Growing up, I frequently wished that if aliens ever made contact, they wouldn’t choose to land in the United States. Most science fiction narratives, like "The Day the Earth Stood Still" from 1951, depict initial encounters involving weaponry and military force—guns, tanks, missiles, soldiers—as soon as an alien vessel opens its door. This film offers a much more thoughtful perspective on how we might interact with e…

Roy Neely’s life takes an odd turn after he has an experience with something not from around here, and then starts seeing mashed potatoes, shaving cream, and piles of mud. This unusual series of events contributes to the end of his marriage, prompting him to search for answers about what these visions mean. The film builds to a striking moment high up on a mountain where Neely finally confronts what’s been happening …