Mahal Empire is a name well know in the indie film industry. Founded by brothers Sonny and Michael Mahal, the studio would go on a veritable rampage releasing film after film. Each of these films had two very important qualities, high production value and a cast of industry legends. Then, tragedy struck. Michael Mahal passed away completely unexpectedly. The news was jarring and the impact across the industry was profound. The Empire lost a brother, the industry lost an innovator and many Mahal projects became mired in uncertainty. Upholding the legacy of Mahal Empire, Sonny pushed forward to make sure those films saw the light of day. Alien Storm is one of those films.
Alien Storm (2026)
A strange and alien fog descends on the United States. While most of the public is oblivious, the US President, the CIA and the military have already had first contact. This fog is not caused by the weather, but rather an alien force perched in low orbit ready to take over the world. As the fog rolls over Las Vegas, an airline CEO, Frank McConnely, is having a party. At the first sign of trouble, and after a bit of prodding by his wife, Frank quickly funnels everyone into his bunker to wait out the storm… the alien storm.
Familiar Faces and New Additions
Immediately the film felt like a comfortable old blanket for Mahal fans. Those familiar with the studios output will recognize some familiar faces. Once again, Deny Nolan plays an affable role, this time quick to shredded by the alien threat. Wesley Cannon and BJ Mezek make appearances as well. Apart from the familiar faces, several new faces appear in this film. Kevin Sorbo plays the role of the president of the United States. Tom Arnold is the mayor of Las Vegas and Glenn Plummer (South Central) is Major Hines, a soldier on the front lines against the aliens. Then there is also an appearance by Dawna Lee Heising − no stranger to indie cinema, yet a pleasant surprise. Devanny Pinn also steps in as an emerging force in the indie horror arena.
The standout performance of the production is that of Molly Jean Edwards in the role of Grace, the daughter of Frank McConnely. No spoilers, but you’ll know the performance when you see it.
At the Helm
The film is directed by Mashal Empire veteran Adam Werth. Adam also directed Bermuda Island (2023). Much like that film, Alien Storm has really solid camera work. In the former film, the tropical setting did much of the work. In the film, Werth had to work within the confines of a bunker. Still, he uses shallow focus and dynamic camera movement to make the film feel uncomfortable. There is a bit of brashness to the ultra high-fidelity digital image, but that seems to characterize a lot of modern indie horror films. The fog scenes provide a dulling haze that tames some of the sharp edges resulting in some really nice low-light photography.
Another aspect of the film is tasteful use of computer generated imagery. Most indie films are coming slathered in AI these days. There is a place for it for sure. How else would one create an armada of spaceship poised to capture earth? Finding the balance is crucial. This film finds the right balance between CGI and practical effects.
Aliens!
It wouldn’t be an Alien Storm without aliens. These aliens stand on two legs and have glowing red eyes, they struggle a bit to overcome the rubber guy in a suit look, but the design is sharp and the red eyes look wicked against the blue haze of the fog. They rank somewhere between the pale faces of the Night of the Tommyknockers to shredded look of Bermuda Island monsters. At first it appears that Werth would shy away from giving a clean look at the bad guys, but just as he has done in that past, he let’s the audience get up close and personal.
If only the aliens were the worst part of the threat. Being bitten by an alien causes the victims to rise from the dead! ZOMBIES!
Weather Report
Alien Storm doesn’t break any new ground, nor does it redefine the SciFi Horror genre. It doesn’t it doesn’t even try. It’s yet another fun creature feature from Mahal Empire in the style of 60’s B-movies. It’s ability to lean into its premise with total commitment should give indie horrors what they want.