It's Alive

It's Alive

Year: 1974

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Larry Cohen

Horror

When fear transforms an innocent infant into a ravenous, grotesque creature, a young family faces unimaginable terror. Driven by primal instinct, the monstrous child threatens everyone in its path, leaving parents to confront the unthinkable horror they've unleashed.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – It's Alive (1974)
Explore the full timeline and setting of It's Alive (1974). 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 contemporary times, reflecting societal norms and medical practices of the late 20th century. This period is characterized by debates surrounding childbirth and the implications of modern pharmaceuticals, as seen through Lenore's experience with the birth control pill. The events unfold with a sense of urgency and fear as the characters confront the bizarre and tragic consequences of their choices.

Location

Davis Family Home, Local Hospital, Charley's House, Local School, Woods, Sewer System

The movie primarily takes place in the Davis family home, a typical suburban setting where Lenore and Frank navigate their family challenges. The local hospital serves as a critical location during Lenore's dramatic childbirth, which spirals into chaos. Charley's house is where their son Chris stays during the turmoil, providing a sense of safety amidst the horror. The woods and sewer system represent the dark, hidden aspects of the story where the mutant baby is hunted.

🏠 Home 🏥 Hospital 🏫 School 🌲 Woods 🌌 Underground

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Main Characters – It's Alive (1974)
Meet the key characters of It's Alive (1974), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lenore Davis (Sharon Farrell)

Lenore is a conflicted mother whose maternal instincts clash with the terrifying reality of giving birth to a mutant child. Her character embodies the fears and anxieties of childbirth, especially when she senses that something is wrong during labor. Despite her horror, her love for her child remains, presenting a deeply complex and tragic representation of motherhood.

👩‍👦 Motherhood 😱 Horror 💔 Tragedy

Frank Davis (John P. Ryan)

Frank is portrayed as a devoted yet desperate father, struggling to reconcile his love for his newborn with the horror of its actions. His journey drives the plot as he faces societal judgment and panic while determined to protect his family. Frank's character encapsulates the emotional turmoil of a father navigating the line between love and the instinct to eliminate a threat.

👨‍👦 Fatherhood 🔫 Violence 🧠 Conflict

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

Major Themes – It's Alive (1974)
Explore the central themes of It's Alive (1974), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧬 Genetics

The film explores the theme of genetics and its unforeseen consequences, particularly through the lens of the mutant baby born to Lenore and Frank. It raises questions about the influence of pharmaceutical products on human development and moral responsibility. The monstrous traits of the child serve as a metaphor for the unpredictability of genetic inheritance, leading to conflicts between parental affection and survival instincts.

🕵️‍♂️ Parental Struggle

Parental struggle is a central theme as Frank grapples with the horrifying reality of his child's violent tendencies. The film delves into the emotional turmoil of love, fear, and the desire to protect one’s family. Frank's descent into desperation highlights the extreme lengths a parent might go to in order to save or confront their child, culminating in the tragedy of choosing between paternal instinct and societal norms.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:09

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