This compact, stylish horror film might be a parable about resisting tyranny. Taken strictly on its surface, it's a story about how strong, trusting family ties can overcome any obstacle, especially if the members of the clan in question (led by John Krasinski, who also directed and co-wrote the screenplay) are as technically adept as TV's MacGyver. Krasinski's character, his wife (Emily Blunt) and two surviving children (Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe) initially evade and eventually battle the invading aliens, armed with incredibly acute hearing, who killed his youngest.

Watch out for: Gun and physical violence with fleeting gore, the death of a youngster and a scene of childbirth.

Rated: A-III, adults; MPAA: PG-13