Ridley Scott’s second feature film, Alien, presents a visually breathtaking sci-fi horror narrative about the fight for survival against the unknown. At its heart is a tale of humanity—or more specifically, women—grappling with an ominous threat. The movie trails the doomed crew of a spaceship as they confront a sinister force that has invaded their craft, culminating in what is perhaps one of cinema’s most grotesque and iconic scenes. Ellen Ripley, portrayed by Sigourney Weaver, increasingly becomes the story’s focal point. As a warrant officer, she joins iconic characters like Sally Hardesty and Laurie Strode in defining the horror genre’s “final girl” archetype.
When viewed independently of its numerous sequels, spinoffs, and the extensive media universe it spawned, Alien remains a monumental triumph in Scott’s distinguished career. Beyond that, it stands as one of the greatest films ever crafted, hands down.