Osiris (2025) by William Kaufman: A Sci-Fi Actioner of Survival Against Alien Horrors

Movie Summary: Special Forces vs. Bloodthirsty Extraterrestrials

"Osiris" is a 2025 American science fiction action film, approximately 107-108 minutes in duration, written and directed by William Kaufman. Known for his gritty, military-focused action films, Kaufman steps into the sci-fi realm with a project that has drawn comparisons to classics like Aliens and Predator. The film centers on a team of elite Special Forces commandos who, after being abducted mid-mission in Uzbekistan, wake up disoriented and weaponless aboard a mysterious alien spacecraft.

With no memory of how they arrived, they quickly discover they are not alone. The ship is home to a relentless and bloodthirsty alien race that uses humans as livestock. In a desperate fight for survival, the commandos, led by Kelly (Max Martini), must team up with a mysterious fellow abductee named Ravi (Brianna Hildebrand) and eventually, the iconic Linda Hamilton as Anya, to navigate the claustrophobic corridors of the alien vessel and escape before they are all exterminated. The film emphasizes practical effects for its creature designs and delivers a high-intensity, action-packed experience focused on close-quarters combat and survival.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31179712/

Link Review: https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/osiris-film-review

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/osiris-2025 (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/osiris (Canada)

Detailed Summary: Abduction, Combat, and Desperate Hope

A Classic Sci-Fi Survival Thriller with William Kaufman's Signature Action. William Kaufman's "Osiris" plays to his strengths as an action director, delivering a lean, no-nonsense sci-fi thriller.

• The Abduction: The film opens with a brief nod to the Voyager 1 space probe, setting a sci-fi tone, before quickly transitioning into a protracted, intense shootout in present-day Uzbekistan. This opening showcases Kaufman's ability to direct visceral tactical action. During this mission, Kelly and his team of Marines are abruptly abducted by a mysterious alien spacecraft.

• Waking into a Nightmare: The commandos awaken disoriented, weaponless, and with vague memories of being tortured and probed. They soon discover they are on a living, breathing alien ship, filled with hulking, snarling creatures that resemble a cross between Marvel's Venom and Resident Evil's Nemesis. The grim reality of their situation is highlighted by the sight of skinned human corpses hanging as "trophies."

• The Fight for Survival: The core of the film is a relentless cat-and-mouse game within the ship's claustrophobic, metallic corridors. Kelly's team, including Rhodie (LaMonica Garrett), Reyes (Michael Irby), and sniper Nash (Linds Edwards), are forced to fight for their lives against the alien predators.

• Unexpected Allies: They stumble upon Ravi (Brianna Hildebrand), another human abductee who has been on the ship longer and possesses valuable, albeit limited, information about the aliens. Later, the legendary Linda Hamilton appears as Anya, a mysterious figure whose presence significantly raises the film's stakes and gravitas. She reportedly has a "spotty Russian accent" and plays a key role in the latter part of their desperate escape attempt.

• Focus on Action and Practical Effects: Kaufman prioritizes stunts and practical creature effects, giving the aliens a tangible, menacing presence. While some reviews note the sets appear "cheap," the creature designs by Todd Masters (known for Final Destination) are generally praised. The action sequences, particularly the opening shootout and the climactic showdown, are highlighted for their intensity and kinetic energy.

• Minimalist Storytelling: The plot is straightforward, focusing almost entirely on survival. Characterizations for the commando team are intentionally thin, designed to serve the action, though Kelly and Ravi's interactions have moments. The film leans into genre tropes, offering a "dorky, but serviceable genre exercise" with a relentless pace.

Plot Summary: Stranded on an Alien Hunter Ship

• Elite Special Forces commandos, led by Kelly, are abducted mid-mission in Uzbekistan by an unknown alien spacecraft.

• They awaken disoriented and weaponless on the ship, discovering they are hunted by a relentless, bloodthirsty alien race that keeps humans as livestock.

• Teaming up with fellow abductees Ravi and the mysterious Anya (Linda Hamilton), they navigate the claustrophobic alien vessel in a desperate fight for survival.

• Their mission becomes to escape the alien ship before they are all exterminated, facing off against the formidable extraterrestrial predators.

Director's Vision: William Kaufman's Gritty, No-Nonsense Genre Homage

To Deliver a High-Octane Sci-Fi Action Thriller Rooted in Gritty Realism and Practical Effects. William Kaufman is known for his dedication to practical action and a lean narrative style, which he applies to "Osiris":

• "Aliens" Meets Military Action: Kaufman explicitly intended to create a film that blends the intense survival horror of Aliens with his signature military-grade action and tactical gunplay, aiming for a "stripped down" and "bloody balletic bullet fest" within a sci-fi context.

• Action-Driven Narrative: His primary focus is on constant engagement and kinetic energy. The story serves the action, with an emphasis on thrilling set pieces and chase sequences.

