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Sci-fi documentary

Calling All Earthlings (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Calling All Earthlings (2018) movie poster

Calling All Earthlings is a 2018 sci-fi documentary directed by Jonathan Berman, starring Eric Burdon, Desiree Hurtak and Ted Markland. It runs 1 hour 14 minutes and earned $6,756 worldwide. Critics gave it 63% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10.

IMDb rating
6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
63%
worldwide gross
$6.8K
Echo Score
62
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Calling All Earthlings (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 14m (74 min)
Director
Jonathan Berman
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Calling All Earthlings About?

The premise of Calling All Earthlings without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In 1950s California, George Van Tassel, a confidant of Howard Hughes, claims to channel alien guidance and draws upon Nikola Tesla's inventions to build the Integratron, a mysterious dome-shaped structure. As followers gather in the desert, the FBI investigates, suspecting potential unrest. The story explores the intrigue surrounding the Integratron's construction and purpose, ultimately questioning the fate of humanity and revealing unexpected secrets.

Calling All Earthlings Themes & Keywords

· 1 tag
  • conspiracy
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Cast & crew

Calling All Earthlings Cast

Eric Burdon leads the cast, with Desiree Hurtak and Ted Markland. Directed by Jonathan Berman; 8 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Calling All Earthlings

· 4 more
From the director

More from Jonathan Berman

One more film directed by Jonathan Berman: Commune.

Full filmography
Ratings

Calling All Earthlings Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Calling All Earthlings 63% on Rotten Tomatoes and 55 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 62/100, strongest in art & craft (75) and weakest in character & emotion (35).

62 /100

Calling All Earthlings Echo Score Breakdown

Calling All Earthlings balances an intriguing array of historical and mystical elements with structural unevenness. Reviews highlight its original blend of cult history and science-fiction motifs alongside a disparate, clip-driven format that sometimes undermines narrative focus. While its vivid visuals and thematic depth offer engaging moments, inconsistent character portrayal and episodic pacing lessen overall cohesion. The net effect is a moderately compelling documentary that captivates through concept more than execution, delivering an uneven yet still worthwhile viewing.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of art and craft, Calling All Earthlings demonstrates visual flair through its carefully composed photography. Critics note moments of beautifully framed desert imagery and inventive use of camera angles that enhance thematic resonance. However, occasional overuse of lens effects and unconventional shot compositions can feel distracting rather than purposeful. These elements combine to deliver a largely engaging aesthetic that occasionally undermines clarity.

  • Character & Emotion 35

    When it comes to character and emotion, the film’s portrayal of its subjects oscillates between engaging warmth and superficial depiction. Its neutral stance allows for spontaneous humor among followers, yet attention to individual depth remains limited. Critics point to underdeveloped profiles that leave central figures feeling enigmatic rather than fully formed. Overall, the emotional connection is uneven, yielding moments of genuine curiosity amid persistent detachment.

  • Story & Flow 70

    In terms of story and flow, Calling All Earthlings offers an original blend of post-war history, cult narratives, and speculative elements that some find deeply engaging. The film’s episodic collage structure and intermittent pacing introduce a sense of discovery, although they also contribute to a scattered progression and occasional confusion. Ultimately, the documentary’s inventive concept delivers sufficient intrigue despite its structural inconsistencies.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    Regarding sensory experience, the documentary presents a compelling audiovisual landscape through its use of synthesizer-infused score and varied visual textures. Moments of atmospheric sound design enhance the sense of mystique surrounding the setting, complemented by striking color and composition. However, reviewers note that occasional overapplication of foggy filters and atypical angles can distract from content, resulting in a sensory palette that is intriguing but uneven.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    The rewatch factor is modest, as the film’s strength lies primarily in its novel themes rather than layered narrative complexity. While the intriguing mix of historical anecdotes and mystical speculation invites further exploration, uneven pacing and sparse character focus limit the appeal of subsequent viewings. Consequently, repeat watches may yield incremental insights, but the documentary’s structural disjointedness may deter some audiences from revisiting.

Plot

Calling All Earthlings Plot Summary

What happens in Calling All Earthlings from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In 1947, George Van Tassel, a former employee and confidant of Howard Hughes, makes the bold decision to leave behind his mundane life in Los Angeles filled with postwar anxiety. He relocates with his family to the serene Mojave Desert, where they make their home beneath a massive boulder. As he abandons the chaos of the city, he finds solace in the magnificent tranquility that Joshua Tree offers.

Full summary

The whole story of Calling All Earthlings, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Calling All Earthlings Box Office

Calling All Earthlings grossed $6,756 worldwide.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$6.8K

US & Canada
$6.8K
Videos

Calling All Earthlings Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Calling All Earthlings.

Calling All Earthlings - EXCLUSIVE TRAILER
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Calling All Earthlings?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

In which year did George Van Tassel abandon his job to move to the Mojave Desert?

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FAQ

Calling All Earthlings FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Calling All Earthlings, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Calling All Earthlings?

Calling All Earthlings runs 1 hour 14 minutes (74 minutes).

When was Calling All Earthlings released?

Calling All Earthlings was released on June 29, 2018.

Who directed Calling All Earthlings?

Calling All Earthlings was directed by Jonathan Berman.

More films by Jonathan Berman

Who is in the cast of Calling All Earthlings?

Calling All Earthlings stars Eric Burdon, Desiree Hurtak and Ted Markland, among 8 credited actors.

How much did Calling All Earthlings make at the box office?

Calling All Earthlings grossed $6,756 worldwide.

How is Calling All Earthlings rated?

Calling All Earthlings has 6.8/10 on IMDb, 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, 55 on Metacritic and 61% on TMDB.

Does Calling All Earthlings have a post-credit scene?

No. Calling All Earthlings has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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