3 Reasons Attack the Block is a Cult Classic

A long time ago, in a year far, far away… 2011 to be exact, a little science fiction film set in South London came out, starring a then little known actor by the name of John Boyega. This film’s name is Attack the Block.

The film follows a teenage gang of delinquents youths  from a block of flats in South London, who defend their home from a seemingly random alien invasion. There’s more to the story, but I recommend you watch it to find out where it goes, and then come back and read this.

So what makes this movie so special? Well there’s a lot to be admired, but I’ve distilled it down to 3 for this post. So without further ado, here are my three top reasons why Attack the Block is a cult classic that will live on for years in the hearts and minds of science fiction lovers the world over.

1. The Look

Attack the Block has such beautifully distinct imagery. From the look of the aliens to the hallways and streets around the area where all the shit hits the fan, it feels like you’re in an alternate universe from the start.

Not a universe far away, but perhaps one that lies just beyond a thin veil, just outside the 5 senses. I specifically enjoy how the aliens themselves were designed, as their rich black tones seem to makes them seem almost fluid in nature.

 

 

The grade makes the film a comic book version of the real world, illustrated in live action format for all of us to enjoy. The way the story is told mirrors the type of story one would expect from a graphic novel; and it feels a lot like the grade was inspired by David Fincher; it’s just so heavy and stylized to death- but I love it!

2. The Lines

The thing about Attack the Block is that it’s not only a well-told story with a cool look considering the budget, but as a sci-fi comedy, it’s also got some amazing lines. I’m just going to let the following GIFs speak for the movie, so enjoy…

 

 

3. The Leading Man

John Boyega is a fucking STAR! This guy got cast as one of the leads in Star Wars: The Force Awakens after this. I think years from now when he’s well into his A-List career, we will look back and remember Attack the Block as that one film that brought John Boyega into the global spotlight, where he rightfully belongs.

Boyega plays a stoic character who expresses a lot of his thoughts and emotions very curtly, which gives us the duality of a shy kid, but also one who’s trying to prove his manliness through action.

 

It helps a ton too that the character has such an amazing arc, as what he thinks are manly actions at the start (leading a gang and preying on vulnerable people) is in sharp contrast to his selfless act at the end of the film, as he becomes the true hero.

Have you seen Attack the Block yet? What were your thoughts? We’d love to hear them.

Watch the trailer for Attack the Block here:

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