Alien (1979)

Deep in space, the crew of the Nostromo (a commercial spaceship) is on a journey back home and in cryo-sleep capsules for the long trip. However, halfway through their course, they are awoken when they pick up a distress call on a distant moon, from an alien vessel. Upon landing on the rocky terrain, 3 members go in search of the origin, and little did they know what they would uncover. The crew encounters a nest of eggs inside the alien ship where an organism from inside one egg leaps out, attaching itself to one of the crew. Brought back aboard the Nostromo the true horrors were yet to begin... Alien is a timeless classic and one of my absolute favourites. It is simply incredible! This film is everything I love about older movies, especially when it comes to old sci-fi flicks. Despite releasing 43 years ago, this movie still holds up today managing to impress and shock people, hammering home its timelessness. I have always had a fascination for anything science fiction especially in regards to space and futuristic technology. With these older films, the technology tends to be a mix of the future and tech of its time, which is now so outdated however it is a detail I cannot help but adore which is best seen throughout the film with the Nostromo. They also manage to implement this mixture of technology to the world making it appear outdated and clunky but is still high-tech which is a neat idea. Not only that, but this film takes the time to show how it all works. Everything has a purpose and by showing all their functions, it creates a bigger sense of believability and realism to this universe. They not only do this with the Nostromo but also with the alien organisms. Like, for example, with the face-hugger. We hear how it operates and we later see an up close dissection of the creature, further showing us how it could actually exist and operate which is just so cool. I additionally love these films for their use of models/miniatures for the ships that feature so much detail, which end up looking so grand when fully implemented into the film. The ship is also brought to life with the use of the incredible sound design from the wailing of the alarms to the whirring of the machines. Not to mention the ambient feel of the Nostromo's interior shown throughout which sets the tone whilst giving so many beautiful shots of the architecture. The actors deserve a lot of praise and credit too alongside Ridley Scott for making this film what it is, from the way it was shot to how authentic these characters feel. You care for them and understand their struggles so when they are put in this danger, you too feel in danger and fear for their safety. I feel this strongest with Ellen Ripley. We follow Ripley alongside the whole crew of the Nostromo on their journey and survival, however, she stands out above them all. If she had been in charge, I can only imagine how entirely differently the events of this film would have turned out, seeing as she would have ensured the creature never boarded the ship, to begin with, adhering to the protocols, unlike the captain. This film takes on a survival horror genre that is very intense, having you in a constant state of fear never knowing when or where the creature could spring from. The alien (known as a Xenomorph) has a phenomenal design that is super creepy yet very iconic. It is incredibly big and strong, has acid for blood and is practically unstoppable. If you enjoy this film for its survival horror aspect then: Alien Isolation (Video Game 2014) is a great additional part of the franchise that delivers the same experience but allows you to take control as Ripley's daughter set 15 years after this movie. Overall, I adore this film so much and will always remain a favourite of mine. There are so many memorable moments throughout Alien from the discovery of the mysterious vessel and hundreds of eggs deep within to the chestburster scene, there are so many famous scenes to experience. It is such a classic flick which has earned its place in pop culture history with its iconic scenes, characters, visuals and not to mention its tagline: In space, no one can hear you scream. I cannot stress enough that you check this one out alongside the equally perfect sequel: Aliens (1986).

Runtime: 1h 57m

Director: Ridley Scott

Genre: Horror / Sci-fi

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