Year: 1988
Runtime: 95 min
Language: English
Director: Stewart Raffill
A small, furry alien finds itself stranded on Earth and must learn to adapt to a strange new environment. It eventually befriends a young boy who uses a wheelchair, and the two form an unlikely friendship. Through their connection, the alien experiences the wonders and complexities of humanity, while the boy finds a renewed sense of hope and companionship in this touching story about acceptance and belonging.
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In the sun‑bleached suburbs of Los Angeles, a lone, furry extraterrestrial crash‑lands on Earth, far from the dying world it fled. Its arrival is quiet, its presence a mystery, and the creature’s capacity to manipulate electricity hints at wonders far beyond human comprehension. The story unfolds against a backdrop of everyday domestic life, where the ordinary rhythms of moving into a new house and settling into a new school mask the extraordinary secret now humming beneath the neighborhood’s quiet streets.
Janet Cruise, a single mother still coping with the loss of her husband, strives to create stability for her two sons. Her older child, Eric, navigates life from a wheelchair, confronting both physical challenges and the typical trials of adolescence. Michael, the younger brother, is caught between protecting his sibling and finding his own place in the family. When Eric stumbles upon the alien—later affectionately called MAC—a tentative friendship forms, rooted in curiosity, compassion, and a shared feeling of being outsiders. Their secret meetings are brightened by the eager presence of Debbie, the next‑door neighbor who delights in the strange and the new, adding a playful spark to the emerging bond.
The film balances a warm, nostalgic 80’s suburban vibe with moments of gentle sci‑fi awe, inviting viewers to wonder how humanity reacts when confronted with the truly unknown. Themes of acceptance, belonging, and the healing power of connection ripple through the narrative, as the children’s imagination and resilience gently coax the alien to reveal its gentle nature. While the broader world watches with cautious intrigue, the heart of the story remains the quiet, hopeful alliance between a young boy, his family, and a mysterious visitor from the stars.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 13:39
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