Certain cinema enthusiasts are suggesting it’s an overlooked gem.

Netflix UK has just added an underappreciated 1984 film that some supporters believe might quietly rank amongst the finest science fiction pictures ever made.

Step aside Steven Spielberg – this breathtaking yet emotionally intricate sci-fi drama was regrettably eclipsed by the likes of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which arrived just two years prior.

It was also helmed by John Carpenter, whose legendary films such as Halloween and The Thing have achieved untouchable cinematic status despite garnering a lukewarm response upon their initial release.

Nevertheless, numerous Carpenter admirers are adamant that Starman could represent his finest work, even though it continues to be amongst his most lesser-known titles to this day, reports the Mirror.

This understated and heartbreaking drama features Raiders of the Lost Ark’s Karen Allen as newly widowed Jenny Hayden, who comes across an alien entity whose spacecraft has been destroyed by the US government.

Jenny is astonished when the extraterrestrial assumes the appearance of her deceased husband, Scott (portrayed by Jeff Bridges), and must grapple with her complicated emotions as they collaborate to return him home.

Upon its 1984 release, Starman garnered mixed critical response and only generated a modest $28 million (£20.5m) against a $24 million (£17.8m) budget.

Nevertheless, in subsequent years it has endured for Carpenter’s admirers and now has a fresh opportunity to be uncovered following its addition to Netflix in the UK. One 10/10 IMDb review declared it a “masterpiece” and claimed: “Quite simply. This is the best John Carpenter film hands down. It’s abundantly obvious that he took extra care to give us the best film he could on a limited budget.

“I can’t help it, but I’m a sucker for alien films with a positive message, and this is one of the best.”

Someone else declared: “You may be shocked to read that this is one of the best science fiction movies ever made.”

They went on: “It’s not enough to say that both Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen are this film’s magical centerpiece. They certainly make for one of the most dynamic, unusual and interesting screen couples in cinematic history, certainly one of the best screen couples in the history of science fiction cinema.”

Another confessed: “Even after almost 40 years and countless times of watching, it still brings a tear to my eye, it’s very heart warming.”

A final enthusiast labelled Starman “E.T. for adults”, calling it a “great injustice” that Bridges failed to clinch an Academy Award for his portrayal.

“They do not make films like it anymore, and that is a real shame,” the reviewer concluded.

For those seeking a fresh cinematic gem this week, Netflix delivers in the shape of this romantic, gripping, and poignant sci-fi classic that has truly withstood the passage of time.

Starman is available to stream on Netflix.

Viewers are eager to find out who features in the cast of Netflix’s Swapped, which is currently amongst the most-watched movies on the streaming giant.

The film landed on the platform on Friday, 1st May and has steadily grown into an enormous success for the streamer.

It currently sits at number two on Netflix‘s top 10 chart, more than a week after its debut.

Set on a tropical island inhabited by animal-plant hybrids, the story follows a land-dwelling creature who miraculously swaps bodies with a magnificent bird, compelling the pair to join forces and endure an extraordinary journey to return to their original forms.

With even more audiences discovering the charming animated adventure this weekend, many are keen to learn who lends their vocal talents to the vibrant array of characters, reports the Mirror.

Swapped, helmed by the director behind Disney’s Tangled, Nathan Greno, assembled an impressive roster of talent to bring to life a wide variety of mammals, birds, and fish inhabiting the island.

The film is headlined by Oscar-winning actor Michael B. Jordan as Ollie, an otter-like creature known as a ‘Pookoo’. Jordan is most recognised for his role as Adonis Creed in the Rocky Balboa spin-off trilogy, as well as the menacing Erik Killmonger in Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther.

He made his name with appearances in acclaimed TV dramas including The Wire and Friday Night Lights, and this year claimed his first Academy Award for his dual portrayal of Smoke and Stack in Coogler’s blockbuster horror-thriller, Sinners.

Jordan is joined by British actress Juno Temple as Ivy, a green bird known as a ‘Javan’ who swaps bodies with Ollie. Temple is perhaps best recognised for her portrayal of Keeley in the hugely popular Apple TV comedy-drama, Ted Lasso.

She has also featured in box office hits including Disney’s Maleficent, The Dark Knight Rises, and Venom: The Last Dance.

Further leading cast members include 30 Rock legend Tracy Morgan as the fish Boogle, and Madagascar’s Cedric the Entertainer as Caloo, Ollie’s father.

Six Feet Under and Queen of the South’s Justina Machado portrays Calli, Ollie’s mother, while This Is Going to Hurt and One Day’s Ambika Mod plays Ivy’s sister, Violet.

The supporting cast includes:

• Lolly Adefope (Ghosts) as Lily, a Javan and Ivy’s sister.
• Singer Táta Vega as Ollie’s grandma, a Pookoo and Ollie’s grandmother; and as Mrs. Dung Beetle.
• Nate Torrence (Zootropolis) as Lodd, a Pookoo and friend of Ollie’s.
• John Ratzenberger (Toy Story) as Elder Javan.
• Johnny Williams as Mr. dung beetle.
• David Lodge as Wolf Father.
• Fred Tatasciore as Elder Javan and Rock Bear.
• Zemo Tatasciore as Wolf Pup.
• Kari Wahlgren as female Pookoo and Javan nurse.
• Maven Morgan as young Pinecone.

Swapped is available to stream on Netflix.