Filmmaker Luke Sparke returns with the second chapter of his science-fiction series Occupation, with Occupation Rainfall. The first film arrived in 2018 (available now on Digital HD) and followed a group of ordinary people in Australia as they tried to survive an alien invasion. In the sequel Sparke fast forwards a couple of years into the war. Here an uneasy alliance has been brokered between humans and some of the aliens whilst they jointly battle to take back control of our planet. The story reconnects with Matt Simmons (Dan Ewing) and his group as they find themselves on the precipice of reclaiming the world. After discovering the potential existence of an artefact that could help swing the odds properly in their favour, Matt and one of the alien allies embark on a mission to locate and recover this artefact, its code name – Rainfall.
Although following some of the original characters from Occupation, one could sit down to watch Occupation Rainfall having not seen the first film. Obviously, it still makes for a richer viewing experience if you have seen the first film; you’ll understand some of the relationship dynamics better and can see how everyone has progressed in the couple of years that have passed between films. Outside of that, the opening narration from the returning character of Amelia (Jet Tranter taking over from Stephanie Jacobsen) covers the headlines of the first film. In this way it is similar to the Skyline series, you can watch each film independently and have fun, but watching them all gives a more fulfilling viewing experience.
The similarities to the Skyline series continue as Sparke’s Occupation and Occupation Rainfall follow the same story pattern laid down in Liam O’Donnell’s franchise. In each series, the first film kept the alien invasion small scale, with the second shooting for the stars. There’s so much more to offer the viewer this time around as Sparke fully embraces the sci-fi action movie. This means Occupation Rainfall is a non-stop ride of alien warfare, showy action pieces, and complicated relationships, with the occasional homage to some of the science-fiction cinema hall of fame.
Whilst the lead characters remain the same with Matt, Amelia, and Peter all returning, there are some nice new additions to the cast. Daniel Gillies is an especially welcome new recruit. The actor, best known for his role as Elijah Mikaelson in The Vampire Diaries universe, plays human ally Wing Commander Hayes. He’s worshipped as a hero by many, but is actually a conflicted man, broken by events in his past. He stands for a counter-stance to that of Amelia, placing Matt in the middle. Fans of Gillies’ more famous role may need a few moments to adjust as the voice of the well-spoken Elijah has been replaced by a gruff Aussie voice that initially sounds wrong coming out of his mouth. Further new cast members inject Occupation Rainfall with some much-needed humour. Occupation was rather dry, but now there’s a thread of humour stitched throughout, and that is all down to the genius inclusion of Ken Jeong, and some masterful voicework from Jason Isaacs.
Occupation Rainfall falters twice, both issues being interlinked. The first is that, just like the film that came before it, it is a smidge too long. Occupation clocked in at just under two hours, this one ventures a little beyond, and there isn’t enough story to naturally fill the time. This leads onto the second problem, the narrative is a little jumbled. With so many different character arcs taking place across various locations, it can be hard to focus on everything that is happening. There’s also at least a handful of characters that either aren’t necessary or don’t need as much screen time as they get. Their inclusion feels purely to pad out the run time. With a little finessing, the story could have greater cohesion, but as it stands, events just feel a little compartmentalised and bitty.
It’s bigger, bolder, and more accessible this time around, living up to the term popcorn movie and sets Sparke up as a contender for the title of Australian Michael Bay. Honestly, what Sparke has not only dreamed up, but brought into being in terms of sheer scale and spectacle, is stunning. The Australian film industry is nowhere near as large as the Hollywood machine, and the indie scene even less so, which reinforces how impressive Sparke’s achievements here really are.
An entertaining sci-fi romp that plays as a great middle of a potential trilogy, Occupation Rainfall is an action-packed alien invasion film that hits most of the right notes
Operation Rainfall
Summary
A combination of television show Falling Skies and film series Skylines, made by Australia’s indie answer to Michael Bay.
Signature Entertainment presents Occupation Rainfall in Cinemas and on Digital from 9 July.
