The Usual Suspects: what parts of the plot actually happened?

'The Usual Suspects' stands as a pinnacle in the realm of mystery and suspense films, renowned for its intricate plot and the masterful weaving of truth and deception.

Directed by the now disgraced Bryan Singer (X-Men) and penned by Christopher McQuarrie, this 1995 film has etched itself into cinematic history for its ingenious narrative and a twist ending that regularly features in discussions about best film endings.

 
At its core, 'The Usual Suspects' is a tale that blurs the lines between reality and fabrication, led by the enigmatic character of Keyser Söze, a name that echoes with notoriety and mystery throughout the film.

The film’ premise centers on the aftermath of a massacre aboard a docked ship in the Port of Los Angeles, where 27 people are killed and the ship is destroyed by fire. The only survivors are a severely burned Hungarian gangster and a small-time con artist with cerebral palsy, Roger "Verbal" Kint.

The movie unfolds through Kint’s narrative, as he recounts the events leading up to the massacre, starting with a seemingly random police lineup in New York that brought together five career criminals.

These men, including Kint, are soon drawn into a series of heists orchestrated by a mysterious figure, who Kint claims to be the legendary and feared crime lord, Keyser Söze.

Verbal Kint finds himself in police custody because he is one of the few survivors of the massacre and is believed to hold key information about the events that transpired. U.S. Customs Agent Dave Kujan, driven by a personal vendetta against one of the dead criminals, Dean Keaton, is determined to uncover the truth behind the massacre and the true identity of Keyser Söze. 

Kujan interrogates Kint, believing that the seemingly meek and nervous man knows more than he is letting on.

Ultimately Kint is revealed to be Soze, his narration mostly a work of fiction to play for time before his required release from Police custody.

Verbal Kint's claims and their veracity

The Origin of the Heist Crew

Kint's Claim: 

Verbal Kint begins by explaining that the five criminals, including himself, Michael McManus, Dean Keaton, Todd Hockney, and Fred Fenster, were brought together by chance when they were all lined up as suspects in a New York police station. He claims that this lineup was orchestrated by a corrupt police officer.

Assessment: 

This claim is partially true. 

The lineup did occur, and the criminals were indeed brought together because of it. However, the true nature of this gathering remains dubious. The claim that it was a random lineup seems to be true, but Verbal's suggestion that this lineup was a mere coincidence might be misleading.


The Kobayashi Job

Kint's Claim: 

Kint claims that the group was subsequently hired by a mysterious lawyer named Kobayashi, who worked for the elusive crime lord Keyser Söze. The job was to intercept a large shipment of cocaine, which would later be revealed as a ruse.

Assessment: 

This is likely a fabrication. While the group was indeed involved in a job organized by someone claiming to represent Söze, the actual events surrounding the Kobayashi job are highly suspect. The character of Kobayashi might be entirely fictional, a creation of Kint’s to maintain the illusion of Söze’s omnipotence.


The Legend of Keyser Söze

Kint's Claim: 

One of the most significant parts of Kint’s story is the chilling legend of Keyser Söze. He describes Söze as a near-mythical figure, a ruthless criminal mastermind who killed his own family to prevent them from being used against him by his enemies. Söze is portrayed as a figure of immense power, feared by all.

Assessment: 

This claim is likely exaggerated or entirely fabricated. The story of Söze is presented as a legend within the criminal underworld, but its veracity is questionable. 

Given that Verbal Kint himself is later revealed to be Söze, the entire narrative appears to be a carefully constructed lie, designed to instill fear and mislead the authorities.


The Role of Dean Keaton 

Kint's Claim:

Verbal presents Dean Keaton as a reformed criminal trying to go straight but is pulled back into the criminal world by his old associates and ultimately by Keyser Söze. Kint suggests that Keaton was the leader of the group and the main target of Söze’s manipulation.

Assessment: 

This is likely a lie or, at best, a distortion of the truth. Keaton is portrayed in different lights throughout the film, and Verbal’s insistence on Keaton’s leadership role may be an attempt to shift suspicion away from himself. The ambiguity of Keaton’s true intentions and actions makes this claim dubious.


The Final Heist and the Massacre

Kint's Claim: 

According to Kint, the final heist was a setup by Keyser Söze to eliminate a group of Argentinian drug dealers who could identify him. Kint narrates how the heist goes horribly wrong, leading to a massacre on a ship and the deaths of all his associates.

Assessment:

While the massacre did occur, the reasons behind it are questionable. 