• Practicality Over CGI: Despite the sci-fi elements, Kaufman prioritizes practical effects for the aliens and a tangible feel for the environment, aiming to make the threats feel real and immediate even on a modest budget.

• "Scrappy, Scary Sci-Fi Hit": He aims for a film that feels raw and visceral, maximizing its impact despite budgetary constraints, delivering a "gutsy" take on the genre.

• Homage to Genre Staples: Kaufman embraces and pays homage to classic sci-fi action tropes, providing a familiar yet intense experience for fans of the genre.

Themes: Survival, Abduction, The Unknown, Military Discipline vs. Chaos, and Alien Threat

A Relentless Battle Against the Unfathomable.

• Survival: The core, driving theme, as the commandos face overwhelming odds in a hostile, unknown environment.

• Abduction and Disorientation: The psychological and physical impact of sudden, violent abduction and waking up without memory or control.

• The Unknown Threat: The terror derived from facing an intelligent, bloodthirsty alien race whose motives and capabilities are initially shrouded in mystery.

• Military Discipline in Chaos: How highly trained special forces adapt (or struggle to adapt) their combat skills to an utterly alien and unpredictable battlefield.

• Human Resilience: The enduring drive to fight, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.

Key Success Factors: Established Action Director, Genre Icon in Cast, and Direct Action Style

• William Kaufman's Action Expertise: His reputation for delivering hard-hitting, tactical action films is a draw for genre fans.

• Linda Hamilton's Presence: As a sci-fi action icon (Sarah Connor from Terminator), her casting lends significant gravitas and recognition to the film.

• Max Martini's Lead Role: A familiar face in military dramas (The Unit, 13 Hours), he brings a strong, dependable presence to the lead commando role.

• "Aliens" & "Predator" Homage: The film's clear inspirations appeal directly to fans of classic sci-fi action/horror.

• Focus on Practical Effects: Emphasizing tangible creature designs over excessive CGI is often appreciated by genre enthusiasts seeking a more visceral experience.

• Direct-to-Action Approach: The film avoids unnecessary exposition, diving straight into the high-stakes conflict.

Critics' Reception: Mixed Reviews, Praised for Action, Criticized for Story

Critical reception for "Osiris" has been mixed, with some reviewers finding it a competent genre exercise while others critiqued its narrative and execution.

• Action Sequences: William Kaufman's direction of action sequences is often highlighted as a strong point. Critics note that the film delivers "kinetic, overindulgent shootouts" and "viscerality" in its set-pieces, particularly the opening action sequence on Earth. It's described as a "relentless barrage of kinetic tactical action" for fans of "shoot-'em-ups" (Ready Steady Cut, Action-Flix.com).

• Practical Effects (Mentioned): Some reviews noted the film's "value of practical makeup and gore effects," suggesting a preference for tangible effects over CGI where applicable (Ready Steady Cut).

• "Bland Sci-Fi Action" and Squandered Potential: A significant number of critiques point to a "bland sci-fi action" experience with "squandered potential." Reviewers felt a promising high-concept premise was undermined by "lifeless execution," "threadbare characterization," and "unconvincing visual effects" in the alien environment (The Movie Blog, IGN).

• Pacing and Tension Issues: Despite the action, some critics found the pacing to be an issue, describing it as "lethargic" or "oddly mechanical and flat," failing to build sufficient suspense or urgency (The Movie Blog, IGN).

• Dialogue and Character Development: The script and dialogue received criticism for being "cliché-ridden," "hollow," and "uninspired." Characters often felt "flat" and their relationships "unearned," with little genuine emotional sincerity (The Movie Blog, Ready Steady Cut, IGN).

• Linda Hamilton's Role: While her presence was a draw, Linda Hamilton's performance as Anya received mixed comments. Some found her "plenty powerful," but others noted her Russian accent was inconsistent and her role felt "sidelined in a dull exposition role" where she appeared "visibly uninterested" (Screen Rant, The Movie Blog).

• Derivative and Unoriginal: The film is frequently compared to "Aliens," "Predator," and even the "Doom" movie, but critics often found it lacked the visual imagination or deeper engagement to make it memorable or stand out from its influences (IGN, Ready Steady Cut).

Summary: "Osiris" has garnered mixed reviews. While praised for William Kaufman's signature kinetic action sequences and a preference for practical effects, it faced significant criticism for its bland sci-fi elements, uneven pacing, weak character development, and uninspired dialogue. Many reviewers felt it was a squandered opportunity for its intriguing premise and a generally forgettable entry in the sci-fi action genre.

Reviews: Elite Soldiers Trapped on an Alien Ship

Reviews detail the core premise of "Osiris," which thrusts a squad of elite military personnel into a terrifying fight for survival on an unknown alien vessel.

