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, the Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence Project receives a transmission 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 armour-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 | sexual attraction | alien | scientist | train | 

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Taglines:

Men cannot resist her. Mankind may not survive her.

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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

Details

Official Sites:

MGM-UA

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 July 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Especies

Filming Locations:

Arecibo Observatory, Arecibo, Puerto Rico

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

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

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In Species (1995), Sil (Natasha Henstridge) says to John Carey (Whip Hubley) that she wants a baby (to reproduce her alien offspring). Near the end Falling Down (1993) Prendergast (Robert Duvall) says to the Fosters that his idea of paradise was making babies. Andrzej Bartkowiak is the cinematographer for both films.

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Goofs

Despite being able to "shape-shift" to be a blonde-haired woman with a seemingly "perfect" body, the alien still finds it necessary to dye and cut her hair to disguise itself.

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Quotes

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

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Connections

Featured in The Concept: Making 'Species' (2004)

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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

Kind of fun

Some scientists working for the government tamper with a DNA sequence they got from a message from outer space. The subject turns into a little girl with amazing superhuman powers. She escapes and turns into a beautiful woman (Natasha Herstridge) who wants to mate and produce others like her. A team led by a head scientist (Ben Kingsley!) try to track her down.

OK--it's kind of silly but this moves quickly and is well-done. There are many excellent, if gruesome, special effects and the SIL creature at the end is truly astounding. The script is good (considering) and it actually makes sense...if you don't think about it too much.

Acting varies--Kingsley is TERRIBLE in his role. Michael Madsen is pretty good as part of the team as are Marg Helgenberger and (especially) Forest Whitaker. Herstridge is certainly beautiful but can't act--but the role doesn't call for acting.

I'm giving it an 8. It's no classic but it moves quickly and I was never bored.