“In Space No One Can Hear You Scream.”

It’s October again! The time of year when friends gather round to watch scary movies to intentionally give themselves a good fright.

When people think of scary or horror movies, they automatically refer to films like Paranormal Activity, It, Get Out, Halloween, or A Nightmare on Elm Street. These films can range from being well written and produced masterpieces to super cheesy and predictable cult classics, with most end results giving people a good time and a rush of adrenaline. The scary/horror movie genre is so popular that it has branched out into various sub-genres, like slasher, supernatural, zombie, psychological, found-footage, thriller, etc. There’s one sub-genre though that I feel deserves more praise in the horror genre community for its unique combination: science fiction horror. Science fiction horror specifically revolves around scenarios that can involve murderous extraterrestrials, mad scientists, experiments/discoveries gone awry. all of which can happen in outer space or on Earth.

An incredible example of sci-fi horror that perfectly combines the two genres would be Ridley Scott’s critically acclaimed, Alien. This film was not only visually stunning with great performances provided by the cast, but it was also genuinely terrifying, making a long-lasting impact on both science fiction and horror. I was fortunate enough to get the full experience by seeing a screening of it at my favorite movie theater. Watching Alien in a dark room is just as effective as the film takes you on the immersive and terrifying journey with the crew of the Nostromo. A lot of what makes this movie so intensely enjoyable is due to how immersive it is.

The various settings shown throughout the film constantly enforce this and as Alien is a sci-fi horror, the genre elements are reflected and enforced here as well. For elements of science fiction, we see highly advanced technology, gritty yet clean textures, alien technology, space ships, and outer space. On the other hand, for horror elements we feel trapped and claustrophobic when shown the tight, cramped spaces, isolation from the darkness of space, suspense, and the need to survive. Both, combined and balanced perfectly for this film, are so highly detailed and realistic, that we forget that we’re only watching a movie. Darkness and tighter spaces provided anxiety and anticipation while well-lit spaces could make one feel safe and secure.

Another big element that made Alien such a perfect combination of

science fiction and horror was actor’s incredibly convincing performances, especially when it came to interactions with the Xenomorph (alien) in its various stages. Certain reactions from the actors felt, and sometimes were, one hundred percent genuine making it feel like we were experiencing alongside the characters. Any encounter the characters had with the Xenomorph was anxiety inducing with slow pacing to add to the suspense. Their struggle to survive against the every evolving and terrifying Xenomorph was properly conveyed and easily felt. The Xenomorph itself was a perfect mixture of horror and science fiction.

It’s original designs and sketches, done by H.R. Giger, are incredibly unique yet chilling in appearance. How it was brought to life via a highly detailed costume, practical effects, and a talented performer, Bolaji Badejo, was expertly executed, providing a sense of authenticity and convince both actors and audiences alike that that Xenomorph alien existed. Seeing the Xenomorph on the big screen for the first time, for me, was unsettling and frightening, which when matching the reactions of the characters, really enhanced that fear. Convincing and authentic performances provided by all the actors throughout the entirety of Alien provide further proof that this film is the perfect combination of science fiction and horror.

There are so many more reasons as to why Alien is a perfect fusion of horror and science fiction. I highly recommend that if you haven’t seen Alien that you consider watching it to get a full grasp of the various details in the storytelling of the film, even if you are not a big fan of sci-fi or scary movies. It has impacted this subgenre in such a way that Alien is now a long-running and popular franchise that has provided a massive amount of inspiration for other films and filmmakers. Being incredibly well done, Alien provides some essential thrills needed for any Halloween movie marathon.