walkingword15 March 2024
This could have been a good movie, as the script is not bad. But it lacked actual alien involvement and left much to the imagination. Most SciFi buffs want to see the aliens, I mean c.mon! Also, the acting wasn't bad, but the actors are hardly known. The boy's psychodrama was probably the best part of the movie. If it had more higher profile actors it would have been more engaging. Also. It is a bit unreal, that these two really young paranormal skeptics would have credible knowledge about alien abductions in the first place. Anyway, it is OK for an inbetween movie if you're bored and there's nothing elese to watch.
[3.6] That location - first destination
cjonesas31 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
A debacle of a sci-fi mystery whatever production as if made as a student project. Nothing is real, believable nor engaging. It is unsatisfyingly humiliating to the genre and to the aliens in general.
Hives and radioactivity are mixed in random micro twists, not fleshed out as basically nothing in this movie is. Truly doesn't even deserve the ratings it got. Who funds these is beyond me.
Hives and radioactivity are mixed in random micro twists, not fleshed out as basically nothing in this movie is. Truly doesn't even deserve the ratings it got. Who funds these is beyond me.
- Screenplay/storyline/plots: 3
- Production value/impact: 2.5
- Development: 5.5
- Realism: 3
- Entertainment: 3
- Acting: 5
- Filming/photography/cinematography: 6
- VFX: 6
- Music/score/sound: 4.5
- Depth: 4
- Logic: 1
- Flow: 3
- Mystery/sci-fi/thriller: 3.5
- Ending: 0.5.
Wow, JONAH delivers
sunrisepoultry15 March 2024
Was NOT expecting to like JONAH as much as I did. The plot twists and turns and you really have no idea what to expect with each captivating sequence. The cinematography was both beautiful as it was mysterious, and the actors deserve credit for delivering the narrative (especially JONAH himself, a rare talent) to a dramatic conclusion that will leave you wanting more. While trying not to spoil the ending, it makes complete sense to me that there is already buzz about this movie on social media, all the different ways to interpret the masterful ending.
Make no mistake, JONAH is a thinking person's movie - satisfying the appetite of both conspiracy theorists and movie goers alike.
Make no mistake, JONAH is a thinking person's movie - satisfying the appetite of both conspiracy theorists and movie goers alike.
Somewhat off-beat, but enjoyable, movie...
paul_haakonsen20 March 2024
Of course I wasn't familiar with director Ben Van Kleek's 2023 sci-fi thriller "Jonah" prior to stumbling upon it by random chance here in 2024 and opting to sit down and watch it. As I had never even heard about the movie, I had no idea what I was in for, and thus also had zero expectations.
Writers Ben Van Kleek and Trevor Vandelac put together an interesting script and storyline. I liked how the writers sort of keep the audience in the dark, letting us guess as to what is actually going on, and what is the truth or not. So thumbs up to the writers for that accomplishment. However, it should be noted that some viewers might find the narrative to be slow paced and sluggish, especially if you're expecting a whole lot of action and events throughout the course of the 89 minutes that the movie runs for.
The movie has a rather small cast ensemble, and I wasn't familiar with a single actor or actress on the cast list. It should be noted, however, that the acting performances throughout the course of the 89 minutes that the movie ran for are quite good. The actors and actresses definitely did good jobs in bringing their characters and the storyline to life on the screen.
I actually enjoyed the movie, though it is hardly a movie that I will return to a second time, because there isn't sufficient contents in the script to support more than a single viewing. But "Jonah" proved to be an adequate viewing experience and was enjoyable.
My rating of "Jonah" lands on a six out of ten stars.
Writers Ben Van Kleek and Trevor Vandelac put together an interesting script and storyline. I liked how the writers sort of keep the audience in the dark, letting us guess as to what is actually going on, and what is the truth or not. So thumbs up to the writers for that accomplishment. However, it should be noted that some viewers might find the narrative to be slow paced and sluggish, especially if you're expecting a whole lot of action and events throughout the course of the 89 minutes that the movie runs for.
The movie has a rather small cast ensemble, and I wasn't familiar with a single actor or actress on the cast list. It should be noted, however, that the acting performances throughout the course of the 89 minutes that the movie ran for are quite good. The actors and actresses definitely did good jobs in bringing their characters and the storyline to life on the screen.
I actually enjoyed the movie, though it is hardly a movie that I will return to a second time, because there isn't sufficient contents in the script to support more than a single viewing. But "Jonah" proved to be an adequate viewing experience and was enjoyable.
My rating of "Jonah" lands on a six out of ten stars.
