Watch the Skies isn’t a new movie. It was released in its original Swedish language in 2022 under the title of UFO Sweden. This time, though, the story is in English. The difference here, though, is that AI has been used to not make it look like a dub. Now, before you get outraged by the mere mention of the “A” word, this is actually a good use of the technology, because the filmmakers brought back the original cast to do the English dub then used the tech to digitally alter the film. Instead of getting soulless AI to replace talented actors or write horrible stories, it’s used as a practical and ethical tool to help the actual movie – rather than merely cut costs for the greedy suits who would sell their own mothers for a quarterly bonus.
Set in 1996, Watch the Skies centers around Inez Dahl Torhaug’s Denise, a street- and book-smart teenager who suspects her missing father, Uno (Oscar Töringe), was abducted by aliens years ago. After finding compelling evidence to support her theory, she approaches her father’s former colleagues at UFO Sweden to share her hypothesis about what happened. While reluctant at first, this gang of misfits joins Denise in her quest to find out the truth. Of course, there are those who don’t want them to dig too much.
The Steven Spielberg influence is strong in this one
The Swedish creative collective known as Crazy Pictures helms Watch the Skies, and there’s no disputing the number one influence for this movie. From the wondrous cinematography to the emotional music, this is as Steven Spielberg as it comes. Think Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, where brave individuals defy authority figures to embark on a life-changing adventure to prove that we’re not alone. Watch the Skies captures the same tone and energy in its approach.
Like Spielberg, it also knows this story isn’t strictly about aliens; it’s about the spirit of humanity. Ever since Denise’s father went missing, she struggled to connect with others and became a loner. However, through this quest to uncover the truth about Uno, she finds community, compassion, and ultimately family in UFO Sweden, who are also seen as outsiders of the science fraternity.
Inez Dahl Torhaug’s Denise could have been straight out of Stranger Things
There are elements about Inez Dahl Torhaug’s performance as Denise that are reminiscent of Sadie Sink‘s Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, particularly from the character’s arc in Season 4. Denise finds bravery in the face of adversity, never giving up on her mission – even when it looks like all is lost. In addition, her connection to music – namely Alphaville’s “Forever Young” – feels much the same way that Max did with Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill.”
Her number one dance partner here is Jesper Barkselius – who plays Lennart, the chairman of UFO Sweden. Denise’s father, Uno, and Lennart were once friends, but there was an incident that complicated their relationship before Uno went missing. It’s evident that Lennart never stopped caring about his friend, but he heals the fractures and deals with his regrets by helping Denise. They develop a bond – closer than Denise does with the others – and share a journey that unlocks various truths for each other beyond what happened to Uno.
Is Watch the Skies worth watching?
It’s surprising how more people aren’t talking about Watch the Skies. Again, this is as Spielbergian as it gets. It’s a throwback to the time when filmmakers made you believe in the impossible and cinema renewed a belief in the power of humanity. Don’t sleep on this special sci-fi spectacle, especially if you’re a fan of Steven Spielberg films and Stranger Things.
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Watch the Skies |
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A rebellious teenage woman's father went missing years ago and she believes that he didn't run away, but was abducted by aliens. She joins forces with a funky UFO club made up of a lovable group of weirdos and rejects. Together, they embark on an adventure that takes them far beyond the boundaries of the law and ultimately, our world. |
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| Studio: XYZ Films / Flawless |
| Running Time: 1h 56m |
| Release Date: May 9, 2025 |
| Cast: Inez Dahl Torhaug, Jesper Barkselius, Sara Shirpey, Eva Melander, Isabelle Kyed |
| Director: Victor Danell |
| Writers: Victor Danell, Jimmy Nivrén Olsson, Jimmy Nivrén Olsson |
| Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure |
| Box Office: N/A |
The Review
Watch the Skies
Watch the Skies is Spielbergian through and through.
Review Breakdown
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Verdict
