I rented this movie a while ago and I fell in love with it. I really like dark/disturbing films but unlike some that shock just to shock this one was very moving as well. I was completely blown away by Joseph Gordon-Levitt like many of you. I hope he continues on this path with performances like this one and his turn in Brick. I have to say the Alien thing made sense to me and I thought it lent well to the story just like wpqx said. I had no idea when I rented this that it was the same guy that directed The Doom Generation. Im glad I didnt because I might not have rented it. All I have to say is that this effort is leaps and bounds above that one.