• The Abduction: The film begins with a highly skilled Special Forces commando unit, including leader Kelly (Max Martini), Ravi (Brianna Hildebrand), Rhodie (LaMonica Garrett), and Reyes (Michael Irby), engaged in a covert operation on Earth. Mid-mission, they are abruptly abducted by a mysterious alien spacecraft.

• Awakening and Disorientation: Upon awakening, disoriented and weaponless, the commandos find themselves in a labyrinthine alien vessel. They have little memory of how they arrived and must piece together their situation. Some gain strange new memories or abilities, such as Kelly suddenly speaking Russian.

• The Unlikely Ally: Inside the ship, they encounter a mysterious woman named Anya (Linda Hamilton), a veteran who has been onboard for a significant period (some reviews suggest 30 years). She provides exposition and guidance, helping the soldiers understand their predicament and the nature of their alien captors.

• The Alien Threat: They soon discover they are not alone. The ship is populated by "bloodthirsty creatures" – a relentless alien race that uses humans as "livestock." These aliens are depicted as humanoid, amphibious predators, sometimes described as having "flaring nostrils, no eyes, and big teeth," and exhibiting behaviors like skinning human corpses, reminiscent of the Predator.

• Fight for Survival: Trapped within the alien vessel's claustrophobic and monotonous corridors, the Special Forces team must use their tactical training and combat skills to fight for survival against the extraterrestrial species. They engage in frequent gunfights and close-quarters combat.

• Themes of War and Survival: The film delves into themes of human adaptability, the psychological toll of violence, and the primal instinct for survival against an overwhelming, unknown enemy. It poses questions about the nature of war, even if these themes are not always deeply explored. The overall tone is described as a "grim cadence of a dead-serious war picture" in a sci-fi setting.

Summary: "Osiris" reviews describe a sci-fi action film where a team of elite Special Forces commandos is abruptly abducted from an Earth mission by a mysterious alien spacecraft. Upon waking, disoriented and weaponless, they find themselves on a claustrophobic alien vessel. They team up with a mysterious woman, Anya (Linda Hamilton), to fight for survival against a relentless, bloodthirsty alien race that uses humans as prey, navigating a terrifying and constant battle within the confines of the alien ship.

Why to recommend movie: For Hardcore Sci-Fi Action Fans Seeking a Direct Thrill

A No-Frills, High-Intensity Ride for Fans of Classic Alien-Invasion Action.

• If you love practical effects and creature features: The film prioritizes tangible alien designs and visceral action sequences.

• For Fans of William Kaufman's Gritty Style: If you appreciate his previous work in action cinema and his no-nonsense approach.

• If You're a Fan of Linda Hamilton: Her role, even if supporting, adds a layer of genre cred.

• For a Straightforward Action Thriller: The film gets straight to the point, delivering constant alien combat without much narrative fat.

• If You Enjoy Films Inspired by Aliens and Predator: It draws heavily from these iconic films, offering a familiar but intense experience.

• For a Quick Dose of Sci-Fi Combat: Its brisk pace makes it a suitable watch for those seeking immediate action.

Movie Trend: Indie Sci-Fi Action & Direct-to-VOD Genre Filmmaking

High-Concept Thrills on a Lean Budget. "Osiris" exemplifies the trend of independent sci-fi action films that aim to deliver high-concept thrills with efficient filmmaking and a focus on practical effects, often operating on more modest budgets than studio blockbusters. It's also part of the broader direct-to-VOD (or limited theatrical + VOD) strategy for genre films, targeting a specific audience that prefers convenient access to action and sci-fi content outside of major theatrical releases. This trend often sees experienced genre directors creating tightly focused, action-packed features for a dedicated fanbase.

Social Trend: Survivalism (Implicit) & Alien Invasion Narratives

Facing the Unknown with Raw Instincts. The film taps into enduring social fascinations:

• Survivalism: The core narrative of elite soldiers being stripped of their advantages and forced into raw survival against a superior, alien threat resonates with primal fears and instincts.

• Alien Invasion/Abduction Narratives: Humanity's fascination and fear of extraterrestrial life and potential hostile encounters continues to be a strong draw in popular culture.

• Military Efficacy: The film, like many Kaufman works, implicitly explores the capabilities and resilience of trained military personnel when faced with extreme, unconventional threats.

Final Verdict: "Osiris (2025)" is a Fast-Paced, Action-Packed Ride for Genre Enthusiasts

William Kaufman's "Osiris (2025)" delivers exactly what it promises: a gritty, relentless sci-fi action film that puts elite soldiers in a desperate fight for survival against bloodthirsty aliens. While critics note its budget limitations in set design and thin character development, Kaufman's signature kinetic action sequences, combined with impressive practical alien effects and the undeniable presence of Linda Hamilton, make for a serviceable and often thrilling genre exercise. Released for a limited theatrical run and VOD on July 25, 2025, "Osiris" is recommended for hardcore fans of alien invasion, military action, and survival horror who appreciate a no-frills, high-intensity cinematic experience.