Descendent (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The 2025 sci-fi drama Descendent, directed and written by Peter Cilella, brings a unique blend of alien abduction paranoia, psychological drama, and cosmic mystery. Produced with the creative spirit often associated with Benson and Moorhead (Resolution, The Endless), this film dives deep into themes of trauma, fatherhood, and the thin line between reality and delusion.
If you’re looking for a film that’s more contemplative than traditional alien-horror thrillers, Descendent might be the movie you’ve been waiting for. In this review, I’ll explore the plot, performances, direction, and overall impact of the movie—while also letting you know where you can legally stream or rent it online in the United States.
The Story of Descendent (2025)
At the center of the story is Sean (Ross Marquand), a school security guard in Los Angeles who is already burdened with painful family history. Haunted by the trauma of his father’s suicide, Sean’s life is further complicated by his wife Andrea’s (Sarah Bolger) high-risk pregnancy.
One night, Sean notices a strange light in the sky. While attempting to repair a broken light fixture at home, he is engulfed by an otherworldly beam and suffers a head injury. When he awakens, he begins experiencing unsettling visions and terrifying hallucinations. Along with these visions comes a mysterious artistic ability, manifesting in eerie sketches of alien-like figures and cryptic images tied to his family.
The big question becomes: Is Sean truly a victim of alien abduction, or are his fears of fatherhood and past traumas feeding a psychological breakdown?
Themes: Fatherhood, Mental Illness, and Cosmic Paranoia
Unlike straightforward sci-fi horror films like Fire in the Sky, Descendent thrives in ambiguity. It does not spoon-feed answers, instead asking viewers to question Sean’s reliability and whether what he sees is real or a projection of his troubled mind.
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Fatherhood Anxiety – The movie deeply explores the fear of impending parenthood, with Sean questioning his ability to protect his wife and unborn child.
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Mental Illness and Trauma – The trauma of his past looms large, blending with present fears until reality becomes indistinguishable from paranoia.
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Cosmic Mystery – The alien abduction elements, while never fully clarified, serve as metaphors for internal conflict and the uncontrollable forces shaping our lives.
This cerebral and ambiguous approach means that viewers looking for fast-paced sci-fi horror may leave frustrated, while those who enjoy psychological depth and open-ended narratives will find much to discuss.
Performances: Ross Marquand Shines
Ross Marquand, best known for his role in The Walking Dead, delivers a career-defining performance here. His portrayal of Sean is layered—balancing vulnerability, paranoia, and determination. Marquand effectively conveys the unraveling of a man on the edge, making Sean both sympathetic and unsettling.
Sarah Bolger as Andrea adds emotional depth to the narrative, grounding the story in a human struggle between love, support, and the overwhelming stress of pregnancy.
Direction and Cinematography
Peter Cilella’s direction deserves praise for creating atmosphere with limited resources. Working with cinematographer Alexander Chinnici, the film uses Los Angeles in a rarely seen way—damp, unsettling, and isolating.
The visual style complements the film’s themes:
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Low-light settings mirror Sean’s descent into paranoia.
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Alien visions are represented through fragmented imagery and stark lighting rather than heavy VFX.
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Surreal dreamlike sequences echo classic psychological horror films like Rosemary’s Baby while retaining a modern indie sci-fi feel.
While some visual effects may feel underwhelming compared to blockbuster sci-fi, their minimalist use enhances the eerie realism of Sean’s visions.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Like many indie sci-fi dramas, Descendent is not without its flaws.
Strengths:
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Strong central performance by Ross Marquand.
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Intriguing blend of sci-fi, psychological thriller, and family drama.
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Effective use of atmosphere and tension with a limited budget.
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Emotional weight tied to universal fears of parenthood and responsibility.
Weaknesses:
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Pacing can feel slow and meandering.
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Ambiguity leaves many unanswered questions, which may frustrate some viewers.
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Some visual effects lack polish.
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Certain scenes repeat themes without advancing the story.
Comparison to Other Sci-Fi Films
If you’re a fan of Benson & Moorhead’s indie sci-fi, or atmospheric psychological thrillers like The Babadook (but with UFO elements), Descendent will feel familiar.
It borrows thematic DNA from:
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Fire in the Sky – alien abduction trauma.
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Close Encounters of the Third Kind – mysterious lights and human obsession.
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Rosemary’s Baby – paranoia tied to pregnancy and family.
Yet, Descendent doesn’t aim for spectacle. Instead, it positions itself as a more reflective, cerebral entry in the alien-abduction subgenre.
Where to Watch Descendent (2025) Online
For U.S. audiences, Descendent is currently available to buy or rent through:
Since availability may change, it’s always a good idea to check JustWatch for the most updated streaming and rental platforms.
Final Verdict
Descendent (2025) is not a movie for everyone. If you’re looking for a straightforward alien horror filled with jump scares and clear answers, you might leave unsatisfied. However, if you appreciate slow-burn sci-fi dramas that explore the fragility of the human mind and the anxieties of fatherhood through a cosmic lens, this film is worth your time.
Ross Marquand’s performance anchors the movie, and Peter Cilella’s direction makes for an intriguing indie debut. While not flawless, Descendent stands out as an ambitious, thought-provoking addition to the alien abduction subgenre.
If you’re a fan of psychological sci-fi that mixes family drama with extraterrestrial mystery, Descendent deserves a spot on your watchlist. Stream or rent it on your preferred platform, and decide for yourself whether Sean’s visions are real—or the manifestation of a troubled mind.
