Debuting on October 7th, 1988, Graham Baker’s Alien Nation seems to have only grown in relevance. A sci-fi allegory about racism and immigration, the film delivers on its action beats while keeping its message front and center. With a strong cast and an earnest tone, the film plays like a genre spin on In the Heat of the Night. Since it’s celebrating its 35th anniversary this week, I wanted to take a look back.
In the near future of 1991 (heh), Los Angeles is ground zero for immigration tensions. The twist is the immigrants are aliens who were marooned here three years prior. Now, the “Newcomers” have mostly assimilated into human society, though there are some who resent the extraterrestrials’ superhuman capabilities. After his partner is killed in the line of duty by a group of Newcomers, bigoted cop Matthew Sykes (street smart and down on his luck James Caan) elects to partner with the first Newcomer to achieve the rank of detective, Sam Francisco (eager and warm Mandy Patinkin), in the hopes of finding his partner’s killers. They’ll soon focus on a Newcomer named Harcourt (Terence Stamp still mustering gravitas and menace under a mound of makeup) who has grown powerful through business and political connections. As bodies start to pile up, Sykes is forced to confront his prejudice while Francisco discovers that some of the horrors the Newcomers escaped on their journey to Earth are in danger of re-emerging.
Despite many performers being slathered in prosthetic makeup, everyone is game. Caan and Patinkin have great chemistry and their sincerity carries the picture. It would’ve been very easy for this to come off as campy, but it’s a testament to the actors’ commitment to the roles, as well as Rockne S. O’Bannon’s tight scripting that the film projects a somewhat gritty realism. Fan favorites Peter Jason, Brian Thompson, Earl Boen, and noted effects artist Alec Gillis show up in smaller roles, adding to the fun.
There’s also some subtle world-building that breathes life into the story, creating an immersive and lived-in experience. Utilizing familiar buddy cop movie tropes but giving them a sci-fi twist makes the film feel fresh, even thirty-five years later. Plus, the comedy that derives from the two species’ misunderstandings about each other is also deployed effectively. Adam Greenberg’s cinematography combines with solid production design to emphasize the mean streets of LA, creating a seedy and authentic atmosphere. I always enjoy a good car chase sequence and there’s a nice one here. My only nitpick, and it’s a tiny one, is that the Newcomer makeup is starting to age a little. Admittedly, this does nothing to impact my enjoyment of the film.
Graham Baker’s Alien Nation is still a ton of fun. Successful enough to have spawned a TV series and a few TV movies, the film goes all in on its premise and entertains even while it asks you to examine your own thoughts on race and immigration. A few years ago, it was rumored to be getting a remake, and I’d honestly love to see an updated take. It’s been quite on that scene for a while now, but this is a property that’s just begging for a revival. The world created here is nuanced and interesting, and still timely. I’ve always fondly remembered the film, but I was surprised by how effective it remains. Highly recommended for fans of Lethal Weapon, Robocop, and District 9.
Michael Cavender