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Species
1995 108 min United States of America R 18+
★5.6
Science Fiction, Horror, Action
Director: Roger Donaldson
Trailers
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Description
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.
Budget:
$35M
US Gross:
$60.07M
Worldwide:
$113.4M
Starring
Natasha Henstridge
Actor
Michael Madsen
Actor
Ben Kingsley
Actor
Awards
MTV Movie & TV Awards 1996
— Best Kiss
Saturn Awards 1996
— Best Science Fiction Film
MTV Movie & TV Awards 1996
— Breakthrough of the Year
Saturn Awards 1996
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Saturn Awards 1996
— Best Visual Effects
Key opinion
Species is a polarizing sci-fi horror thriller that blends creature-feature tropes with eroticism and feminist undertones. While viewers generally praise Natasha Henstridge’s breakout performance and H.R. Giger’s iconic monster design, the film is frequently criticized for its uneven script and weak character development.
| Acting | Natasha Henstridge anchors the film with a compelling, sensually predatory performance that effectively embodies the alien's relentless drive. | |
| Production | The creature design by H.R. Giger is widely recognized as a visually striking and significant contribution to the film's aesthetic. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is viewed as thin and illogical, relying on inconsistent character motivations and a predictable, trope-heavy narrative structure. | |
| Production | The visual effects are divisive; practical work and gore are often praised for their visceral impact, while the climactic CGI creature design is frequently dismissed as poorly rendered and dated. | |
| Acting | Opinions on the cast are polarized; some reviewers feel the high-profile actors are wasted in underdeveloped, one-dimensional roles, while others believe their performances successfully elevate the pulp material. |