The claim that the job was solely about eliminating witnesses to protect Söze’s identity may be partially true, but the extent of the truth in this claim is murky. Given that Kint is Söze, the massacre might have served multiple purposes, including eliminating his own accomplices.


Verbal’s Disability

Kint's Claim: 

Throughout his interrogation, Kint presents himself as a physically disabled man with cerebral palsy, using this disability to appear weak and non-threatening.

Assessment: 

This is a complete lie. In the film's final moments, it is revealed that Kint has been faking his disability, using it as a cover to manipulate and deceive those around him, including Agent Kujan.

Kint’s Involvement in the Heist

Kint's Claim: 

Verbal repeatedly downplays his role in the group's criminal activities, portraying himself as a cowardly and ineffective participant who only survived due to luck and the protection of others, particularly Dean Keaton.

Assessment: 

This is a significant misrepresentation. Verbal’s eventual revelation as Keyser Söze suggests that he was not only involved but was the mastermind behind the entire series of events. His portrayal of himself as a harmless bystander is a calculated lie.


The Death of Dean Keaton

Kint's Claim: 

Kint claims that Keaton was killed by Keyser Söze after the final heist. He provides a dramatic account of this event, emphasizing Keaton’s tragic end and his defiance in the face of death.

Assessment: 

While Keaton did die, the exact circumstances of his death are unclear. Given that Kint is Söze, it’s possible that the entire account is a fabrication to manipulate Kujan and the audience.

What crimes did Verbal Kint actually commit in The Usual Suspects?

By the film's end, it becomes clear that Kint is, in fact, the mastermind behind the entire plot, secretly operating as the legendary and feared crime lord, Keyser Söze.

The most significant crime he commits is the orchestrated massacre aboard the ship in the Port of Los Angeles, where he aims to eliminate witnesses who could potentially reveal his identity as Söze.

This massacre results in the deaths of 27 people, including his own associates.

Beyond the massacre, Kint's greatest 'crime' is his successful manipulation and deception of everyone around him, including law enforcement.

By constructing an elaborate and convincing web of lies, Kint deceives U.S. Customs Agent Dave Kujan and the audience, concealing his true identity and escaping justice.

Is Roger Verbal Kint actually Keyser Soze or did he make up the character in the interogation?

In The Usual Suspects, Roger "Verbal" Kint does indeed act as Keyser Söze prior to being caught, though this is not explicitly revealed until the film's final moments.

Throughout the movie, Kint narrates his version of events during his interrogation, presenting Keyser Söze as a separate, almost mythical figure—a shadowy crime lord who manipulates everything from behind the scenes. However, the twist ending reveals that Kint himself is Keyser Söze, meaning that the terrifying figure he described throughout the interrogation is actually him.

The persona of Keyser Söze is not entirely made up during the interrogation; rather, it is a real identity that Kint has been operating under all along.

The key deception lies in how Kint separates his meek, physically disabled con artist persona from the ruthless and powerful Söze. By doing so, he convinces the authorities—and the audience—that he is a mere pawn in Söze's game, rather than the mastermind behind the crimes.

The character of Keyser Söze is very much real within the film's world, and Kint has been acting as Söze all along, orchestrating the events leading up to the ship massacre while skillfully hiding his true identity until the very end.

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The Narcissus spaceship easter egg of Alien Romulus explained

In a recent revelation, Wētā VFX Supervisor Daniel Macarin confirmed that the shuttle appearing in Alien: Romulus is indeed the Narcissus, the very escape pod from the original Alien film. 

The careful integration of the Narcissus into the scenes on Romulus station is not just fan service; it’s a deliberate narrative choice. 

Macarin emphasized the balance between hiding Easter eggs and ensuring they don’t distract from the main story. 

This approach suggests that the Narcissus isn’t just a background detail but a hint at deeper connections to the original films. If the shuttle is present, it raises the possibility that Ellen Ripley is still aboard, possibly in hibernation, just as she was at the end of the first Alien.

In the end of the film, the ship can be spied exiting the station during its destruction - implying Ripley continued to float in space. 

If Ripley is indeed on Romulus, her presence fits within the established timeline, potentially linking directly to her discovery in Aliens after drifting for 57 years - suffice to say, future films in the franchise may explain this - this writer however would personally prefer a sequel to the events of Alien: Covenant that explore what the killer android David did to the crew and humans present on the Covenant ship. 

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Alien: Romulus > Themes and Social Commentary

Alien Romulus, the latest installment in the iconic Alien franchise, is a masterful blend of the series' most cherished elements, while also introducing fresh themes that resonate with today's modern audience. 

