District 9: the best sci-fi movie of the year?

The new trailer for South African sci-fi flick District 9 has been released (view it below) and we’ve been left very excited indeed. With some stunning visuals, neat effects and an extremely promising plotline, this Peter Jackson-produced thriler could easily end up being the most well-received genre film of 2009.

Directed by Neil Blomkamp and set in South Africa, the movie tells the story of an alien race who, after having arrived on Earth, are forced to work in the mysterious District 9. After one man’s DNA is irrevocably altered with the alien gene, however, a conflict unfolds, the likes of which the world has never seen.

Clearly District 9 is going to wear its themes of apartheid and prejudice on its sleeve, and just how heavy-handed the film will be with its message remains to be seen. But when our favourite genre is as dominated by brainless sequels as it currently is, any blockbuster that exhibits a modicum of intelligence and social awareness is more than welcome.

Right now, 4 September can’t come soon enough.