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Star People

Play trailer 2:11 Poster for Star People Released Jul 25 1h 43m Sci-Fi Mystery & Thriller Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 8 Reviews 94% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
Inspired by The Phoenix Lights, the largest mass UFO sighting in U.S. history, STAR PEOPLE is a sci-fi thriller that tells the story of a photographer (Kat Cunning) who receives a tip that could finally shed light on her childhood UFO sighting, but a deadly heatwave and unexpected guests threaten to derail her obsessive search for answers.
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Star People

Critics Reviews

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Alise Chaffins MacGuffin or Meaning (Substack) Star People manages to blend stories about obsession, addiction, immigration, and the search for meaning in a movie that seems to be about aliens from space. Rated: 3.5/5 Aug 11, 2025 Full Review Michael Talbot-Haynes Film Threat Star People is an unexpected surprise that will take you further than you think. Rated: 8.5/10 Jul 31, 2025 Full Review Monica Reid Far Out Magazine This unusual journey from sci-fi adventure to intense character study is a challenging but beautifully managed piece of work. Rated: 3.5/5 Jul 29, 2025 Full Review Cody Allen The Curb Star People may not be the flashiest film this year, but it’s one of the most heartfelt. Jul 28, 2025 Full Review Todd Jorgenson Cinemalogue As the subplots overlap, the characters aren’t as compelling as the broader concepts surrounding them, leaving the film lost in the cosmos. Jul 25, 2025 Full Review Mark Dujsik Mark Reviews Movies That Finberg's ambitions get in the way of telling this story with some focus ... is, perhaps, inevitable. Rated: 2.5/4 Jul 25, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jeryl S The acting and cinematography were top notch! The scenery breathtaking. The audience rides along Claire’s journey as she struggles to find the Phoenix lights she saw as a child. Along the way she tries to mend her broken relationship with her brother, comes to the aid of an immigrant father and his sick child and ultimately finds her own inner strength to rebuild the memories of her mother. I highly recommend this beautiful movie. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/17/25 Full Review Judy E. I loved it. It was so engaging with current themes from domestic abuse, drug addiction, immigration, faith in finding something that brings people together for a purpose. There is a reason and this movie makes us think about faith and fate. The incredible heat the actors endured was like another character. I highly recommend. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/17/25 Full Review J S One of best indie sci-fi dramas in years! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/16/25 Full Review Lori E On the surface Star People is a beautiful exploration of the cosmos. Underlying, though, the film delves into the reality of what it is to be human. It's a compelling character-driven story about fraught familial relationships, childhood trauma, addiction, obsession and cultural otherness. The stunning cinematography of the vast Arizona landscape and vibrant, mysterious music only aid to make this movie the gem that it is. To me, the story and arc of an estranged sibling relationship is the standout achievement of the film. The dialogue and stellar performances make this so. If you love character-driven dramas, this movie is for you. If you love sci-fi, this movie is for you. If you love a combination of both, this movie is MADE for you. Highly recommend. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/16/25 Full Review Chris M Just watched Star People and I gotta say—this one's a hidden gem for sci-fi fans. It's not your typical alien movie, even though it's inspired by the Phoenix Lights from the late '90s. Don’t go in expecting UFOs and little green men—this film takes a way deeper, more thoughtful route. The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous. Every shot feels intentional and adds to the mysterious, almost dreamlike vibe. The music? On point. It really pulls you in and sets the perfect mood throughout. What really makes Star People stand out is how it focuses more on people than aliens. It’s all about how unexplained events mess with our heads, beliefs, and relationships. There’s a lot going on beneath the surface if you’re paying attention. Definitely recommend it if you like sci-fi that leans more into atmosphere and meaning than action. It’s one of those movies that sticks with you afterward. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/15/25 Full Review Keren G The story line was good from the beginning. Had a lot of details that I thought were very important in order to touch viewers heart. Definitely a must-see! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/14/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Star People

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Movie Info

Synopsis Inspired by The Phoenix Lights, the largest mass UFO sighting in U.S. history, STAR PEOPLE is a sci-fi thriller that tells the story of a photographer (Kat Cunning) who receives a tip that could finally shed light on her childhood UFO sighting, but a deadly heatwave and unexpected guests threaten to derail her obsessive search for answers.
Director
Adam Finberg
Producer
Adam Finberg, Josh Shader
Screenwriter
Adam Finberg
Distributor
Blue Harbor Entertainment
Production Co
Jasonite Pictures, Wall Fly
Genre
Sci-Fi, Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 25, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 12, 2025
Runtime
1h 43m
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