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Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1 (2017) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1 (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 92 min
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Starring
André Hennicke, Iwan Rheon, Norman Reedus, Christian Pasquariello, Guy Hoyer, Lesley Suzanne Dean

With humanity facing potential annihilation, a determined young soldier known as S.U.M.1 undertakes a dangerous mission. His goal is to locate and protect a small group of survivors who have managed to find refuge above ground. The planet has been devastated by a hostile alien invasion, leaving behind widespread destruction and despair. S.U.M.1 must navigate the perilous landscape and confront the alien threat to ensure the survivors' safety.

On this page (7)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Every angle
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4 main characters · contains spoilers

Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1 Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1 (2017), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • S.U.M.1 (Iwan Rheon)

    S.U.M.1 is a soldier stationed at Outpost Cerberus, tasked with maintaining order during a harrowing 100-day deployment. Initially dutiful and focused, he gradually succumbs to isolation and paranoia, leading him to question his mission and the motives behind his superiors. As the pressure mounts, he experiences a mental breakdown that drives him into a tragic spiral of despair and violence.

    • 👨‍✈️ Soldier
    • 🤯 Paranoid
    • 💔 Tragic Hero
  • V.A.X.7 (Christian Pasquariello)

    V.A.X.7 is a fellow soldier at Outpost Cerberus whose sudden retreat due to medical reasons triggers S.U.M.1's suspicions. His mysterious presence and eventual fate raise questions about the mental strain faced by soldiers, mirroring S.U.M.1's own descent into madness. V.A.X.7 serves as a haunting reminder of the fragility of sanity amid warfare and chaos.

    • 🔍 Mystery
    • 🤕 Traumatized
    • 👤 Ghostly Presence
  • K.E.R.4 (Norman Reedus)

    K.E.R.4 is a soldier connected to S.U.M.1 via radio communications, providing glimpses into the outside world and the struggles within other outposts. His character serves as a link to the ongoing battle against the Nonsuch, reflecting the urgency and desperation of the situation. Through his discussions with S.U.M.1, K.E.R.4 highlights themes of survival and the quest for truth.

    • 📡 Communication
    • 🎖️ Comrade
    • 💬 Supportive
  • MAC (André Hennicke)

    MAC is a newcomer to Outpost Cerberus whose arrival heightens tensions among the soldiers. Initially seen as a potential ally, his interactions with S.U.M.1 shift from camaraderie to conflict, revealing deeper issues of trust and deception. MAC embodies the unpredictability of survival in a hostile environment, complicating S.U.M.1's already fragile state of mind.

    • 🤝 Antagonistic Ally
    • ⚠️ Tension
    • 🛑 Threatening

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:24

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Setting

Where and When Does Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1 Take Place?

The setting of Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1 (2017): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

100-day deployment period

The events of the film unfold during a tense and uncertain military deployment, set against the backdrop of an alien invasion. This period is marked by feelings of paranoia, isolation, and desperation amongst the soldiers stationed at Outpost Cerberus. The ongoing threat from the Nonsuch further amplifies the urgency of their situation, culminating in a desperate struggle for survival.

Location

Outpost Cerberus

Outpost Cerberus is a desolate military installation, characterized by its cramped living quarters and dusty landscapes. Known for its role in human endurance amid an alien threat, the outpost is a sanctuary for soldiers tasked with maintaining order in a chaotic world. Its oppressive atmosphere and isolation serve as a backdrop for the psychological unraveling of its inhabitants.

  • 🏙️ Outpost
  • 🌌 Remote Area

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:24

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3 major themes

Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1 Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1 (2017) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Isolation

    Isolation is a central theme in S.U.M.1's journey, as he grapples with the psychological effects of solitude while stationed at Outpost Cerberus. The remote setting cuts him off from the realities outside the outpost, leading to an intensifying sense of loneliness and despair. This theme is further illustrated through his bond with a rat and the eventual disintegration of his mental state.

  • Survival

    Survival drives S.U.M.1's actions throughout the film as he navigates the dangers of his environment and the threat posed by the Nonsuch. His initial duties revolve around maintaining the outpost and ensuring safety, but as the reality of his situation becomes darker, survival becomes a struggle against his deteriorating mental health and external threats. The film examines the lengths one will go to preserve life amidst chaos.

  • Truth vs. Deception

    The theme of truth versus deception unfolds as S.U.M.1 discovers potential secrets surrounding his mission and the nature of the Nonsuch threat. His descent into paranoia is fueled by perceived lies from his superiors and the sinister implications of the evacuation plan for humanity. This theme highlights the conflict between what is real and what is fabricated in the pursuit of survival.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:24

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Character & theme questions

Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1 Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1 (2017): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Outpost Cerberus located?

Outpost Cerberus is a remote military installation situated in a desolate, dusty landscape. It serves as a sanctuary for soldiers tasked with maintaining order during the alien invasion, characterized by cramped living quarters and an oppressive atmosphere that contributes to the psychological unraveling of its inhabitants.

  • outpost cerberus
  • military base
  • location
  • remote setting
Q2

When does the story take place?

The story unfolds during a 100-day military deployment, set against the backdrop of an alien invasion. This period is marked by intense paranoia, isolation, and desperation amongst the soldiers stationed at the outpost.

  • time period
  • deployment
  • alien invasion era
  • 100 days
Q3

What are the Nonsuch aliens?

The Nonsuch are the hostile alien invaders that have devastated the planet, leaving widespread destruction and despair. They represent an overwhelming external threat that drives the desperate struggle for survival at Outpost Cerberus.