Original alien abduction movie
tacopastor31 March 2024
Rented this on prime and it was not what I was expecting, this indie film really has a lot of religious symbolism blended together with alien theology. The cast was really good but the budget on this is low. The tension is high and it made me uncomfortable at times. The ending really makes me wonder. The film pushes what you would expect from an "alien abduction" movie. It's not typical but it does a good job at keep you engaged. The actor playing the kid was solid, really liked his performances. The mom is a crazy person. The pacing moves fast and the music really pulls you in. Overall, it's pretty good.
Thought provoking alien indie
bellamitchell-481775 April 2024
I love anything with aliens so I thought I would give Jonah a watch. The film is a small movie (budget) but starts off with a great alien abduction mystery. It does have some really interesting moments. I do like the mom's performance and the kid was also great. The film doesn't give all the answers but it does give you goose bumps a couple of times. The flow of the story felt nice and it does push and pull with what you think is going to happen next. The ending does leave a bit abruptly and makes you wonder. I would like to know more about some things in the film but overall it was worth watching.
Fun thriller watch and bonus Supernatural Reunion
jfin202413 March 2024
Very interesting film, love thrillers and mixed genre movies. So cool to see Alaina Huffman and Osric Chauu!! Big supernatural fan, so it was great to see Gadreel and Kevin Tran all in the same movie. A captivating thriller that sucked me in and still has me thinking. The story really pulled me in, really liked the abduction stuff. This movie takes a lot of twists and turns which keeps you guessing........There's a lot of tense moments and I really loved the pace of the story. The kid was excellent and he gave me goosebumps every time. I do have some questions about the ending but overall a fun watch.
Great casting, strong narrative, fresh indie
tvandelac28 March 2024
Very impressed with this self-produced indie from Ben Van Kleek and Twenty68 Films. Really makes you question what else is out there.
Alaina Huffman's performance was incredible, her looks really set the thriller/mystery tone. Her son, Lincoln, also crushed his first ever acting role. His monotone prophecies were chilling.
Ken Kirby added the perfect amount of comedy to offset the dramatic scenes. And Osric Chau was a steadfast character with conviction hiding a dark secret.
The cinematography felt high-budget. Nice camera moves, drone footage, lighting was consistent and the outdoor scenes were beautifully set against the mountains and countryside.
Alaina Huffman's performance was incredible, her looks really set the thriller/mystery tone. Her son, Lincoln, also crushed his first ever acting role. His monotone prophecies were chilling.
Ken Kirby added the perfect amount of comedy to offset the dramatic scenes. And Osric Chau was a steadfast character with conviction hiding a dark secret.
The cinematography felt high-budget. Nice camera moves, drone footage, lighting was consistent and the outdoor scenes were beautifully set against the mountains and countryside.
What an intriguing spectacle
waseemhijazi-8218716 March 2024
Could not have enjoyed Jonah more. From beginning to end, the movie exudes a mystique about the force which encompasses the young boy. The movie leaves a lot of options as to what this "force" could be, and the beauty of it is what it leaves to the viewers own interpretation.
The cinematography, music and edits were also upstanding. The foley effects were well done. I enjoyed the setting and ambience. I do hope there is a sequel to tie off some of the intriguing questions the ending had left (without spoiling too much). Bravo for this inaugural performance. Was great to see it live in Austin.
The cinematography, music and edits were also upstanding. The foley effects were well done. I enjoyed the setting and ambience. I do hope there is a sequel to tie off some of the intriguing questions the ending had left (without spoiling too much). Bravo for this inaugural performance. Was great to see it live in Austin.
You'll need to go home instead of watching this
Mori68 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
A mess of a plot that has no clue what it is trying to actually be.
We find out Jonah is adopted by what seems to be a very unhinged overprotective moth/abuser who can't pick a personality to stick to.
Jonah is insufferable the entire movie with faux philosophy and repetitive "we need to go home" ranting. No explanation as to why his lunatic mother adopted him. Is she one of them? The ending suggests perhaps but then why only send her "son" home and why abuse him. Why adopt him. None of that gets actually explained. Or Ozzies actual story just constant mention of him being an abductee. I supposed by the end we are to believe both he and Jonah are actually aliens instead?
The premise opens several cans of worms then just, leaves them no further explanation. Very frustrating and really boring. Abrupt ending leaves nothing properly wrapped up or explanained.
We find out Jonah is adopted by what seems to be a very unhinged overprotective moth/abuser who can't pick a personality to stick to.
Jonah is insufferable the entire movie with faux philosophy and repetitive "we need to go home" ranting. No explanation as to why his lunatic mother adopted him. Is she one of them? The ending suggests perhaps but then why only send her "son" home and why abuse him. Why adopt him. None of that gets actually explained. Or Ozzies actual story just constant mention of him being an abductee. I supposed by the end we are to believe both he and Jonah are actually aliens instead?
The premise opens several cans of worms then just, leaves them no further explanation. Very frustrating and really boring. Abrupt ending leaves nothing properly wrapped up or explanained.
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