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Sci-fi thriller

UFO (2018): Cast, Ratings & Plot

UFO (2018) movie poster

UFO is a 2018 sci-fi thriller directed by Ryan Eslinger, starring Alex Sharp as Derek Echevaro, Ella Purnell and Benjamin Beatty. It runs 1 hour 28 minutes. Its Echo Score is 70/100.

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UFO (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 28m (88 min)
Director
Ryan Eslinger
Genres
Sci-Fi , Thriller , Mystery
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is UFO About?

The premise of UFO without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

After witnessing an unexplained aerial phenomenon, a college student applies his mathematical abilities to uncover the truth behind the sighting. He and his friends delve deeper into the mystery, attracting the attention of the FBI as they attempt to expose a potential cover-up. The investigation reveals that these events are connected, and the search for answers intensifies.

UFO Themes & Keywords

· 13 tags
  • university of cincinnati
  • alien
  • unidentified flying object
  • college student
  • ufo sighting
  • unidentified flying object sighting
  • fbi
  • federal bureau of investigation
  • fbi federal bureau of investigation
  • fbi special agent
  • alien invasion sci fi
  • conspiracy thriller
+1 more
  • psychotronic film
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Cast & crew

UFO Cast & Characters

Alex Sharp leads the cast as Derek Echevaro, with Ella Purnell as Natalie and Benjamin Beatty as Lee. Directed by Ryan Eslinger; 15 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in UFO

· 11 more
From the director

More from Ryan Eslinger

One more film directed by Ryan Eslinger: When A Man Falls In The Forest.

Full filmography
Ratings

UFO Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in story & flow (75) and weakest in sensory experience (60).

70 /100

UFO Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, UFO delivers a modestly engaging science‑fiction experience that leans more positive than negative. The film’s premise and occasional thoughtful moments hold attention, while uneven execution in certain areas tempers enthusiasm. Reviewers acknowledge the originality of the math‑driven plot and find the movie worth a second viewing for some, yet note pacing and tonal flaws. In sum, the movie offers a respectable, if not exceptional, addition to the genre.

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

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of art and craft, the film shows competent direction and restrained visual effects. Reviewers point to solid editing and an unpretentious cinematographic style, though few highlight any standout production design. The lack of flashy special effects is noted as a deliberate choice rather than a shortcoming. Overall, the technical execution is adequate without reaching a high level of artistry.

  • Character & Emotion 65

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances are generally measured. Critics commend Gillian Anderson’s effective portrayal, while noting the lead’s casting as less convincing. Acting is described as underplayed but fitting for the story’s tone. The ensemble delivers enough depth to sustain interest, though occasional miscasting dampens emotional resonance. The net impression is a respectable but uneven character presentation.

  • Story & Flow 75

    Story and flow receive the strongest praise, with many reviewers finding the plot intriguing and original. The mathematics‑driven mystery sustains engagement, and pacing is described as appropriate, keeping viewers attentive. Some note a disappointing ending and occasional unfinished feeling, yet the overall narrative is viewed as coherent and compelling. Consequently, the story aspect scores above average.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    Sensory experience receives mixed feedback. The soundtrack is described as obvious and occasionally intrusive, while visual style remains understated with limited special effects. No significant commentary on sound design suggests it neither excels nor detracts dramatically. The modest sensory treatment aligns with the film’s low‑budget approach, resulting in a neutral score.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    Rewatch factor is viewed as moderate. Several users express a desire to view the film again, citing its thought‑provoking premise, whereas others predict little incentive for repeat viewings. The originality and occasional suspense support a second look, but the limited action and occasional narrative flaws lower repeat appeal. Overall, the film holds modest replay value.

Plot

UFO Plot Summary

What happens in UFO from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Derek Echevaro, a gifted mathematics student at the University of Cincinnati, is haunted by a childhood sight of a UFO. In 2017, a strange craft briefly appears over Cincinnati International Airport and plunges the ATC broadcast into electromagnetic interference. Initial cover stories point to a UAV, then a Gulfstream IV, but Derek’s calculations soon undermine the airport’s explanations. He decrypts the interference and concludes that the signal encodes the fine-structure constant in 14-digit chunks, a finding that reframes the mystery as a deliberate, language-like message rather than mere noise.

Full summary

The whole story of UFO, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

UFO Trailers & Videos

The trailer of UFO.

UFO - Official Trailer (HD)
Quiz

How Well Do You Know UFO?

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

What is the name of the gifted mathematics student who investigates the UFO sighting over Cincinnati?

Cars

Cars in UFO

24 cars on screen, including the 2015 Chevrolet Suburban and the 2015 Chrysler 300.

All 24 cars
  • 2015 Chevrolet Suburban in UFO 2015 Chevrolet Suburban Important role
  • 2015 Chrysler 300 in UFO 2015 Chrysler 300 Important role
  • 2015 Dodge Challenger in UFO 2015 Dodge Challenger Important role
  • AM General HMMWV M1025 in UFO AM General HMMWV M1025 Minor role
Details

UFO Also Known As

14 alternative titles, including “OVNI” and “Interferenze”.

Also known as
  • OVNI
  • Interferenze
  • 유에프오
  • Ufo - Estamos Sozinhos?
  • Ovni: No Estamos Solos
  • НЛО
  • OVNI : Sur La Piste Extraterrestre
  • עב''מ
  • Die UFO-Verschwörung
  • NLO
  • Neatpažintas skraidantis objektas
  • 幽浮檔案, ამოუცნობი მფრინავი ობიექტი
+2 more
  • 幽浮档案
  • พลิกมิติยูเอฟโอ

Seen UFO?

FAQ

UFO FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of UFO, each answered in a sentence.

How long is UFO?

UFO runs 1 hour 28 minutes (88 minutes).

When was UFO released?

UFO was released on September 4, 2018.

Who directed UFO?

UFO was directed by Ryan Eslinger.

More films by Ryan Eslinger

Who is in the cast of UFO?

UFO stars Alex Sharp as Derek Echevaro, Ella Purnell as Natalie and Benjamin Beatty as Lee, among 15 credited actors.

Does UFO have a post-credit scene?

No. UFO has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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