Alien

Alien

Year: 1979

Runtime: 1 h 57 m

Language: English

Director: Ridley Scott

horrorsci-fi

A team of astronauts investigates a distress signal from a remote planet, only to encounter a deadly extraterrestrial threat. The terrifying creature stalks and hunts the crew of their spaceship, leading to a desperate fight for survival as they struggle to understand the nature of the alien and escape its deadly pursuit. The film is a chilling and suspenseful science fiction horror masterpiece.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Alien yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Alien (1979)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Alien (1979). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie is set in a futuristic time period characterized by space exploration and commercial space travel. The crew of the Nostromo embarks on archaic missions that highlight humanity's quest for resources beyond Earth, reflecting anxieties about technological advancement and corporate greed.

Location

Nostromo, Planetoid, Earth

The **Nostromo** is a commercial towing spaceship that serves as the primary setting for the movie, known for its industrial design and claustrophobic interior. Its journey takes the crew from an unknown planetoid back to **Earth**, showcasing the isolation and dangers of deep space travel. The desolate planetoid represents the unknown, filled with alien artifacts that alter the crew’s fate.

🚀 Spaceship 🌌 Outer Space 🌍 Home

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:18

Main Characters – Alien (1979)

Meet the key characters of Alien (1979), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dallas (Tom Skerritt)

Captain Dallas is a pragmatic leader trying to maintain order in the crew. His determination to flush out the Alien demonstrates his commitment to the mission, though it ultimately leads to his demise. He embodies the tragic hero who faces the unexpected horrors of space.

👨‍✈️ Leadership ⚓ Sacrifice

Ripley (Sigourney Weaver)

Ripley is an intelligent and resolute warrant officer who emerges as the film's protagonist. Her strategic thinking and ability to take charge showcase her strong will to survive in the face of unimaginable dangers. She evolves from a subordinate role to that of a resilient hero who honors her crew's memory by fighting back against the Alien.

👩‍🚀 Resilience 🚀 Heroism

Kane (John Hurt)

Kane is the executive officer whose curiosity leads to dire consequences for the crew. His encounter with the alien egg triggers a chain of events that escalates the horror, emphasizing how one's choices can have catastrophic repercussions. His tragic fate serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of exploration.

😔 Tragedy 🔍 Curiosity

Ash (Ian Holm)

Ash is the science officer whose true nature as a synthetic disrupts the crew’s unity. His duality represents the conflict between human intuition and corporate logic. His betrayal adds a chilling element, showcasing how individuals can be pawns in larger, more ruthless games.

🤖 Deceit ⚔️ Conflict

Lambert (Veronica Cartwright)

Lambert serves as the navigator and highlights the fragility of human emotion amid crises. Her anxiety and eventual breakdown illustrate the psychological toll of survival against an overwhelming alien threat. She embodies vulnerability, making her demise all the more impactful.

😨 Vulnerability 🔄 Fear

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:18

Major Themes – Alien (1979)

Explore the central themes of Alien (1979), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👾 Survival

Survival is a central theme as the crew faces an extraterrestrial threat that turns their mission into a fight for life. The struggle against the Alien highlights human resilience and the instinct to endure, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. Ripley's transformation from a supportive role to a determined survivor underlines the lengths one must go to in extreme circumstances.

🤖 Betrayal

Betrayal plays a crucial role, particularly with Ash's true nature as a synthetic life form revealed. His programmed loyalty to corporate interests over crew safety introduces a sense of distrust and paranoia within the group. This theme underscores the dangers of putting profits before human life.

😱 Fear

Fear manifests in various forms throughout the film—from the terror of the unknown to the realization of being hunted. The atmosphere is charged with tension as characters confront their deepest anxieties, showcasing how fear can cripple decision-making and breed chaos in life-or-death situations.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:18

Unlock the Full Story of Alien

Don't stop at just watching — explore Alien in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Alien is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Alien Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Alien, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Alien Summary

Alien Timeline

Track the full timeline of Alien with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Alien Timeline

More About Alien

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Alien: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Alien

Similar Movies to Alien

Discover movies like Alien that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.

Explore More About Movie Alien

Alien (1979) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Alien (1979) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Movies Like Alien – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy

The Thing (2011) Ending Explained & Film Insights

Aliens (1986) Ending Explained & Film Insights

Extraterrestrial (2014) Story Summary & Characters

AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004) Movie Recap & Themes

Alien: Resurrection (1997) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap

Alien 3 (1992) Film Overview & Timeline

Alien: Covenant (2017) Movie Recap & Themes

Prometheus (2012) Full Summary & Key Details

AVPR: Aliens vs Predator - Requiem (2007) Movie Recap & Themes

Alien Trespass (2009) Detailed Story Recap

Monsters (2010) Story Summary & Characters

Alien Abduction (2014) Complete Plot Breakdown

Galaxy of Terror (1981) Film Overview & Timeline

Alien: Romulus (2024) Ending Explained & Film Insights