Lifeforce

Lifeforce

Year: 1985

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: Tobe Hooper

ActionSci-FiMysteryThrillerHorrorRomance

During a space exploration mission, a team discovers mysterious beings on a distant planet. These beings are brought back to Earth, but their arrival triggers a terrifying crisis in London as they begin to absorb the life force of humans. Detective Tom Carlsen finds himself facing an extraordinary threat as he struggles to understand and combat the alien presence, battling not only to save the city but also confronting his own mortality in the process.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Lifeforce 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 – Lifeforce (1985)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Lifeforce (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1985

The movie is set during a pivotal moment in 1985, coinciding with the appearance of Halley's Comet. This period was marked by advancements in space technology and significant interest in extraterrestrial life, which is a central theme of the film. The events unfold amidst a backdrop of Cold War anxieties and a burgeoning fascination with science fiction.

Location

London, Yorkshire, Texas

The majority of the action takes place in London, known for its rich history and diverse culture, but it is portrayed as chaotic and on the brink of destruction due to an alien invasion. Yorkshire serves as the setting for a hospital that becomes a critical point in the fight against the space vampires. Texas is introduced as the initial location where Colonel Tom Carlsen is found alive after a harrowing escape from the doomed Shuttle Churchill.

🌍 Locations 🔬 Research Facility 🚁 Helicopter

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Main Characters – Lifeforce (1985)

Meet the key characters of Lifeforce (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Colonel Tom Carlsen (Steve Railsback)

Colonel Tom Carlsen is a key character who serves as the sole survivor of the Shuttle Churchill mission. His experiences and psychic connection to the female alien drive the narrative forward as he realizes the extent of the threat posed by the space vampires. He is depicted as brave and determined, willing to sacrifice himself to save humanity from the impending doom.

🪖 Military 🌌 Survivor ⚔️ Sacrifice

Dr. Leonard Bukovsky (Michael Gothard)

Dr. Bukovsky is a scientific mind responsible for overseeing the alien specimens brought to the research facility. His character faces moral dilemmas when dealing with the alien life forms, ultimately highlighting the risks associated with scientific curiosity. His tragic fate emphasizes the dire consequences of underestimating the capabilities of the extraterrestrial beings.

🔬 Scientist ⚠️ Cautionary Tale 🚨 Research

Female Vampire (Mathilda May)

The female vampire is a stunning and terrifying alien who awakens and begins draining the life force from humans. Her character embodies both seduction and danger, as she uses her allure to prey on human vulnerabilities. This duality makes her a captivating antagonist who represents a profound fear of loss and annihilation.

👩‍🚀 Alien 🧛‍♀️ Seduction ⚡ Destruction

Col. Colin Caine (Peter Firth)

Col. Caine is an SAS member who aligns with Carlsen in the fight against the aliens. His character is portrayed as resourceful and brave, navigating through the zombie-infested London while trying to uncover the alien threat. Caine’s determination and tactical skills highlight the human spirit’s resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

🪖 Military 🔍 Detective ⚔️ Resilience

Dr. Armstrong (Patrick Stewart)

Dr. Armstrong is the manager of the mental hospital where one of the alien bodies is held. Initially portrayed as a rational and scientific figure, he becomes a victim of the alien force. His character reflects the tragedy of human knowledge confronted by an incomprehensible evil, emphasizing the vulnerabilities present even in the most secure settings.

🧑‍⚕️ Doctor 😞 Tragedy 🔍 Knowledge

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Major Themes – Lifeforce (1985)

Explore the central themes of Lifeforce (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧛‍♂️ Alien Vampires

The movie explores themes of alien life and vampirism, blending science fiction with horror elements. The concept of life force as a currency for survival introduces a unique dynamic between humans and the extraterrestrial beings, suggesting a deeper commentary on consumption and vitality. This creates a parallel to traditional vampire lore, re-imagining it within a sci-fi context.

🌌 Cosmic Horror

Lifeforce delves into the fear of the unknown and the terror of cosmic entities beyond human understanding. The awakening of the aliens represents the invasion of a greater, more terrifying reality that humanity cannot fully grasp, reflecting existential fears about humanity's place in the universe. It raises questions about survival and the consequences of encountering otherworldly beings.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:08

Unlock the Full Story of Lifeforce

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

Lifeforce Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Lifeforce, 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.

Lifeforce Summary

Lifeforce Timeline

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

Lifeforce Timeline

More About Lifeforce

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

Similar Movies to Lifeforce

Discover movies like Lifeforce 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.