Dripping in metaphorical imagery, the plot interweaves the discovery of a meteor with the reappearance of one of an unnamed towns residents, Deke Evans, (Bryan Brewer), who has been incarnated 10 years for murder.  

Looking like a small town anywhere USA, Deke re-enters local society from across the tracks, after an unsuccessful reconciliation with his mother (Marcia Moran), in her pristine Craftsman home.  The local highway diner is the pivot point for the main characters, all interesting and well played by a ensemble group who seem to believe in the importance of their individual lives as well as showing an unselfish attitude about their community.

A creature does seem to be around, after the discovery of a smoldering meteor, which turns out to be an egg for alien life forms.

Symbology and metaphors are evident in almost every scene, from an overheard HG Wells story about the threat of invading Martians to the study of bacteria that a Junior Sheriffs deputy (Molly McDowell), is listlessly studying.

From the cramped confines of a vintage Airstream, the home to science nerd old high school friend Stooley, (Chuck Carter), Deke and his former girlfriend Sarah (Kelly Pendygraft), learn that the creature is a worm, with an uncanny ability to smell blood and also infect various bodily system.  

The ubiquitous Sheriff is well played by Lochlyn Munro, who is apparently infected himself, although he won't let anyone know.  In the films pivotal scene, the Sheriff is cured of his affliction by Deke, after a linguistic battle suggesting humanity is so inherently weak that the widespread infection might be a panacea for conformity. True human feelings are a virtue, and as a society we all must acknowledge that.  The threat of an infection overshadows the human condition of fear, greed and love, leaving what else?.....A fight.

A well placed boot kick and some fast thinking saves the Sheriff's life, and without the slightest thanks moves off to save the world.  However, the alien life forms have overrun the ugly "safe" house and Deke heroically tries to protect his friends and humanity using the catalyst of fire.

It is up to the audience to figure out what Deke's fate is, but like a sage he re-appears to again see his lost love, now aged but aware.

Physical immortality has perhaps been achieved by Yogis and others, and it's a concept that can't hurt one's psyche to think about.  Maybe Deke is immortal, as his puzzling youthful appearance suggests, but also he represents hope after that black day in history, when pathogens from space attempted to overthrow us.

Review 2 (July 5, 2009 JL)

There is a moment early on in the new film 9909 where a reporter exits her fuel efficient car and gazes at the urban landscape in front of her.  She simply says, "Great," and moves on.  Her infection is flat, and delivered with a mixture of foreboding and resignation.

This sets the scene for the movie, as it is sort of a post apocalyptical look at life in a town where a mysterious meteor has landed. "Great" as in "now what", or maybe disgust at the unforeseen change in her daily routine.

What happened on September 9, 2009 is reason for conjecture, as its not here yet as this is being written. However, for decades it has been foretold that something may happen on that day, as the numbers are too auspicious and uniquely convenient for a major event not to occur.

A meteor has been discovered and the local Sherif, played by familiar Locylyn Munro, who wants to keep a lid on the find, lest his town becomes overrun by UFO zealots. It's not clear what the connection is between UFO's and a meteor, but this film subtly mixes conjecture and realism, sometimes with an offhand remark, other times with an aside that shows individuals who are both altruistic and self serving in the same moment.

The story is told from a sparse 1950's hospital room, somehow a surviving remnant before the glass and concrete of the early twenty-first century.  An old woman tells the reporter that government cover ups and lies blocked the truth from being told, and in her final days she wants to reveal what really happened.

On September 9, 2009, or in-the parlance of the future/past known as 9909, something arrived on that meteor that would alter life as we know it, and Sarah is the last remaining survivor, as far as she can tell.

This film is low budget, as the scenes sometimes have a style reminiscent of early Corman, but it is thoroughly engaging and entertaining. The cast works well together, and the direction and staging are excellent. A few moments happen in one long take, yet the essence of the scene is evident and the camera moves reinforce the dialogue.

Brian Guest is appealing in his transformation from the towns wanna-be big shot, to humbly admitting his fear of the unknown, and eventually gathering himself to face his challenge.

Kelly pendygraft is remarkable playing Sarah Prescott twice, once as an octogenarian.  Her compelling smile and small town attitude is a model for coming of age girls who have to reason with boys.

Bryan Brewer, playing Deke, also wrote the script, and has a bright future as an actor. He deftly plays the character just right, showing shades of emotion and inner conflict, yet retraining the charm of a small town hero.  He is ageless, and an enigma.  He might be the smartest and the coolest of the bunch, and in a crisis, someone has to lead.

Chuck Carter, playing Stooley, a science nerd whose few moments on screen are filled with delightful mannerisms, is a character who needs to return in the sequel or perhaps prequel, as his fate is undetermined, but we can probably guess that he outsmarted the infection that seems to run rampant.

The supporting cast are wonderful to watch, as each invents small moments that reinforce their individual character while engaging in an ensemble group effort. Marcia Moran as Deke's mom becomes zombie-like and then humbly recovers, diner owner Jerry played by David Jean Thomas is the town's stoic pillar, eventually offering himself as a sacrifice to help save the others. Terry Becker is the avuncular Gramps, whose distant gaze tells volumes of his history and memories. Kent Faulcon plays the Deputy, and tries to be strong in spite of the overwhelming odds.  David Yates as Murphy discovers the meteor, and is its first victim. Cortney Lee is a young infected girl, threateningly attacking with an oral worm of some kind. Molly McDowell as the Dispatch in the Sheriff's office artfully amuses herself with music and self study, seemingly oblivious to the dire situation unfolding around her.

9909 is an interesting and enjoyable piece, and offers an undertone of nuanced allegories that may be prophetic.

The Center for Disease Control recently said that swine fly has become a pandemic, although the mortality rate is less than expected.  The message of 9909 is that a foreign virus or creature can cause widespread disease and subsequent panic, although with rational thinking and swift action, the world can be saved to see another day.

Exclusive Buzzine interview with star and N.Y. Indie Film Fest ‘Best Actress,’ Kelly Pendygraft!  http://www.buzzine.com/2009/09/kelly-pendygraft-interview