Xeno (2025): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
Xeno is a 2025 adventure thriller directed by Matthew Loren Oates, starring Lulu Wilson as Renee, Wrenn Schmidt and Paul Schneider. It runs 1 hour 43 minutes and earned $107,522 worldwide. Critics gave it 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.2/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 43m (103 min)
- Director
- Matthew Loren Oates
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Hartbeat Productions
- After the credits
- Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
What Is Xeno About?
The premise of Xeno without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
When a fearless teenage girl discovers a mysterious alien crash‑landed in the desert near her home, she learns it is far from the benign visitor she imagined—powerful, unpredictable, and on the run. With government agents closing in, she must protect her otherworldly companion while uncovering a hidden truth that could alter everything.
Xeno Themes & Keywords
· 7 tags- alien
- alien invasion sci fi
- desert
- dune
- friend
- mother
- sadness
Xeno Cast & Characters
Lulu Wilson leads the cast as Renee, with Wrenn Schmidt as Linda and Paul Schneider as Chase. Directed by Matthew Loren Oates; 16 actors are credited in all.
- Director Matthew Loren Oates
-
Lulu Wilson as Renee -
Wrenn Schmidt as Linda -
Paul Schneider as Chase - Garrett van der Leun as Croak
Also Starring in Xeno
· 12 more- Trae Romano Gil
- Omari Hardwick Jonathan Keyes
- Josh Cooke Agent Brown
- Ron Roggé Lou
- Michael-John Wolfe Huntsman
- Sasha Wexler Tech #2
- Anthony Hord Special Agent
- Justin Peach CIA Scientist
- Cassandra Ballard Homeroom Teacher
- Joseph Ortega Student
- Zacciah Hanson Tech #1
- Levi Cumiford CIA Scientist
Xeno Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Xeno 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 69/100, strongest in sensory experience (75) and weakest in story & flow (60).
Xeno Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, Xeno presents a competent blend of familiar sci‑fi tropes with a modest emotional core. While its visual design and occasional heartfelt moments stand out, the narrative often feels derivative and uneven in tone. Critics and audiences note both the film's earnest ambition and its shortcomings in originality and pacing. The net impression is that the movie offers an enjoyable, if imperfect, experience that may resonate more with younger viewers seeking empathy‑driven storytelling.
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 demonstrates solid production values. The creature design by Jim Henson's shop and competent cinematography receive consistent praise, while the editing maintains a clear flow. Some reviewers point to a lack of visual innovation and occasional tonal confusion, preventing the work from reaching a higher tier. Overall, the technical execution is respectable but unremarkable.
- Character & Emotion 68
When evaluating character and emotion, performances, especially by the lead, are frequently described as heartfelt and gritty, creating moments of genuine connection. However, several critiques note insufficient depth for supporting characters and a third‑act payoff that falls short of emotional resonance. The balance of strong lead work against weaker ensemble dynamics yields a moderately positive assessment of the film's character work.
- Story & Flow 60
Regarding story and flow, Xeno follows a familiar premise that many find derivative of classic alien tales. Reviewers commend its attempts at modern relevance and darker undertones, yet criticize a confused tone and uneven pacing that diminish overall coherence. The originality is limited, and the plot’s resolution leaves some audiences unsatisfied, resulting in a mixed but not overtly negative narrative appraisal.
- Sensory Experience 75
In the sensory experience domain, the film delivers a striking visual palette through its alien design and effective sound design that support the atmosphere. Critics highlight the striking creature aesthetics and competent score, while few mention any auditory shortcomings. The sensory elements consistently enhance immersion, positioning this aspect among the stronger components of the production.
- Rewatch Factor 62
Assessing rewatch factor, the movie offers moments that can entertain repeat viewers, particularly its emotional beats and creature visuals. Nevertheless, the unresolved ending and derivative storyline reduce its long‑term appeal for many. While some audience members express a desire to revisit the film, the overall propensity for repeat viewings remains modest.
-
IMDb 5.2 /10
2188 votes
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 88% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 47%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 68% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.7 /5
1792 ratings
See on Letterboxd
Xeno Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Xeno from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 11 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
A meteor-like object hurtles toward Earth and crashes in the New Mexico desert. A nearby hunter investigates and is attacked by a monstrous alien creature, while his dog flees.
Full summary
The whole story of Xeno, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Xeno Box Office
Xeno grossed $107,522 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$107.5K
- US & Canada
- $107.5K
Xeno Trailers & Videos
4 videos: 1 trailer and 3 teasers.
- Teaser Tell my mom what happened
- Teaser One Bond. Two Worlds.
- Teaser It didn’t come here by accident. And it didn’t find her by mistake.
How Well Do You Know Xeno?
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What name does Renee give to the alien creature she discovers?
Xeno Also Known As
2 alternative titles: “Ксено, უცხო” and “Xeno: Obcy”.
- Also known as
-
- Ксено, უცხო
- Xeno: Obcy
Seen Xeno?
Movies Like Xeno
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Invasion, Alien from L.A. and Alien.
Xeno FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Xeno, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Xeno?
Xeno runs 1 hour 43 minutes (103 minutes).
When was Xeno released?
Xeno was released on September 19, 2025.
Who directed Xeno?
Xeno was directed by Matthew Loren Oates.
Who is in the cast of Xeno?
Xeno stars Lulu Wilson as Renee, Wrenn Schmidt as Linda and Paul Schneider as Chase, among 16 credited actors.
How much did Xeno make at the box office?
Xeno grossed $107,522 worldwide.
How is Xeno rated?
Xeno has 5.2/10 on IMDb, 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 68% on TMDB and 2.7/5 on Letterboxd.
Does Xeno have a post-credit scene?
Yes. Xeno has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.
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