“Amsterdam” (2022) vs. “From Roswell to Area 51”

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If you haven’t seen Amsterdam (2022), it’s a witty, star-studded film based on real events. Despite its lukewarm box office performance—often blamed on its 134-minute runtime—it’s a great watch at home (where you can take an intermission anytime 😉).

While Amsterdam is set in 1933, my book From Roswell To Area 51 takes place in 1947. Both stories feature a Black man and a Jewish man who form an unlikely but powerful friendship.

A UFO hovering over a barbed wire fence with a sign "Danger: Restricted Area"

In Amsterdam, the trio uncovers a Nazi plot to overthrow the U.S. government. In Roswell, Privates Malcolm Dow and Adam Rabinowitz stumble upon a UFO and aliens seeking their help. To prevent mass panic, the duo must bypass the chain of command and reach General Frank Jones—before fear-driven decisions make first contact humanity’s last chance.

Similarities

Friendship Across Differences – Both stories feature a Black man and a Jewish man who form a deep friendship. In Amsterdam, Harold and Burt support each other through thick and thin, just as Malcolm Dow and Adam Rabinowitz do in Roswell.
Conspiracy & Secrets – Both stories center around characters uncovering hidden truths. In Amsterdam, the protagonists expose a Nazi-backed plot to overthrow the U.S. government. In Roswell, Malcolm and Adam discover aliens and must navigate military secrecy to make first contact.
Historical Backdrop – While Amsterdam takes place in 1933 and Roswell in 1947, both explore pivotal moments in history with political intrigue and societal tensions.
Defying the System – The main characters in both stories challenge authority. In Amsterdam, they work against powerful elites, while in Roswell, Malcolm and Adam go against military protocols to do what’s right.

Key Differences

Genre & Tone – Amsterdam is a dark comedy with a satirical edge, while Roswell leans more into a light hearted, science fiction, military drama.
Conflict – Amsterdam focuses on real-world fascist conspiracies, while Roswell deals with extraterrestrial life and the struggle between fear and progress.
Scope – Amsterdam follows an elaborate mystery involving political corruption, whereas Roswell zeroes in on the personal journey of two soldiers trying to avoid discrimination.