District 9: Alas, a sci-fi that neither claims nor aims to redefine the genre

To call District 9 a blockbuster would be a mistake, but it is an astoundingly fitting end to this year’s summer mega-movies. With potent imagination, this sci-fi could well be one of the most memorable.


The setting is modern day Johannesburg, where aliens have been living for the past 20 years. Unlike conventional sci-fi films, there has been no mass invasion and no sudden advancements in technology. Instead, South Africa is struggling with over a million disease-ridden alien refugees, all crammed into the slums of District 9. The film’s protagonist, Wikus van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley), is put in charge of the relocation of the aliens. He finds himself forced to sympathise with them, whilst becoming the most valuable business asset on the planet, as he finds himself able to use the aliens’ technology.

The opening is shot in documentary style. On the big screen, the camera’s shaking is borderline nauseous. Though slightly hard to watch, and cruelly teasing in the way that a squared shot of the aliens is not given, there is a luscious sense of realism. Mercifully, and almost with perfect timing, the cameraman remembers that he is shooting a high budget movie, and reverts to a normal style accordingly.

Interviews with various characters soon reveal the premise of the story, in a retrospective manner that puts this after the events of the film. Associates of the main character talk of him in the past tense, in a tone that suggests his impending demise. Wikus soon starts to present his own documentary, being made for his employers. Whilst he happily fits a mike to his shirt, there is a sense of foreboding for the audience. It’s like watching a lamb go to the slaughter, with a great big smile on its face.

A production by Wingnut Films (The Lord of the Rings), the CGI is astounding. The alien mothership in the sky is a good example with its merit conversely being the way that it doesn’t stand out. It almost seamlessly blends into the backdrop of the city, making the setting a believable echo of the social climate. The aliens themselves are impressive, and again totally believable. The CGI has weight, and looks as real as any physical object. This has its use. The aliens are humanised by this detail, and it evokes empathy for their plight.

Wikus van der Merwe is the film’s anti-hero. He is selfish and looks out for himself when he faces adversity, in a shocking contrast to the conventional hero. This adds to the realism of the film, by adding to the complexity.

In terms of the plot, District 9 is The Fly meets The Great Escape. There is the visceral horror of a man changing into the unknown, but there is still the adventure element from the persecution. The film is complex, yet straightforward. It is science fiction, but it does not cram technology or silly names down your throat. The film is just as enjoyable by the regular filmgoer as it is by the average sci-fi geek.

The film doesn’t leave you awestruck when you leave the theatre, at least not in the same way as this summer’s blockbusters. Unlike Transformers 2, where sighing “ah that hit the spot” was inevitable, District 9 neither leaves you elated nor let down. District 9 creates a sense of wonder, definitely better than an absolute sense of resolve. There is a sad realisation that there will not be a sequel, though not for lack of wanting.