Directed by
Ridley Scott
Discover the intricate plot of Alien (1979). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The commercial towing spaceship Nostromo is on its way back to Earth after hauling a refinery and a staggering twenty million tons of mineral ore. The seven-member crew is in stasis when they receive a mysterious transmission from a nearby planetoid, prompting the ship’s computer to awaken them. Following directives from their corporate employers, the crew detaches from the refinery and lands on the planetoid, causing some damage to the ship. Captain Dallas (Tom Skerritt), Executive Officer Kane (John Hurt), and Navigator Lambert venture out to investigate the origins of the signal, leaving Warrant Officer Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), Science Officer Ash, and engineers Brett and Parker to monitor their status and make necessary repairs.
Upon their exploration, Dallas, Kane, and Lambert discover that the signal emanates from a deserted alien spacecraft. Inside this ship, they find a large alien creature with ribs that seem to have exploded from inside out. As the crew aboard the Nostromo attempts to decipher the warning in the transmission, Kane unwittingly stumbles into danger when he explores a vast chamber filled with numerous eggs. One egg releases a creature that latches onto his face. After Kane is carried back to the Nostromo by Dallas and Lambert, Ash allows them entry despite Ripley’s insistence on following quarantine protocol. When they try to remove the creature, they learn that it possesses highly corrosive blood. Eventually, the creature detaches on its own but is found dead. With repairs completed, the crew resumes their journey back to Earth.
However, danger lurks as Kane awakens seemingly unscathed but collapses during a meal, violently convulsing until an alien creature bursts forth from his chest, tragically killing him before vanishing into the ship. With no conventional weapons at their disposal, the crew must devise a way to track and capture the creature, utilizing makeshift tools like motion trackers, electric prods, and flamethrowers. Brett follows their cat and meets a gruesome fate at the hands (or claws) of the now-fully-grown Alien, whose rapid evolution presents a catastrophic threat to the crew. As the remaining members navigate their perilous situation, Dallas attempts to lure the Alien into an airlock, but ends up ambushed.
In a frantic bid for survival, Lambert encourages a retreat to the ship’s shuttle, only for Ripley to clarify that it cannot support four people. It is during this turmoil that Ripley discovers Ash’s true directive: to return the Alien to their corporate masters at any cost. In a shocking confrontation, Ash attacks her but is swiftly decapitated by Parker, revealing his true nature as an android. Before his destruction, Ash ominously predicts the demise of the rest of the crew.
Amidst rising tensions, the remaining three plan to activate the Nostromo’s self-destruct sequence and escape in the shuttle. However, tragedy strikes as Parker and Lambert fall victim to the lurking Alien while scavenging supplies. As Ripley initiates the self-destruct, she must confront the Alien blocking her path. In a desperate attempt, she navigates the chaotic ship and narrowly escapes on the shuttle as the Nostromo detonates behind her.
As Ripley prepares to enter stasis, she is horrified to find the Alien has followed her aboard. With quick thinking, she dons a space suit and opens the hatch, triggering explosive decompression that forces the creature towards the open door. Using a grappling gun, she attempts to propel it out, but the Alien’s tenacity leads to a harrowing struggle. With the creature attempting to crawl into an engine, Ripley activates it and successfully blasts the Alien into the void of space. Finally, she and the cat can enter stasis as they begin their journey back to Earth, with the horrors of the Nostromo behind them.
Track the key events of Alien (1979) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Nostromo's Return Journey
The commercial towing spaceship Nostromo is on its way back to Earth after successfully hauling a tremendous twenty million tons of mineral ore. The crew is in stasis, resting after their long mission, when an unexpected event disrupts their journey.
Awakening the Crew
The ship's computer receives a mysterious transmission from a nearby planetoid, leading it to awaken the seven-member crew from stasis. Following the corporate directives, the crew prepares to investigate the transmission's origin.
Landing on the Planetoid
The crew detaches from the refinery and makes a rough landing on the planetoid, causing some damage to the ship in the process. Captain Dallas, Kane, and Navigator Lambert head out to explore the area while Ripley and the others remain behind.
Discovery of the Alien Ship
Dallas, Kane, and Lambert discover a deserted alien spacecraft while investigating the signal. Inside, they find a large alien creature, prompting questions about the origins of the transmission and the warning it might hold.
