Life

Life

Year: 1999

Runtime: 108 min

Language: Spanish

Director: Ted Demme

DramaComedyCrime

The film, titled "Kuxlejal," meaning "Life" in the Tsotsil language, explores the struggles of young indigenous people facing despair and desperation. Set against a backdrop of violence, the drama portrays their raw and honest confrontation with high suicide rates within their community. Through shared human experience, they seek to overcome generational and cultural divides, offering a poignant look at resilience and hope.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Life 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!

Life (1999) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Life (1999) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a near‑future where the line between discovery and danger feels razor‑thin, a daring expedition aboard the spacecraft Pilgrim 7 races against a violent meteor storm to retrieve a priceless Martian sample. The mission’s success promises to rewrite humanity’s understanding of life beyond Earth, while the harsh silence of space amplifies every breath and decision. The tone balances the awe of an unprecedented scientific breakthrough with the palpable tension of a fragile vessel threading through the cosmos, setting a stage that feels both intimate and boundless.

Back on Earth, a team of passionate biologists prepares to study the enigmatic specimen, affectionately dubbed “Calvin” by a curious crowd gathered in Times Square. Leading the effort is Dr. Hugh Derry, whose enthusiasm is matched only by his careful curiosity. Orbiting above, the International Space Station crew forms a tight‑knit family: Dr. David Jordan brings analytical focus; Captain Miranda North offers steady command; Commander Ekaterina “Kat” Golovkina provides technical mastery; Sho Murakami balances personal longing with his duties; and Rory Adams—the veteran engineer who piloted the daring retrieval—adds seasoned resolve. Their distinct backgrounds and quiet personal struggles weave a rich tapestry of camaraderie and latent conflict, hinting at deeper stories beneath the scientific veneer.

Against this backdrop, the film explores profound questions about what it means to encounter true alien life. The juxtaposition of bustling city intrigue with the stark, isolated environment of orbit invites viewers to contemplate humanity’s place in a universe that may be teeming with the unexpected. As the crew and researchers grapple with the promise and peril of “Calvin,” the narrative maintains a suspenseful, contemplative mood, urging the audience to wonder how far curiosity can safely carry us before it demands a price.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 12:55

Unlock the Full Story of Life

Don't stop at just watching — explore Life 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 Life is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Life Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Life, 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.

Life Summary

Life Timeline

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

Life Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Life

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Life. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Life

More About Life

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Life: 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 Life

Similar Movies to Life

Discover movies like Life 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.