Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Humans are the only danger to teen in killer alien thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Xeno
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In XENO, a lonely New Mexican teen girl named Renee (Lulu Wilson), whose mother has a cruel boyfriend and is clinically depressed, forges a friendly relationship with a menacing-looking alien, which she eventually dubs "Croak." As government agencies try to track it down (and not for good reasons), she does everything she can to protect it—and it does the same for her.
Is It Any Good?
An extraterrestrial who isn't all big eyes and sweet sounds but is instead legitimately frightening and oozing, "Croak" brings a modern-day chill to the space-buddy genre. (Made by the Jim Henson Creature Shop, the alien is a visual-effects wonder.) Ever since E.T., pairing a young teen and an alien has proven to be an irresistible combination, but today's science-proven twist is that we now know we're not entirely alone out here.
Xeno (which was produced by Kevin Hart) plays into the genre's expectations: Renee is alienated, Croak is an alien, and when she treats it with compassion and earns its trust, they form an intense bond. But is Croak a friend or a foe? Is it another misunderstood creature, like the snake, tarantula, and scorpion Renee keeps as pets, which have evolved to kill if threatened? Or is its intention to bring death to humankind? And, in the assessment of good and evil, where do humans fall? This space-invader story doesn't have a pat ending, nor will it "turn on your heart light," but it is a great conversation starter.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether alien movies like Xeno have a different impact now that scientists believe there's life beyond our planet. Do you think there are other intelligent beings out there? If so, what do you think they're like, and do you think they'll ever come to Earth? Do you think we should approach them with kindness, caution, or cannons?
Discuss how Xeno's premise—an alienated teen girl and a teen boy whose family members are undocumented encounter an alien from another world—is mixed with the theme of protection. What's your takeaway?
In screenwriting, a well-conceived character is given traits that make their behavior predictable in any given situation. What personality aspects and life circumstances does Renee have that make her reaction to her alien encounter predictable? Are her compassion and courage well placed? What would you have done if you were in her shoes?
How does the movie portray parent-child relationships? Could Lulu have told her mother about Croak? Is it OK to keep secrets like this from your parents?
Agent Keyes states repeatedly, "I can be a hero or a villain." Explain how that's one of the film's messages and how it toys with the idea of "good" and "evil."
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 19, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : October 21, 2025
- Cast : Lulu Wilson , Omari Hardwick , Paul Schneider , Trae Romano
- Director : Matthew Loren Oates
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Blue Fox Entertainment
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Aliens , Friendship , STEM , Space
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violent content/bloody images, thematic elements, and some strong language
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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