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Distant Worlds, Strange Lives... 👩🏻‍🚀🚀📡👽

Writer's picture: Beto SporkensBeto Sporkens

Since ancient times, humanity has looked to the sky and thought about the possibilities of life out there. Take a trip with us through a retrospective of films and series that have brilliantly explored the theme of distant worlds inhabited by strange life.


From the youngest to the oldest, from the enigmas of "Planet of the Vultures" to the iconic odyssey of "2001", each work represents an interesting chapter in the exploration of this (still) unknown Universe, through the world of narrative entertainment.

Enjoy your trip!


SCAVENGERS REIGN - 2023

One of the best surprises of 2023, Planet of the Vultures, an animated series from HBO Max, dives into an engaging, creatively realistic and visually striking science fiction plot.


The crew of the space freighter Demeter finds themselves in trouble after a solar flare throws them onto an alien planet: Vesta.

Directors Joseph “Joe” Bennett and Charles Huettner had the rare opportunity to develop their bizarre and sensational ideas used in a 2016 short into the form of a series with Scavengers Reign.


Survival is the key: Amidst a lush world full of unknown and treacherous life forms, the characters fight for survival. Bizarre creatures, unexpected dangers and intriguing mysteries test the resilience and ingenuity of the team.


A Visual Journey: The series stands out for its unique aesthetic and mesmerizing narrative. The animation combines different styles, creating a unique and immersive visual universe. The beauty of the planet Vesta contrasts with the dangers it hides, intensifying the atmosphere of suspense.


FIRED ON MARS - 2021

Another excellent HBO (now Max) animation, Fired on Mars is an adult animated series that follows the journey of Jeff Cooper, a graphic designer who, after being fired from his job in a space colony, finds himself stranded on Mars. The series explores themes such as alienation, work, interpersonal relationships and the meaning of life in a surreal and comical context.


With dark humor and eccentric characters, Fired on Mars satirizes corporate culture and the expectations of modern society. The series also raises questions about the search for meaning in an increasingly automated and impersonal world.


Intelligent and original humor, captivating and well-developed characters, insightful social criticism and high-quality animation are what you can expect from this unknown and ironic series.

LIFE - 2017


In "Life," six astronauts on the International Space Station are thrilled with the discovery of a living cell on Martian soil, the first evidence of extraterrestrial life. Their euphoria soon turns to terror when the alien creature, named Calvin, grows at an accelerated rate and demonstrates intelligence and ferocity. The crew finds themselves in a fight for survival as they try to contain the alien threat and protect Earth from a potential invasion.


The film combines suspense, science fiction and horror, with highlights for the visual effects and performances by Jake Gyllenhaal, Rebecca Ferguson and Ryan Reynolds. Despite some criticism of the script, "Life" is a thought-provoking entertainment that explores the fear of the unknown and the implications of discovering extraterrestrial life.


And YES, you've already seen a very similar story in a classic of the genre, which we'll cover later. But the direction, cast and script are good enough to hold your attention until the end, without embarrassing yourself.


LOST IN SPACE (2019)


Lost in Space, the Netflix series, is a new version of an absolute television classic from the 60s that follows the Robinson family on an epic journey for survival on an alien planet. In 1998, there was even another new version, considered unsuccessful by critics and audiences.


The plot begins when an attack on the spaceship Resolute forces them to make a forced landing on an unknown world.


Fighting against dangers and mysteries, the Robinsons unite to find a way back home. The series combines family drama with science fiction, exploring themes typical of young adult plots, such as hope, resilience and the power of family unity.


The production, worthy of big blockbusters, guarantees a good show, both for kids who don't know the original series and for nostalgic adults who enjoyed Irwin Allen's acclaimed series, made in the 60s.


AVATAR (2009)


Released in 2009, Avatar became a landmark in the history of cinema, breaking box office records and revolutionizing visual effects. The story is set on Pandora, a lush planet inhabited by the Na'vi, blue humanoid beings with a deep connection to nature. The protagonist,

Jake Sully, a paraplegic ex-Marine, is given the chance to live on Pandora through an avatar, a genetically modified Na'vi body. As he integrates into Na'vi culture, Jake falls in love with Neytiri and finds himself in a conflict between humans and Na'vi over the exploitation of the planet's resources.

