The first thing I did after watching the UFO movie, Skyman, was Google Carl Merryweather. Carl is at the center of the story. It’s his narrative and his beliefs Daniel Myrick’s newest film hinges on. Myrick is partly responsible for The Blair Witch Project having co-directed the iconic movie back in 1999. So convincing was the promotion for the famed found footage film, many believed the legend was based on real events.
In this UFO movie, Carl Merryweather was just 10 years old when he encountered aliens. He and his father were camping and recounted their experience with the local newspapers. Now 30 years on, his life has been spent trying to reconnect with the most important event of his life. Carl Merryweather is fictional, in case you were wondering. But he is a version of a Fox Mulder Everyman (X-Files for those not in the loop.)
Carl Merryweather
The story of Skyman is still relatable, however, and it’s easy to analyze his behavior. Simply wave away what Carl is saying as untrue because other factors imply his imagination has become his reality. His sister cries about having lost a brother. Further, she speaks about how Carl has been lost in his Skyman obsession for as long as she can remember. Small-town opinions lean towards Carl’s reputation as someone who never fits in.
The opening scenes are extremely effective. It begins with an expert who cites the classic quote;
“Two possibilities exist: Either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying.”
Arthur C. Clarke
The Skyman Movie has Aliens
The mockumentary weaves between the cast and UFO conventions. Additionally, news reports and stories whispered between those who want to believe are also included. Overall, for those who have no desire to find out if “the truth is out there” Skyman won’t change your mind. If you are looking for more evidence that governments are quashing known sightings and evidence of little green men, Skyman might be a little soft for you.
Implications pointing towards the maybes and might-haves surrounding extraterrestrial sightings have been played out many times. Up against other films of this type, Skyman brings nothing new to the table. With a 90-minute run-time, Skyman didn’t have me glued to the screen, either. Even so, it’s still a pleasant enough time-passer if aliens pique your interest. But even more so, it’s certainly lacking in any real depth and imagination.
It’s well-filmed and well-scripted and certainly has the style aesthetically many know and love about Myrick. For a trip to nostalgia land and to reminisce about what you loved about the Blair Witch Project in a different setting, Skyman does the job there.
Skyman is rated
2.5 You have to be willing to see UFO movies out of 5
Writer-director Daniel Myrick spoke about the UFO subculture that has been widespread around the world saying,
“Whether you believe in the legitimacy of these accounts or not, they reveal a deeper human truth that I find quite compelling. It speaks to the notion that so many of us are searching for something greater than ourselves. I’m excited to finally bring a little bit of that mystery to the big screen.”
Daniel Myrick, Director, and writer behind Skyman.
Release Details and Filmmakers For Skyman
- Skyman stars: Michael Selle, Nicollete Sweeney, and Faleolo Alailimaand.
- Produced by Joseph Restaino, Daniel Myrick, Anthony Pernicka, and William Surgeon.
- Music is composed by Don Miggs and Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins.
- A 2020 docu-thriller mockumentary from Gravitas Ventures.
Release details: Available on VOD from July 7, 2020. The title its world premiere at the 2019 Austin Film Festival and toured drive-in theaters in June 2020. Visit the website skymanthemovie.com/screenings for more information.
