John Carpenter directs Jeff Bridges, Karen Allen and Charles Martin Smith in this tale of an alien visitation taking the form of a bereaved woman’s lost husband.

Utterly charming, with only the excessively explosive action beats not ringing true. Aside from the pyrotechnics, the FX are sparsely used and instead the film relies on the affecting chemistry of the brilliant Bridges and wonderful Allen. Charles Martin Smith also stands out as the government tracker with unusual heart and his trademark boyish enthusiasm. Carpenter frames it all gloriously – the romance and road trip take in stunning landscapes and perfectly positioned moments of mystical intimacy. A forgotten gem, and rarity for the horror master’s lack of cynicism.

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