Species (1995)

A group of scientists try to track down and trap a killer alien seductress before she successfully mates with a human.

Director:

Roger Donaldson

Writer:

Dennis Feldman

Stars:

Natasha Henstridge, Michael Madsen, Ben Kingsley

3 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ben Kingsley	...	Xavier Fitch
Michael Madsen	...	Preston Lennox
Alfred Molina	...	Dr. Stephen Arden
Forest Whitaker	...	Dan Smithson
Marg Helgenberger	...	Dr. Laura Baker
Natasha Henstridge	...	Sil
Michelle Williams	...	Young Sil
Jordan Lund	...	Aide
Don Fischer	...	Aide
Scott McKenna	...	Train Hobo
Virginia Morris	...	Mother
Jayne Luke	...	Snack Shop Clerk
David K. Schroeder	...	German Tourist
David Jensen	...	Conductor
Esther Scott	...	Female Conductor

Storyline

In 1993, a search for extraterrestrial life, a transmission's received, detailing an alien DNA structure, along with instructions on how to splice it with human DNA. The result is Sil, a sensual but deadly creature who can change from a beautiful woman to an armor-plated killing machine in the blink of an eye. Government agent Xavier Fitch assembles a team of scientists and mercenaries to locate and destroy Sil before she manages to find a mate and breed.

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Plot Keywords:

interspecies sex | sex with an alien woman | seduction | sexual desire | sexual attraction | 

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Taglines:

Our time is up

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Genres:

Action | Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sci-fi violence, strong sexuality and some language

Did You Know?

Trivia

For the scene in which Sil is "born" from the cocoon, the train set was built upside down. Natasha Henstridge, totally naked and covered in KY Jelly lubricant, was pushed through the cocoon, and the shot was flipped upside down afterwards, to achieve the effect of her falling out.

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Goofs

Despite dealing with emergency services, hospital staff, hotel staff, etc., at no point are Fitch nor any of his team asked what their authority is for requesting information, surveillance tapes, etc., nor do any of them appear to be wearing any kind of ID.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Xavier Fitch: I'm sorry.
Young Sil: [mouthing] I'm sorry.

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Connections

Referenced in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates: All Stitched Up (1997)

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Soundtracks

Keep Hope Alive
Written by Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland
Performed by The Crystal Method (as Crystal Method)
Courtesy of EMI Virgin Songs, Inc.

User Reviews

One of the Best Sci-Fis of the 90's

For thirty years, powerful telescopes have been scanning the space searching from signal of alien civilization. In 1974, the SETI (Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) team sends a message to the space with the human DNA, map of our solar system and other information. In return, they receive two messages: the first one, with a catalyst for methane; the second, a detailed alien DNA together with instructions to join it with human DNA. The result of the experiment is the deadly creature Sil. When Dr. Xavier Fitch (Ben Kingsley), who is leading the research, decides to terminate the experiment, the girl Sil (Michelle Williams) escapes to Los Angeles. Dr. Fitch joins the mercenary Preston Lennox (Michael Madsen); the anthropologist Dr. Stephen Arden (Alfred Molina); the scientist Dr. Laura Baker (Marg Helgenberger); and the empathic Dan Smithson (Forest Whitaker) to chase Sil (Natasha Henstridge). Sooner they discover that the predator Sil has grown-up and became a beautiful woman, trying to copulate to generate an offspring.

"Species" is one of the best sci-fis of the 90's. Full of action, sexy and with a great cast, this film introduces the stunning Natasha Henstridge, one of the most gorgeous and sexy actresses of Hollywood ever. Her debut could not be better, and together with the cult Michael Madsen, they make this pleasant movie work. The story recalls those B-movies from the 50's, but spiced with erotic and very sexy scenes. I have just watched this movie for the fourth time, and I do not get tired to this attractive story. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "A Experiência" ("The Experience")

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 July 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Species

Filming Locations:

Arecibo Observatory, Arecibo, Puerto Rico

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$17,161,943, 9 July 1995

Gross USA:

$60,074,103

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$113,374,103

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby SR DTS (as DTS Stereo)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1