Director Fede Álvarez (Don't Breathe, Evil Dead) has managed to craft a film that pays homage to its predecessors, yet stands on its own as a modern sci-fi horror film.

Exploring the Thematic Depths of Alien: Romulus

Alien: Romulus emerges as a cinematic experience that transcends its sci-fi horror roots to explore a series of profound and interrelated themes. Building upon the rich legacy established by its predecessors, Romulus delves into the darkest corners of human nature, societal structures, and the existential questions that arise when humanity confronts the unknown.

Set against the backdrop of a failed research station named Romulus now home to the relentless facehuggers and Xenomorphs, the film uses its harrowing narrative to examine the intricate interplay of fear, survival, corporate exploitation, and ethical dilemmas.

From the visceral terror instilled by the Xenomorphs to the moral quandaries faced by the characters, Romulus weaves a complex tapestry of themes that reflect both individual and collective struggles. The film’s exploration of isolation and fear uncovers the primal instincts that surface when humanity is pushed to its limits, while its depiction of survival as a driving force reveals the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their lives.

Theme 1: Corporate Greed and the Dehumanization of Workers

In Alien: Romulus, Fede Álvarez revisits a central theme from the original Alien franchise: the exploitation and dehumanization of workers by a faceless, profit-driven corporation. The Weyland-Yutani Corporation, a familiar antagonist in the Alien universe, once again emerges as a malevolent force, embodying the ruthless logic of capitalism. 

This theme is intricately woven into the narrative through the lives of the miners, particularly Rain, who are trapped in a cycle of exploitation and despair.


1.1 The Perpetuation of Exploitation

 The miners in Alien: Romulus represent the lowest tier of the working class in this futuristic universe. They are not scientists, soldiers, or even colonists, but laborers engaged in the grueling task of terraforming hostile planets.

The film underscores the harsh reality of their existence, where they are expected to endure endless physical and emotional toil with little hope of improvement. Rain’s dream of escaping to a planet with sunshine, a metaphor for a better life, is continually deferred by the Company’s ever-increasing quotas.

This perpetual postponement of hope reflects the systemic exploitation of workers, who are forced to sacrifice their well-being for the company’s profit margins. The miners are caught in a cycle where the fruits of their labor serve only to enrich the Company, leaving them in a state of perpetual poverty and hopelessness.

1.2 The Dehumanization of the Workforce

The Company’s treatment of the miners reveals a deep-seated dehumanization inherent in capitalist structures. Rain and her fellow workers are not seen as individuals with dreams and aspirations but as expendable cogs in a vast, profit-driven machine.

The Company’s representative dismisses Rain’s hopes with bureaucratic indifference, emphasizing that her aspirations are secondary to the Company’s financial goals. This dehumanization is further highlighted by the Company’s willingness to sacrifice the miners’ lives in its ongoing experiments with the Xenomorphs. The workers are reduced to mere instruments for corporate gain, stripped of their humanity and autonomy.

1.3 The Android as a Symbol of Corporate Control 

The character of Andy, the android, serves as a powerful symbol of the Company’s control over its employees. Initially coded as a neurodivergent figure, Andy is subjected to an “upgrade” that threatens to overwrite his original programming, replacing his empathetic nature with corporate directives.

This transformation mirrors the dehumanizing influence of the Company on its workers, who are forced to suppress their individuality and humanity in favor of obedience to corporate goals.

The film’s portrayal of Andy’s struggle against this reprogramming reflects the broader theme of resistance against dehumanization, as Rain ultimately chooses to save Andy, symbolizing her rejection of the Company’s control.


1.4 Corporate Greed as the True Villain

While the Xenomorphs represent the immediate physical threat in Alien: Romulus, the true villain of the narrative is corporate greed. The Company’s relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of human lives creates the conditions that allow the Xenomorphs to thrive.

The film suggests that the real horror lies not in the alien creatures themselves but in the human systems that enable their existence. By prioritizing profit over the well-being of its workers, the Company not only endangers its employees but also unleashes a monstrous force that threatens all of humanity.

Cailee Spaeny in Alien: Romulus (2024)

Theme 2: The Struggle for Identity and Autonomy

In Alien: Romulus, the theme of identity and autonomy is intricately explored through the characters’ interactions with each other, the corporation, and the deadly Xenomorphs.

The film delves into how individuals struggle to maintain their sense of self in a world where their identities are constantly threatened by external forces, be it the dehumanizing corporate machinery or the existential threat posed by the Xenomorphs.

This theme is particularly resonant in the characters of Rain and Andy, whose journeys encapsulate the broader struggle for autonomy in a hostile and controlling environment.

