I’m truly unsure what I just witnessed. It felt akin to experiencing _The Battle of Algiers_ stripped of any subtlety, or if _District 9_ turned out to be disappointing. Final rating: ★★ - There were aspects that resonated with me, but the overall result was lacking.

As a big fan of science fiction, particularly stories involving alien invasions, I always approach those kinds of films with excitement. What critics or audiences think doesn't influence my enjoyment; nothing really does. Knowing the cast, director, writers, and producers immediately tells me how high or low to set my expectations. With that in mind, I was hoping Captive State might be a pleasant surprise for 2019. T…