-->
Year: 1984
Runtime: 108 min
Language: English
Director: John Sayles
A mute extraterrestrial refugee crash-lands in Harlem, seeking refuge from his oppressive past. As "The Brother" navigates the urban jungle, his remarkable mechanical skills earn him a job and tentative friendships. But his peaceful existence is disrupted by two relentless pursuers from his home planet, determined to reclaim their fugitive brother and return him to a life of servitude.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen The Brother from Another Planet 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!
A mute space alien crash-lands on Ellis Island after his ship malfunctions. Despite his obvious extraterrestrial nature, which is accentuated by his uniquely three-toed feet, he appears to be a black human man due to his tattered clothing, leading many to mistakenly view him as a homeless individual.
Throughout his journey, his extraterrestrial abilities become evident in various situations. For instance, when he places his hand upon a wall, he hears the echoes of those who once occupied the building, showcasing his empathetic nature. In one notable incident at a local shop, he misunderstands a transaction and starts munching on a head of lettuce and a tomato, both of which highlight his vegetarian diet. Unfortunately, the shopkeeper confronts him in Korean, which prompts him to magically open the cash register and offer her money, ultimately resulting in her alerting the police.
When a police officer pursues him, he effortlessly leaps up to a high ledge, evading capture. This remarkable ability allows him to blend into his surroundings and interact with the eclectic residents of New York City. In a particularly charming encounter, he meets a card trickster on a subway who graciously narrates an amusing tale about face cards, illustrating that some New Yorkers are simply generous-hearted without expecting anything in return.
He finds camaraderie at Odell’s welcoming bar in Harlem. There, with the help of Odell, he secures a home with Randy Sue Carter, a single mother, and her young son. With his knack for healing and repairing things, he impressively fixes an arcade cabinet, boosting its game speed and delighting the bar patrons. This skill leads local resident Sam to offer him a job as a handyman and technician at the video arcade.
As he witnesses the troubling effects of drug use in Harlem, he reveals another extraordinary power: by temporarily detaching one of his eyes, he utilizes it as a video camera, allowing him to pinpoint the source of drug distribution in the neighborhood. This ability aids him in bringing clarity to the dangerous situation surrounding him.
However, trouble looms when two mysterious men in black begin hunting for the mute alien, interrogating those he has befriended in their pursuit to return him to his home planet. The stakes rise dramatically when these men confront the locals in a showdown at Odell’s bar, where the community bands together to protect him from being taken away, standing up for what’s right against external threats.
Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 18:21
The Brother from Another Planet (1984) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Brother from Another Planet (1984) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like The Brother from Another Planet – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Undercover Brother (2002) Movie Recap & Themes
Forbidden Planet (1956) Story Summary & Characters
Brother (2001) Detailed Story Recap
Brother to Brother (2004) Story Summary & Characters
The Black Hole (1979) Full Movie Breakdown
Extraterrestrial (2012) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Men in Black (1997) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
The Arrival (1996) Movie Recap & Themes
The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What Planet Are You From? (2000) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Alien Nation (1988) Film Overview & Timeline
The American Astronaut (2001) Full Summary & Key Details
We Are Not Alone (2023) Full Movie Breakdown
The Cat from Outer Space (1978) Film Overview & Timeline
Morons from Outer Space (1985) Movie Recap & Themes