There’s something about sci-fi films from the 90s that still captures the imagination, especially when they aim to rival the iconic Alien franchise. One such film, Species (1995), may not have had the staying power of the xenomorphs, but it certainly left its mark, combining elements of horror, sci-fi, and thriller in a way that still feels eerily relevant today.
A Nightmarish Creature
Species introduced audiences to Sil, a hybrid creature created from a fusion of human and alien DNA. At first glance, Sil might seem more like a seductive woman than an extraterrestrial being, but appearances can be deceiving. After escaping from a top-secret lab, she disappears into the heart of Los Angeles, her primal instinct to reproduce driving her to seek out victims. As Sil’s rapidly growing offspring threatens humanity, the race is on to track her down before she can multiply.
The film’s blend of erotic thriller and horror-science fiction gives it a unique edge, tapping into the cultural zeitgeist of the 90s when films like Basic Instinct were popular. The plot, while seemingly simple, creates an atmosphere of creeping dread as Sil transforms from a seemingly innocent woman into a terrifying monster.
A Stellar Cast Brings the Story to Life
Directed by Roger Donaldson, Species features an impressive cast: Ben Kingsley, Michael Madsen, Forest Whitaker, Alfred Molina, and Marg Helgenberger all bring their talents to the screen. However, it was Natasha Henstridge who stole the show in her first major film role as Sil. The actress’ portrayal of a being caught between humanity and monstrosity helped elevate the film to a memorable place in the sci-fi horror genre. A young Michelle Williams also appears as teenage Sil, further adding to the film’s intriguing mix of talent.
The film draws clear inspiration from The Fly with its human-like creature undergoing a grotesque transformation into a horrific monster. The influence of Alien is also undeniable, especially in the creature design, thanks to the work of H.R. Giger, the Swiss artist known for his work on the Alien franchise.
A Tormented Artist Behind the Design
The reason Species‘s creature design feels so unsettling is because it was crafted by none other than H.R. Giger, the artist responsible for the iconic and macabre design of the xenomorphs in the Alien saga. Roger Donaldson had admired Giger’s work since discovering his book Necronomicon in 1977, and when the chance came to work with him on Species, he jumped at it. Giger’s twisted vision perfectly suited the film’s chilling atmosphere, helping to make Sil’s evolution from human to monster all the more disturbing.
A Cult Classic with Mixed Reviews
While Species was generally successful at the box office, grossing $113 million worldwide on a $35 million budget, it faced sharp criticism from some critics. Despite this, the film’s atmosphere, its unique fusion of genres, and Henstridge’s performance allowed it to remain a cult classic. Henstridge reprised her role in two sequels, Species II (1998) and Species III (2004), though the later films did not quite recapture the magic of the original. A fourth installment, Species: The Awakening (2007), was released with no connection to the earlier films and without Henstridge.
The ambiance of Species, hovering between thriller, horror, and sci-fi, remains one of its strongest elements. While it didn’t quite match the legendary status of Alien, it’s still a film that holds up in its own right, thanks to Giger’s unsettling design and the compelling performance from Natasha Henstridge.
A Forgotten Gem Worth Revisiting
Despite not achieving the same iconic status as Alien, Species deserves to be remembered for its creepy atmosphere, its bold mix of genres, and its disturbing creature design. It’s a sci-fi classic that still has the ability to unsettle viewers decades later.
If you’re in the mood for a film that straddles the line between sci-fi and horror, with a healthy dose of erotic thriller, Species is definitely worth revisiting. Available on VOD, DVD, and Blu-ray, it’s a film that might just remind you why 90s sci-fi can still send shivers down your spine.