The revolutionary 3D technology and the creation of Pandora as a vibrant and detailed world transported audiences into an epic narrative of adventure, romance and conflict that explores themes such as colonialism, environmentalism and connection to nature. It was one of the most expensive films of its time and spawned an equally expensive, much less successful sequel in 2022.


STARSHIP TROOPERS - 1997

Starship Troopers, directed by Paul Verhoven, is a 1997 science fiction film that satirizes militarism, fascism, and propaganda. The story follows Johnny Rico, a young man who joins the Federation Mobile Infantry to fight against an alien spider-like race known as the Arachnids.


The film is a fierce critique of militaristic culture and the glorification of war. Verhoven uses dark humor, graphic violence, and cartoonish characters to expose the absurdities and dangers of Fascism.


The constant propaganda, the cult of personality, and the dehumanization of the enemy are some of the elements satirized in the film.


The brutal and graphic violence of Starship Troopers is an essential element of satire. Verhoven uses violence to shock the audience and make them question the glorification of war present in other science fiction works.


Starship Troopers was not a critical or commercial success when it was released, but it has become a cult classic over the years. The film is appreciated for its dark humor, clever satire, and innovative visual effects.


INIMY MINE - 1985

In the distant future, Earth is at war with the Draconians, a reptilian alien race. During a space battle, human pilot Willis Davidge (Dennis Quaid) and Draconian Jeriba Shigan (Louis Gossett Jr.) are forced to crash land on a hostile planet. Initially hostile, the two gradually develop respect and friendship as they struggle to survive and find a way back home.

The film explores themes such as overcoming prejudice, the importance of communication, and the need for cooperation for the common good. The story is a powerful parable about friendship and tolerance, transcending differences of race and culture. German director Wolfgang Petresen, of the children's classic "The Neverending Story," and strong performances by Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett Jr. (as the alien pilot) and a memorable score by Maurice Jarre, helped this film become a cult favorite, despite its commercial failure.


 ALIEN (1979)

A classic of science fiction and horror, "Alien" (1979) marked Ridley Scott's directorial debut and the consecration of Sigourney Weaver as the heroine Ellen Ripley.


The film combines elements of suspense, horror and action to create a unique and memorable cinematic experience, which gave rise to a universe with several films.


The plot follows the crew of the spaceship Nostromo, who, while investigating a warning signal on an alien planet, end up being infected by a deadly creature. From then on, the crew members find themselves in a fight for survival against a hostile and relentless being. "Alien" is a remarkable film that influenced several subsequent productions in the science fiction and horror genre, standing out for its impeccable direction, memorable performances, innovative visual effects and intriguing themes. It is a must-see for any fan of the genre and for those who appreciate quality cinema.


 2001 - A SPACE ODISSEY (1968)

Considered by many critics to be the greatest film of all time, "2001: A Space Odyssey" is a cinematic masterpiece by Stanley Kubrick that transcends the limits of science fiction. More than a film about spaceships and aliens, it is an epic and existential journey that explores human evolution, the universe and the meaning of life.


"2001" addresses complex themes such as the evolution of humanity, artificial intelligence, contact with the unknown and its relationship with the origin and use of intelligence. The film does not offer definitive answers, but rather invites the viewer to reflect on these questions.


The film uses symbolism and allegory to tell its complex macro-narrative. The black monolith, for example, represents an unfathomable enigma that defies human understanding. The slow opening sequence, with the fusion between the bone and the spaceship orbiting the Earth, is iconic and memorable.


Stanley Kubrick demonstrates his cinematic mastery in every scene. The precise direction, impeccable cinematography and meticulous editing contribute to its unique atmosphere, as well as the innovative visual effects for the time that are still impressive today.


"2001" is a film that challenges and rewards the viewer. Its visual beauty, memorable soundtrack, profound themes and rich symbolism make it a timeless masterpiece that continues to generate debate and reflection.


Conspicuously absent: Star Wars and Star Trek


Conspicuous by their absence from this list are the iconic “Star Wars” and “Star Trek” sagas. While these franchises are foundational to science fiction, we chose to focus on narratives more centered on exploration and colonization, leaving aside the “space operas” which, while extraordinary, have a distinct narrative focus.











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