Occupation: Rainfall (2025) is the third installment in the Occupation film series, following the 2018 original and the 2020 sequel. Directed once again by Luke Sparke, the film had a significantly larger budget compared to its predecessors, reportedly around $25 million. This increase in funding allowed for more advanced visual effects, larger-scale action sequences, and a more expansive exploration of the film’s post-apocalyptic world. The production team utilized cutting-edge CGI and practical effects to bring the alien invasion to life, with much of the budget allocated to creating the massive alien ships, futuristic weaponry, and detailed battle scenes. Filming took place across various locations in Australia, with a focus on blending natural landscapes with the film’s dystopian aesthetic.
The movie was released on July 18, 2025, and was distributed internationally, with a strong push in markets like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Asia. The release strategy included a mix of theatrical screenings and streaming platforms, ensuring a wide audience reach. The film was marketed heavily, with trailers emphasizing its high-stakes action, emotional depth, and the continuation of the human resistance story. The tagline, “The war for Earth’s survival reaches its breaking point,” resonated with fans of the series and newcomers alike.
Occupation: Rainfall (2025) was a commercial success, grossing over $80 million worldwide, making it the most profitable entry in the franchise. It received praise for its improved visual effects, ambitious storytelling, and the performances of its cast, particularly Dan Ewing and Temuera Morrison, who reprised their roles. Critics noted the film’s ability to balance large-scale action with character-driven moments, which helped it stand out in the crowded sci-fi genre. The success of the film solidified the Occupation series as a notable franchise in Australian cinema and opened the door for potential spin-offs or future sequels. Fans and critics alike celebrated the film as a testament to the growing capabilities of independent sci-fi filmmaking.
