Nukie

Nukie

Year: 1987

Runtime: 99 mins

Language: English

Directors: Michael Pakleppa, Sias Odendal

Science FictionAdventureFamilyMonsters aliens sci-fi and the apocalypseImaginative space odysseys and alien encounters

A magical space adventure follows a lost alien child abducted by the U.S. Space Foundation. His brother Nukie mistakenly lands in Africa, where twin siblings befriend him. Together they embark on a whimsical quest featuring talking lions, a greedy witch doctor, a charming chimpanzee, a feisty nun, a compassionate scientist, and an outrageous romantic computer named E.D.D.I., blending laughter with intergalactic wonder.

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Timeline & Setting – Nukie (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Nukie (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 1980s

The events occur in a contemporary 1980s timeframe, featuring helicopters, a mainframe-like supercomputer, and early space-research infrastructure. This era frames the tension between traditional beliefs and modern science as investigators pursue the aliens. Telepathic communication and an energy-based being hint at extraordinary phenomena within a recognizable period.

Location

African savanna, Nairobi, Space Foundation USA, tribal village, trading post

Two aliens crash on Earth and separate, with Nukie roaming the African savanna while Miko ends up in a Space Foundation facility in the United States. The story travels between a Kenyan rural setting and a high-tech research complex in the USA. Local communities, mission staff, and scientists intersect as humans try to understand and aid the visitors.

🐾 African savanna 🗺️ Nairobi 🛰️ Space Foundation USA 🏕️ Tribal village

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:47

Main Characters – Nukie (1987)

Meet the key characters of Nukie (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Nukie

An alien crash survivor who travels Earth to find his sister Miko and a way back to America. He is curious, resourceful, and compassionate, forming trust with humans and children while avoiding danger. His journey centers on friendship and reunion rather than conquest.

👽 Alien 🧭 Explorer

Miko

A being made of pure energy who communicates telepathically. She becomes a central figure for the Space Foundation’s pursuit and helps coordinate the escape with human allies such as Pamela Carter.

👾 Alien ⚡ Energy Being

Dr. Eric Harvey

Scientist from the Space Foundation sent to Nairobi to investigate the other crash site. He is pragmatic and driven, guiding the mission and coordinating efforts to understand and help the visitors.

🧪 Scientist 🕵️ Investigator

Sister Anne

Head of a Catholic mission who communicates by radio and mediates between humans and Nukie. She demonstrates compassion and courage in assisting the aliens and local youths.

🙏 Missionary 🗺️ Guide

The Corporal

Military officer pursuing Nukie who threatens capture and exploitation. His actions create immediate danger and heighten the stakes for the fugitives.

🪖 Authority 🏃 Pursuer

Tiko

A boy who can understand Nukie and aids in the escape effort. He is loyal but faces traditional tribal consequences for helping the outsider, including a cobra bite during the ordeal.

👦 Child 🐍 Cobra bite

Toki

Tiko’s brother who also communicates with Nukie and helps in the escape. He shows courage and resourcefulness despite the risks.

👦 Child 🗺️ Guide

Charlie

A talking chimpanzee who communicates with Nukie and assists in their escape plan.

🐒 Animal 🗣️ Communicator

Sangoma

Tribal chief who initially banishes Nukie, embodying the tribe’s protective traditions. He later represents the possibility of understanding rather than fear.

👑 Chief 🛕 Tradition

Pamela Carter

A Space Foundation associate who helps Miko escape and collaborates with the scientists on the alien situation.

🧑 Human ally 🛰️ Space program

Dr. Barbara Rhinestone

Scientist at the Space Foundation who contributes to scanning efforts and the investigation of Nukie’s whereabouts.

🔬 Scientist 💡 Intelligence

Dr. Norman Glynn

Head of the Space Foundation operation overseeing the search and response to the alien encounter.

🧭 Leader 🧪 Scientist

Dr. Calvin Burke

Another scientist involved in the mission’s research and analysis of the alien contact.

🧪 Scientist 🧭 Researcher

Officer Connally

Law enforcement officer encountered during the pursuit of the aliens.

👮 Authority 🗡️ Enforcer

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:47

Major Themes – Nukie (1987)

Explore the central themes of Nukie (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Friendship

Nukie forms bonds with two local boys, Tiko and Toki, and with human allies who aid his quest. The film emphasizes cooperation across species as fear gives way to trust. Ultimately, friendship drives the effort to reunite the siblings and find a way home.

🛡️ Resilience

The aliens endure capture, pursuit, and danger while pursuing a chance to reunite with Miko and return home. Humans and aliens alike demonstrate ingenuity and persistence in the face of obstacles. The narrative centers on endurance as the group navigates threats and separations.

🔬 Science vs Myth

Space Foundation investigators pursue the aliens with scientific methods while tribal beliefs frame outsiders as omens. Miko is revealed as a being of pure energy, challenging simple explanations. The story presents science and tradition as coexisting forces shaping responses to the unknown.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:47

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Nukie Summary

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Nukie Summary

Nukie Timeline

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Nukie Timeline

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