In a State

After her sister Julia’s mysterious disappearance, pragmatic twenty-something Mia (Ali Ryrie-Golding) checks in on her sister’s forlorn husband, Joel (Sam Young). As Joel’s despair becomes apparent, Mia is alarmed to learn that Joel believes Julia (Shian Denovan) has gone to live with aliens. As Mia tries to talk him around, Joel makes the fantastical claim he can contact his wife using a strange black object. At first unbelieving, Mia’s firm grip on reality starts to dissolve, dredging up the ghosts of her relationship with her absent sister.

Directed by David Nguyen, In a State leans on a strong ensemble — Ali Ryrie-Golding, Sam Young, Shian Denovan — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about science fiction titles of 2014.