Illumination put out the Not Alone trailer on Tuesday and you can tell the web is smitten with the little gremlins that have made it into the world of our two leads. In 2 minutes and 43 seconds, you get your fix of romcom, a bit of space mayhem and some heart. And then there’s Chalamet, making his animated voice-acting bow in a way that’s hard to miss.
Why the trailer is getting attention
You can’t say no to the premise: cute aliens and a case of the shivers when you’re flirting, from the folks who gave us Minions and Sing. It has a mischievous vibe, one minute you’re at a shy smile and the next you’re in over your head. The jokes work and they don’t let the film’s sweetness get in the way. Chalamet is a natural opposite to the easy confidence of Gomez, and it makes for a pairing you want to see. You’ve got your slapstick for the kids and a slow-burn for the adults. All are in on the chase.
Story beats teased
Illumination has us meet Joe, a rocket mechanic of few words, and Fran, the mind behind the first plant-fuelled rocket. They cross paths at a research centre and the way they handle each other is charmingly uncoordinated. What was meant to be lunch becomes a dinner date. But just as the plans are set, three aliens put down in Joe’s house. We’re told by the synopsis that Dunk, Welly and Shirm are being hounded by a certain Officer Zandro, who is more of a show than he is any good at his job. Before long, the visitors figure out Fran’s new rocket is their ticket home. Now a simple office infatuation is a galactic run-and-gun, with a little of everything at the wheel.
Voices you will hear
There’s also a fun group of voices in the trailer for the comedy crowd. You have the likes of Rob Brydon, Diane Morgan and Jamie Demetriou from across the pond as the alien trio. Then Brett Goldstein is on hand as the zealous but flustered Officer Zandro, in hot pursuit of them on Earth. The marquee names and what they’re up to: – Timothee Chalamet is the reticent Joe – Selena Gomez as the sharp-witted Fran – Rob Brydon as the alien Dunk – Diane Morgan in the role of Welly – Jamie Demetriou as Shirm – Brett Goldstein as the law, Zandro
Who is behind the film
It’s in good hands. Chris Meledandri, the head of Illumination, is producing, so you know it’s going to be a hit with the masses.
On the executive side you have Joy Poirel, Richard Curtis and David Distenfeld, who add some heft to the project. Lamorne Morris and Allison Janney are in the supporting cast as well. A few of the production credits to put in your notes: – Producer: Chris Meledandri – Executive producers: Joy Poirel, Richard Curtis, David Distenfeld
Why it matters and when it arrives
Not Alone is shaping up to be one of those four-quadrant films where a soft romance is in the same room as a rousing sci-fi. That’s where Illumination is at its best, and the teaser shows they have a handle on it. We know when we’ll be in the theatre: April 2027. With the talk of Chalamet and Gomez, you can count on a few more clips and character peeks before then. If what we saw in the trailer is any indication, this could be the go-to for the next school break. The aliens are here, the date is on the table, and that rocket of theirs is running on something green and very important to the story.
