You are here:

Kids vs. Aliens

Kids vs. Aliens

Representation Score

4.9/10

Fair

2023

TV-MA

Director

Jason Eisener

Runtime

75 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Kids vs. Aliens is a survival tale that challenges traditional authority. By focusing on underestimated protagonists, the film disrupts conventional expectations of domestic stability and parental guidance. While the narrative lacks overt LGBTQ+ or racial identity politics, it emphasizes the empowerment of 'underdogs.' The creative direction suggests an intentionality toward non-conformist storytelling that prioritizes underrepresented perspectives over traditional social structures. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its subversion of the domestic sphere, turning the home into a space of vulnerability and rebellion against both social bullies and extraterrestrial threats.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Kids vs. Aliens have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story centers on heterosexual relationships and social hierarchies. There are no explicit LGBTQ+ characters or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Kids vs. Aliens portray gender?

Fair

Samantha and Gary navigate survival scenarios independently, demonstrating strong roles in driving the story. The narrative highlights their empowerment despite traditional teenage dynamics.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Kids vs. Aliens?

Fair

The cast includes various backgrounds, but the plot does not emphasize multi-layered identities. The film focuses on survival elements rather than exploring race or ethnicity explicitly.

How does Kids vs. Aliens represent religion and culture?

Good

The film depicts the nuclear family and parental authority as obstacles or absent. It celebrates autonomy by showing the home as a chaotic environment rather than a stable one.

Does Kids vs. Aliens include disability representation?

Minimal

Gary breaks his arm, but it is unclear if this explores disability meaningfully. It might just serve as a plot device to show parental absence.

Present on Screen

  • Empowers underestimated protagonists through a survival-focused narrative.
  • Subverts traditional authority by portraying parental figures as absent or obstructive.
  • Provides ability to act to siblings navigating high-stakes, independent scenarios.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer subtext.
  • Does not utilize racial or ethnic identities as central narrative drivers.
  • Physical injuries appear to function as plot devices rather than disability explorations.

Official Synopsis

All Gary wants is to make awesome home movies with his best buds. All his older sister Samantha wants is to hang with the cool kids. When their parents head out of town one Halloween weekend, an all-time rager of a teen house party turns to terror when aliens attack, forcing the siblings to band together to survive the night.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.