Beyond Skyline (2017) – An Unexpected Sci-Fi Action Sequel That Delivers
Beyond Skyline (2017) is the action-packed, alien-filled follow-up to 2010’s Skyline, and it takes the franchise in a bold new direction. Written and directed by Liam O'Donnell, the sequel combines gritty sci-fi horror with martial arts, military action, and even a touch of Southeast Asian mythology. Surprisingly ambitious for a mid-budget alien invasion movie, Beyond Skyline expands its universe and ups the intensity with fresh characters, brutal fight scenes, and relentless pacing.
A New Perspective on the Alien Invasion
The film begins in Los Angeles during the same alien invasion featured in the original Skyline, but this time we follow a new protagonist: Detective Mark Corley (played by Frank Grillo). After bailing his estranged son Trent out of jail, the alien ships descend, sucking humans into the sky and turning them into bio-mechanical soldiers.
Mark’s mission becomes one of survival and rescue, as he’s abducted along with other survivors and ends up inside the alien mothership. From there, the story shifts from urban chaos to intergalactic war—and then unexpectedly, to the jungles of Southeast Asia.
Frank Grillo Leads a Tougher, Grittier Cast
Unlike the original, which focused on ordinary people, Beyond Skyline shifts to a more action-hero tone. Frank Grillo (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, The Purge: Anarchy) delivers a strong performance as a hardened, no-nonsense father fighting to save his son. He brings grit and emotional depth to the role, elevating the film beyond its sci-fi trappings.
Joining him later in the film are Iko Uwais and Yayan Ruhian, the martial arts stars from The Raid films. Their inclusion is a game-changer, injecting high-energy hand-to-hand combat and showcasing Indonesian silat in intense, well-choreographed fight scenes against aliens.
Expanding the Skyline Universe
Beyond Skyline breaks away from the more claustrophobic feel of the original movie and goes full-on world-building. It introduces new elements like alien-human hybrids, internal resistance within the mothership, and the concept of using alien tech for good.
The jungle setting, temple backdrops, and fusion of sci-fi with Southeast Asian mythology offer a refreshing twist. It’s a wild genre mash-up—District 9 meets The Raid with a bit of Predator thrown in—and while the plot is chaotic at times, it’s never boring.
Solid Visuals on a Modest Budget
For a film with a modest budget compared to Hollywood blockbusters, Beyond Skyline punches above its weight. The visual effects are solid, especially the alien designs and ship interiors. Practical effects and costume work help ground the more outlandish elements, and the action scenes are fast-paced and well-shot.
The film’s commitment to practical stunts and martial arts choreography gives it a distinct feel that sets it apart from typical VFX-heavy alien flicks.
Not Just Another Sequel
One of the most surprising things about Beyond Skyline is how different it feels from its predecessor—and in a good way. While the original was a slow-burn alien invasion horror, the sequel is a full-blown action adventure with a heart. It’s rare for a direct-to-video sequel to not only improve on the original but to reimagine its entire tone and style.
It’s also worth noting that Beyond Skyline sets the stage for a third entry, Skylines (2020), turning what started as a one-off film into a growing sci-fi franchise.
Final Thoughts
Beyond Skyline is the kind of sequel that surprises you. It’s bigger, better, and way more fun than expected. With gritty performances, martial arts action, and an imaginative alien world, it delivers the goods for fans of sci-fi, action, and creature features. It may not be flawless, but it’s bold, entertaining, and proves there’s life beyond Earth—and beyond typical sequels.