  • nonsuch
  • alien invaders
  • enemies
  • threat
Q4

How does isolation affect S.U.M.1?

Isolation is the central theme affecting S.U.M.1, who grapples with the psychological effects of solitude while stationed at the remote outpost. The isolation cuts him off from the outside world, intensifying his loneliness and despair, ultimately leading to a mental breakdown.

  • isolation
  • mental health
  • psychological effects
  • solitude
Q5

What does the survival theme represent in the film?

Survival drives S.U.M.1's actions as he navigates the dangers of his environment and the Nonsuch threat. The film explores the lengths one will go to preserve life amidst chaos, examining both external dangers and the internal struggle against deteriorating mental health.

  • survival
  • struggle
  • perseverance
  • threat
Q6

What is the truth vs. deception theme about?

The truth versus deception theme unfolds as S.U.M.1 discovers potential secrets surrounding his mission and the nature of the Nonsuch threat. His paranoia is fueled by perceived lies from his superiors, particularly regarding a sinister evacuation plan for humanity, creating conflict between what is real and what is fabricated.

  • truth
  • deception
  • conspiracy
  • paranoia
  • secrets
Q7

Who is S.U.M.1 and what is his role?

S.U.M.1 is the protagonist, a soldier played by Iwan Rheon, stationed at Outpost Cerberus for a 100-day deployment. Initially dutiful and focused, he gradually succumbs to isolation and paranoia, leading him to question his mission and the motives of his superiors.

  • s.u.m.1
  • iwan rheon
  • protagonist
  • soldier
Q8

What is K.E.R.4's role in the story?

K.E.R.4, played by Norman Reedus, is a soldier connected to S.U.M.1 via radio communications. He provides glimpses into the outside world and the struggles within other outposts, serving as a link to the ongoing battle against the Nonsuch and highlighting themes of survival and the quest for truth.

  • k.e.r.4
  • norman reedus
  • radio contact
  • communication
Q9

Who is MAC and what is his purpose?

MAC, played by André Hennicke, is a newcomer to Outpost Cerberus whose arrival heightens tensions among the soldiers. His interactions with S.U.M.1 shift from camaraderie to conflict, revealing deeper issues of trust and deception, and complicating S.U.M.1's already fragile state of mind.

  • mac
  • andré hennicke
  • newcomer
  • tension
Q10

What happened to the world in the film?

The planet has been devastated by a hostile alien invasion, leaving widespread destruction and despair. Humanity faces potential annihilation, forcing survivors to find refuge above ground while soldiers like S.U.M.1 attempt to maintain order and protect what remains.

  • world destruction
  • earth
  • apocalypse
  • devastation
Q11

Why do soldiers have alphanumeric codes like S.U.M.1?

Soldiers at Outpost Cerberus are identified by alphanumeric codes (S.U.M.1, V.A.X.7, K.E.R.4, MAC) rather than traditional names. This dehumanizing system reflects the military's treatment of personnel as expendable assets and mirrors the film's themes of isolation and loss of identity.

  • military codes
  • identity
  • dehumanization
  • designation
Q12

What is the evacuation plan mentioned in the film?

The evacuation plan refers to a mysterious scheme for humanity that S.U.M.1 becomes suspicious about during his deployment. The sinister implications of this plan fuel his paranoia and contribute to the truth versus deception theme, as he questions whether his superiors are being truthful about humanity's survival options.

  • evacuation
  • humanity survival
  • conspiracy
  • plan

Movie threads

More Movies Like Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1 tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Claustrophobic psychological thrillers like Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1

Stories where confinement and paranoia slowly shatter a protagonist's sanity. If you liked the isolated, paranoid atmosphere of Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1, explore more movies that trap a single protagonist in a confined space, leading to psychological unraveling. These films share a slow burn pacing, high intensity, and a dark, despairing tone, creating a deeply unsettling viewing experience.

  • claustrophobic
  • paranoid
  • psychological
  • despairing
  • isolated
  • slow burn
  • Tone: dark, paranoid, despairing
  • Pacing: slow burn, deliberate
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern follows a character, often alone or in a small group, subjected to extreme isolation in a confined setting. The primary conflict is internal, as monotony, fear, and paranoia chip away at their grip on reality. The story typically escalates from unease to full-blown psychological crisis, with the environment itself acting as an antagonist.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the psychological effects of isolation. They prioritize mood over action, using a slow pace to immerse the viewer in the character's deteriorating mental state. The experience is defined by claustrophobia, paranoia, and a heavy, oppressive atmosphere.

Bleak alien invasion movies like Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1

Grim tales of humanity's futile struggle against overwhelming extraterrestrial forces. For viewers who appreciated the grim, hopeless atmosphere of Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1, this section features similar sci-fi stories about surviving an apocalyptic alien invasion. These movies are characterized by a dark tone, heavy emotional weight, and endings that offer little to no hope, emphasizing the cosmic insignificance of humanity.

  • bleak
  • post-apocalyptic
  • despairing
  • oppressive
  • existential
  • grim
  • Tone: dark, grim, despairing
  • Pacing: slow to steady, atmospheric
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives often follow soldiers or survivors tasked with a seemingly important mission that is ultimately revealed to be meaningless. The journey exposes the characters to the full scope of the devastation, challenging their resolve and leading to an ending where their efforts are rendered futile by the scale of the alien threat.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their pessimistic view of humanity's chances against a superior alien force. They share a dark, oppressive tone, high-stakes tension, and a conclusion that is unambiguously bleak. The experience is one of existential dread and the crushing weight of a losing battle.

Every angle

Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1 (2017) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1 in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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