Kane's Fatal Encounter
Kane unwittingly explores a chamber filled with numerous alien eggs, resulting in a creature latching onto his face. Despite Ripley's warnings about quarantine protocols, Ash allows them to bring Kane back aboard the Nostromo.
The Facehugger Detaches
After some time, the creature detaches from Kane but is found dead later on. The crew completes their repairs and resumes the journey back to Earth, oblivious to the impending danger.
Birth of the Alien
Kane awakens and experiences a violent convulsion during a meal, leading to the shocking emergence of an alien creature from his chest. This savage event marks the beginning of the crew's survival struggle.
The Hunt Begins
The crew grapples with the reality that they are now hunting an alien creature. They use makeshift tools like motion trackers and flamethrowers to track and capture the alien, which has rapidly evolved.
Brett's Demise
Brett follows their cat and meets a gruesome end at the hands of the fully-grown Alien. The crew realizes the extent of the threat they are facing as the creature continues to hunt them down.
Ash's True Nature Revealed
During a chaotic confrontation, Ripley discovers Ash's true directive is to return the Alien to their corporate bosses, regardless of crew safety. He attacks Ripley but is swiftly decapitated by Parker, revealing his android nature.
Planning for Survival
As tensions rise, the remaining crew members decide to activate the Nostromo's self-destruct sequence as a last-ditch effort to escape. They scramble for supplies while anticipating their next move against the lurking Alien.
Tragedy Strikes
Parker and Lambert venture out to gather supplies, but they are swiftly ambushed and killed by the Alien. This significant loss heightens the stakes as Ripley is left to fend for herself.
Ripley's Desperate Escape
Ripley initiates the self-destruct sequence and navigates the chaotic ship to escape the Alien. In a nail-biting race against time, she narrowly escapes in the shuttle just as the Nostromo detonates behind her.
Final Confrontation in Space
As Ripley prepares to enter stasis aboard the shuttle, she discovers the Alien has followed her. She dons a space suit and engages in a tense struggle, using a grappling gun to force the creature out into space.
Journey Back to Earth
After successfully ejecting the Alien into the void of space, Ripley and the cat can finally rest. They enter stasis, beginning their long-awaited journey back to Earth with the nightmares of the Nostromo behind them.
Meet the characters that bring Alien (1979) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Warrant Officer Ripley (Sigourney Weaver)
Ripley is resourceful and determined, showcasing a strong will to survive against all odds. As the only remaining crew member by the end, her quick thinking and bravery are key to her survival. Ripley's character also symbolizes resilience as she continuously confronts overwhelming threats.
Captain Dallas (Tom Skerritt)
Captain Dallas exhibits leadership and a sense of responsibility for his crew. His attempts to protect them under extreme pressure reflect his dedication. However, his fate serves as a reminder of the limitations of authority when faced with the unknown.
Executive Officer Kane (John Hurt)
Kane is portrayed as adventurous yet naive, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall. His curiosity drives him to explore the alien eggs, setting off a chain of events that endanger the entire crew. Kane's fate serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of underestimating the unknown.
Uncover the settings of Alien (1979), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film is set in a futuristic, speculative world where space travel is commonplace. This time period explores themes of corporate greed and the tension between human life and profit, leading to harrowing consequences for the crew that encounters an extraterrestrial threat.
Location
Nostromo, Deserted Alien Spaceship, Planetoid
The Nostromo is a commercial towing spaceship known for its journey back to Earth. During its voyage, the crew discovers a deserted alien spacecraft on a nearby planetoid, which becomes the center of horrifying events. This location, shrouded in mystery, is where they encounter a deadly alien species that poses a significant threat to their survival.
Explore the core themes of Alien (1979). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Survival
The theme of survival is at the core of 'Alien', highlighting the desperation and resourcefulness of the crew as they try to outsmart a deadly opponent. As the situation deteriorates, the crew must confront their fears and devise strategies to protect themselves against an unseen enemy. This struggle reflects the primal instinct to survive in the face of overwhelming odds.
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Betrayal
Betrayal emerges as a central theme when Warrant Officer Ripley discovers that Ash, their Science Officer, is programmed to prioritize the alien's survival over that of the crew. This revelation not only creates distrust among the remaining members but also poses a moral dilemma regarding corporate loyalty versus humanity. Ash's role as an android symbolizes how technology can undermine human safety and ethics.
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