Martian Child

NEW YORK (CNS) -- "Martian Child" (New Line) is a delicate, highly unusual story -- based on David Gerrold's semiautobiographical short story, "The Martian Child" -- about widowed science fiction writer, David Gordon (John Cusack), with a yen for adopting a child to fill his empty life.

On the urging of Sophie (Sophie Okonedo), a group home director, he is persuaded to consider Dennis, a strange little orphaned boy (a perfectly cast Bobby Coleman) who insists he's come from Mars, and has been refusing to emerge from a large cardboard packing box.

David's empathetic attention -- he brings Dennis shades and sunscreen to protect him from the sun's rays which the pale boy believes will harm him -- gradually earns Dennis' trust.

The writer takes the boy home, but there are behavioral issues with which David must contend, such as when the boy stashes some of David's prized possessions, including photos of David's late wife, in his room -- on the premise that it is part of his "mission" before he returns to his planet -- and insisting on wearing a heavy "holding down" belt that will keep him on Earth.

At the local school, his behavior -- more stealing, hanging upside down in the yard -- results in Dennis being expelled. The adoption authorities, in particular social worker Mr. Lefkowitz (Richard Schiff), are understandably concerned, and things look bad when Lefkowitz comes across David and Dennis engaged in a crockery-smashing, ketchup-squirting free-for-all in the kitchen, which David has allowed to show the boy he cares more for him than for his possessions.

Lending David emotional support are his deceased wife's friend Harlee (Amanda Peet) and his sister Liz (Joan Cusack, John's real sister), who initially tries to dissuade him from adopting the boy, since she well knows how hard it is to be a parent, and wonders if David is ready.

Director Menno Meyjes sustains a slightly surreal tone throughout which keeps you guessing whether the child is simply delusional or actually an extraterrestrial being, while Cusack's fervent sincerity of loving Dennis unconditionally helps makes the premise all the more plausible. This is one of his very best performances.

All the other roles are well cast, too, including Oliver Pratt as David's agent, and Anjelica Huston as his mercurial publisher.

The dynamic between David and the strange, pale child -- whose sense of alienation seems to mirror David's -- also exhibits some parallels to the relationship between the aviator and the Little Prince in Antoine de Sainte-Exupery's book. Ultimately, the story emerges as a paean to fatherhood.

Seth Bass and Jonathan Tolins' poignant script underscores themes of nonconformity, loss, and the power of love.

The film contains mild profanity, innuendo and some peril. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

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Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops