Joe Cornish wrote and directed Attack the Block, which stars Jodie Whittaker, John Boyega, Alex Esmail, Jumayn Hunter, Luke Treadaway, and Nick Frost. The film's music is by Basement Jaxx and Steven Price, with cinematography by Tom Townend. When a South London tower block is attacked by aliens, a group of young men—along with the nurse they recently robbed—must work together to defend themselves. People in Britain had been anticipating Joe Cornish’s feature film debut for some time, and it turned out to be worth the wait; he delivered a sci-fi action comedy that also incorporates a bit of wry social commentary. With Edgar Wright involved as a producer and Nick Frost providing a familiar comedic presence, one could argue that Attack the Block is part of the Wright/Pegg production line. However, the film draws inspiration from numerous siege and invasion movies, ultimately establishing its own unique identity. Cornish takes a risk by introducing us to a group of young people who casually rob an elderly woman with a knife. The slang they use might be difficult for some viewers to understand initially. It’s easy to dislike these youngsters; it's completely justifiable to feel that way, and when the aliens show up, there’s a natural inclination to want them to eliminate this troublesome group. Cornish’s approach is risky, but also perceptive. As the film continues, we begin to grasp their lifestyle and circumstances within a challenging environment. It’s during this crucial part of the story that Cornish introduces another element: victims and perpetrators forced to unite against a common enemy. Does he intend to turn these young offenders into heroes? Once the aliens start unleashing terrifying attacks on South London, it becomes an all-out battle. The action and humor blend seamlessly, the music is impactful, and other characters are introduced—some for comic relief, others to frustrate us and potentially become alien prey. The aliens themselves are a fantastic creation, a welcome addition to a crowded genre. One of the young people describes them as “gorilla wolf things,” which is an accurate description; they’re jet black with spiky hair and bioluminescent jaws and claws, and move on all fours. Then comes the final part of Cornish’s clever plan: revealing why these aliens are targeting this particular group, and showing how character development offers a meaningful point. There's a sense of hope, not just for the movie characters but also for societies divided by their circumstances. The film clearly emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and correcting past mistakes. The performances are strong across the board, with Jodie Whittaker and John Boyega delivering particularly memorable work. Attack the Block is a genre-bending film that brings something new to the table. Trust Bruv! 8/10

On September 20, 2026
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