Highlighting the plight of our planet, The Day the Earth Stood Still features Keanu Reeves as an extraterrestrial being sent to avert an impending environmental catastrophe.

The film, directed by Scott Derrickson and written by David Scarpa, boasts a star-studded cast including Jennifer Connelly, John Cleese, Jon Hamm, Kathy Bates and a young Jaden Smith. It’s a remake of the 1951 film of the same name, set during the Cold War, where the alien came to earth to warn about the threat of nuclear warfare and its impact on the planet.

Although the source of danger was changed in the eighties remake, the central theme remained – the effect of human activity on the world’s health.

When a celestial object threatens to wipe out all life on earth, a team of US scientists is assembled to devise a survival strategy. They discover it’s a spaceship carrying Klaatu (Reeves) – an alien in human form – and a robot.

Helen Benson, portrayed by Connelly, is an astrobiologist tasked with studying Klaatu, who reveals he has been dispatched as an envoy from other planets. His mission is to save the earth from ecocide – extensive damage to an ecosystem caused by long-term harm, reports the Mirror.

Based on his observations, including Helen’s strained relationship with her stepson Jacob (Smith), Klaatu concludes that humans are destructive but is taken to a Nobel Prize-winning Professor (Cleese) in an attempt to change his perspective.

Despite a lukewarm reception from critics upon its release, the film still managed to rake in approximately £177 million worldwide, marking it as a significant financial triumph.

The film has been hailed as “great” by fans on Rotten Tomatoes, who believe its themes are incredibly pertinent.

“I loved this movie,” one fan wrote. “I think this sheds an important light on situations going on right now and how we really do need to focus more on helping the earth and saving the poor planet.”

Another added, praising the casting: “Keanu, Jennifer and Jon… just watching them work – what’s not to like? A syfy movie with a heart that we watch as a family while talking about actions and consequences. Was worth our time and we’ve seen it more than once.”

A five-star review from a fan said: “I loved it brilliant, what a remake of this classic movie.”

Some were left puzzled by the critics’ response. One said: “No idea why there’s low ratings… all around great movie,” while another added: “Better than the dork critics gave it credit for, but a disappointing ending.”

The Day the Earth Stood Still airs on Film 4 at 6.55pm tonight, Friday 14 November.