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Adventure thriller

Xeno (2025): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Xeno (2025) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
5.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes
88%
worldwide gross
$107.5K
Echo Score
69
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Xeno (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 43m (103 min)
Genres
Adventure , Drama , Mystery , Sci-Fi
Original language
English
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

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
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Cast & crew

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.

Also Starring in Xeno

· 12 more
Ratings

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).

69 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Box office

Xeno Box Office

Xeno grossed $107,522 worldwide.

2025 box office

Worldwide gross

$107.5K

US & Canada
$107.5K
Videos

Xeno Trailers & Videos

4 videos: 1 trailer and 3 teasers.

Official Trailer
  • 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.
Quiz

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

  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 name does Renee give to the alien creature she discovers?

Details

Xeno Also Known As

2 alternative titles: “Ксено, უცხო” and “Xeno: Obcy”.

Also known as
  • Ксено, უცხო
  • Xeno: Obcy

Seen Xeno?

FAQ

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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