It's practically undeniable that the Indiana filmmaking scene is growing, a fact that some might consider a bit surprising for a variety of reasons including our proximity to Chicago and our existent but less than desirable tax incentives dedicated to the film industry. There are only a handful of Indiana filmmakers who cross my desk on a fairly regular basis. When they do, I do what I can to review their films and support their work. 

While I'm not quite ready to call writer/director Eric Pascarelli prolific, there's no denying that the New York native turned Indiana-based filmmaker has become a respected name within the Indiana indie film scene with his fierce dedication to Indiana-based filming and, whenever possible, Indiana natives amongst his cast and crew. 

His latest film, Alien in the Heartland, is no exception. Filmed in Indiana, most notably in Marion, Alien in the Heartland finds Pascarelli diving into the world of cinematic sci-fi to tell the story of a paranoid widower who imprisons two sisters seeking refuge after becoming convinced one of them is an extraterrestrial. amidst growing fears of an alien invasion with shapeshifting capabilities, Pascarelli's storytelling is grounded in thought-provoking dialogue and bubbling intrigue. 

The recently completed Alien in the Heartland is headed toward an as yet to be determined world premiere, though Pascarelli has his hopes up for a debut close to home. 

It's so refreshing to have an indie filmmaker willing to stretch and grow, cross genres and just plain challenge themselves. That's Pascarelli in a nutshell. From meaningful documentaries (Not Just a Picky Eater) to vampire flicks (Dracula: The Count's Kin) to abusive, cultish religion (Chasing Rabbits) and now Alien in the Heartland, Pascarelli avoids predictability and instead seemingly dedicates plants his storytelling down into whatever genre will best serve the story. 

Bravo. 

As one might expect, especially if familiar with Pascarelli's work, Alien in the Heartland isn't simply about aliens. There's more going on and Pascarelli's patient, well-paced story allows the film's humanity to breathe and the stars to shine. Holly Anspaugh dazzles as usual as Ellie. This is a bit of a different turn for Anspaugh, a repeat Pascarelli collaborator who obviously feels safe with the filmmaker because she brings that vulnerability on. If you know Pascarelli's work, you'll recognize multiple faces here including James Tackett as Thomas, who is rock solid as usual, Beth Metcalf's delicious turn as Devin, and Daisy Hickey's terrific work as Kim. While there are too many to mention, other solid performances are offered  by Vasudha Krishnamoorthy, Kim Lea Mays, and Chloe Lutz among an ensemble that the Indiana acting scene is as solid as its filmmaking scene. 

Nathaniel Friesen's original score, which I've since listened to in its entirety even after watching the film, is atmospheric and immersive. Unsurprising for a Pascarelli flick, Pascarelli shows up in multiple roles including cinematography and editing. 

Alien in the Heartland may not be exactly what you expect when you sit down with it, however, it's no doubt going to find a happy home on the indie fest scene with an impressive cast and Pascarelli's intelligent, insightful dialogue. I'm not about to tell you more about the story here. This is a film best experienced and I hope you'll take the chance to do that if it lands at an indie fest near you.

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic