Though writer/director Boston McConnaughey’s Alien Country deals with portals, vicious creatures, and an out-of-this world adventure, the film works, in part, because its story is also grounded in reality. The film is anchored within a small Utah town. The narrative deals with characters that either want to escape to something better or are content with their humble surroundings.

The film stars K.C. Clyde as Jimmy Walker and co-writer Renny Grames as Everly. Let’s just say that they have a complicated relationship. They’re not married, but Everly is pregnant with Jimmy’s child. Everly desperately wants out of their tiny town. She’s a singer who dreams of making it somewhere bigger. She also has the talent, though she’s trapped by circumstances beyond her control. Besides their relationship drama, the on and off again couple has to deal with an alien invasion. This occurs because Jimmy, who races cars in his downtime, finds a briefcase containing extraterrestrial matter that opens a portal and sparks havoc in the process.

As good as Grames and Clyde are in the lead roles, and they really are, this film really has a strong supporting cast, especially Barta Heiner as Nana. Though her screentime is limited, Nana provides doses of humor, which fits well with the sci-fi narrative. She provides a sort of wisecracking levity and commentary on the plot’s general absurdity. This only makes the film more fun. Additionally, in their quest to save their hometown, Jimmy and Everly find assistance from an alien disguised as a human named Ben (Charan Prabhakar). Ben certainly makes a good companion, but, like Nana, he also provides a few laughs. This is a film that never takes itself too seriously, and it’s better for it.

The film does have a subplot about a vicious alien, who also disguises herself as a human and wants to conquer Earth. However, that narrative in particular falls a bit flat. Yes, it raises the stakes, but generally, the villain just isn’t all that memorable. Perhaps this is because the actress just didn’t have enough to work with. Regardless, the rest of the characters elevate this film. Meanwhile, the town itself is developed enough to feel like a character, too. It contains familiar bars where brawls happen and gorgeous mountains. The establishment of location is important because it shows just why this town is worth fighting for and preserving.

Though this is a sci-fi film mostly grounded on Earth, there are shots of the aliens, specifically creepy, crawly baddies that look really cool in terms of the creature design. They’re used rather sparingly, but when they are seen, especially in the last act, they’re effective and pose yet another challenge to the film’s good guys and gals. They’re also a reminder of the severe threat the town and its community face if Everly and Jimmy don’t figure out how to close the portal.

Alien Country is an entertaining, out-of-this world ride. This feature knows exactly what it is and grounds itself by generally remaining on Earth. We come to care about the town and its characters.