Specimen

Specimen

Year: 1996

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: English

Director: John Bradshaw

Action

After his grandmother dies, 24‑year‑old Mike Hillary begins searching for the man he believes is his biological father, only to discover a far stranger truth: his mother was impregnated by extraterrestrials, and they have now dispatched an agent to retrieve their “specimen,” dead or alive.

Specimen (1996) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Specimen (1996) 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 the quiet, sun‑baked town where the past clings to weather‑worn porches and the present feels almost interchangeable, Mike Hillary awakens to a life reshaped by loss. The death of his grandmother propels him back to his mother’s hometown, a place that has long held the faint echo of unanswered questions. Driven by the hope of finding the man he believes might be his biological father, Mike steps into a world that feels both familiar and oddly out of focus, where everyday routines mask deeper currents of mystery.

Mike’s days unfold against the backdrop of a modest community centre, a hub of small‑town camaraderie where he finds work and forms tentative bonds with locals. The atmosphere is tinged with a low‑level unease, as ordinary interactions seem to hint at something just beyond ordinary perception. The town’s rhythm—its quiet streets, its close‑knit gatherings—creates a canvas on which subtle anomalies begin to surface, inviting curiosity without revealing their true nature.

Beneath the surface, a far stranger truth lingers: whispers of his mother’s past suggest she may have been impregnated by extraterrestrials, and that the cosmos has taken a quiet interest in the legacy she left behind. The idea that an otherworldly agent could be dispatched to reclaim a “specimen” adds a layer of existential tension, turning a personal quest for identity into a quiet confrontation with forces that operate far beyond the town’s familiar borders. This looming possibility infuses the narrative with a muted, suspenseful tone, suggesting that the ordinary may soon be pierced by the extraordinary.

The film balances intimate, human yearning with a slow‑burning sci‑fi intrigue, allowing the audience to feel the weight of grief, the pull of heritage, and the subtle tremor of an unseen presence. As Mike navigates his search, the story invites viewers to wonder what lies hidden in the everyday and how the search for one’s origins can become an unexpected gateway to the unknown.

Last Updated: October 27, 2025 at 16:39

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Specimen

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

Specimen Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Specimen, 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.

Specimen Summary

Specimen Timeline

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

Specimen Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Specimen

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Specimen

More About Specimen

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

Similar Movies to Specimen

Discover movies like Specimen 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.