Alien Love: With Neil Doncaster

Directed by Andrew Fripp

Floating Cow Productions

A spoof of undercover and lifestyle documentary television shows, Alien Love: With Neil Doncaster riffs on the genre seen many times on our screens such as Ross Kemp: Extreme World (and Ross Kemp “on Pirates”, “on Gangs” and “in Afghanistan”).

Here our host is Neil Doncaster who is looking to “unravel the mysteries of the human heart” within the universe. Beginning his search in Walsall, he goes to meet a man called Jason who recalls an encounter with an alien spaceship before it’s revealed the subsequent alien (“Zorag”) is now his partner living in a suburban home.

We get glimpses of their unconventional relationship and the mix of the alien and the domestic creates an amusing contrast between worlds, and becomes the source of most of the comedy throughout.

The style the director has used is a great parody of the genre. Overly-serious intro? Check. Shoddy flashback recreations? Check. Intense host asking inane questions? All these are present and more.

Along with the interviews, talking heads moments, voiceovers and the handheld camera on location, the 22-minute short excellently reproduces similar fare often seen on ITV.

We are also introduced to Paul, who lives next door and has an interest in the cosmos and the stars, as well as Sally, who is less favourable about her “blended” neighbours.

The film switches tone in its second half as an effort is made to create a metaphor where the couple’s situation is compared to mixed relationships. But although it never gets too serious, the discussion of others’ prejudices and stereotypical views are honourable. Although not particularly developed, as the film focuses on the humour, the comment on society is praiseworthy as we get thoughts on tolerance and acceptance.

Away from the message, the spoof continues as they face the animosity of Jason’s parents who refuse to visit but this results in turmoil and a final relationship crisis.

In the end Alien Love does well to move from a silly comedy premise to a more sober exploration of connection and overcoming differences. Its rough and ready filming style apes the fly-on-the-wall nature of these shows and although it’s certainly a playful mockumentary, it never mocks the power of love.

★★★½

3.5 / 5

Mike Sales