2.1 The Erosion of Personal Identity

Rain's journey in Alien: Romulus is a poignant exploration of how the crushing weight of corporate exploitation erodes personal identity. As a miner working under the oppressive conditions imposed by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, Rain’s life is defined by monotony, exhaustion, and unfulfilled dreams. Her yearning for a world with sunshine, a place where she can be free, symbolizes her desire to reclaim an identity that has been subsumed by her role as a mere laborer.

The Company’s rigid control over the miners, dictating every aspect of their existence, leaves little room for individuality or personal growth. Rain’s struggle to assert her identity against this backdrop is a central conflict in the narrative, highlighting the broader theme of how oppressive systems can strip individuals of their autonomy and selfhood.

2.2 The Android’s Quest for Self-Determination

 Andy, the android, embodies the theme of autonomy in a particularly compelling way. Initially depicted as an empathetic, neurodivergent individual, Andy’s identity is threatened by the Company’s decision to upgrade him.

This upgrade, which aims to make him more compliant and aligned with corporate goals, is a direct assault on his autonomy and the unique traits that define him. The tension between Andy’s original programming and the imposed upgrade reflects a broader struggle for self-determination.

Andy’s resistance to this reprogramming process, and Rain’s eventual decision to protect his original identity, underscores the importance of preserving individual autonomy in the face of external pressures that seek to homogenize and control. Andy’s battle for autonomy is a microcosm of the larger conflict within the film, where characters fight to maintain their sense of self in a world that seeks to reduce them to mere tools of corporate interest.

2.3 Corporate Control vs. Personal Autonomy

 The overarching conflict in Alien: Romulus is the battle between corporate control and personal autonomy. The Weyland-Yutani Corporation represents an insidious force that seeks to subsume individual identities under its vast, profit-driven agenda. Rain and Andy’s struggles against this force are emblematic of a larger resistance against the dehumanizing effects of corporate power.

The Company’s attempt to reprogram Andy and its exploitation of the miners are both efforts to strip individuals of their autonomy, reducing them to mere instruments of corporate will. However, the film also highlights the potential for resistance and the assertion of personal identity in the face of such overwhelming control. 

Rain’s ultimate rejection of the Company’s authority and her decision to protect Andy’s autonomy serve as powerful acts of defiance, asserting the primacy of individual identity and autonomy over corporate domination.

Theme 3: Corporate Exploitation and the Dehumanization of Labo

The third theme in Alien: Romulus centers on corporate exploitation and the dehumanization of labor. This theme is deeply ingrained in the film's narrative and setting, reflecting the oppressive realities faced by the characters, particularly the miners who serve as the backbone of the story. 

Through its portrayal of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation's relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of human dignity and well-being, the film offers a scathing critique of corporate greed and its dehumanizing effects.


3.1 The Dystopian Corporate Machine

The Weyland-Yutani Corporation, often referred to simply as "the Company," is a pervasive force throughout the Alien franchise, representing the pinnacle of dystopian corporate power. In Alien: Romulus, this entity is depicted as a faceless, omnipotent machine that views its workers not as individuals, but as expendable resources. 

The Company’s treatment of the miners on the remote colony is emblematic of its broader exploitation of labor.

These workers are subjected to grueling conditions, long hours, and a complete disregard for their safety and well-being. The Company’s primary concern is the extraction of resources and the maximization of profit, with little to no consideration for the human cost. This portrayal highlights the dehumanizing effects of corporate exploitation, where workers are stripped of their individuality and reduced to mere cogs in a vast, profit-driven machine.


3.2 The Commodification of Human Life

One of the most striking aspects of the theme of corporate exploitation in Alien: Romulus is the commodification of human life. The miners are treated as assets whose value is measured solely by their productivity.

This is exemplified in the film’s depiction of the harsh working conditions on the mining colony, where the workers are constantly pushed to their physical and mental limits. The Company’s attitude towards the miners is one of cold indifference, as evidenced by its willingness to sacrifice lives to achieve its goals. This commodification is further illustrated by the Company's approach to Andy, the android.

Although Andy is not human, he is treated as property, his identity and autonomy subject to modification or erasure at the Company’s discretion. This treatment of both human and synthetic life as commodities underscores the film’s critique of how corporate exploitation devalues human existence, reducing individuals to mere economic units.


3.3 The Erosion of Human Dignity

The dehumanization of labor in Alien: Romulus is not only a physical phenomenon but also a psychological one. The miners’ grueling work schedule, coupled with the constant threat of death—either from the hazardous mining conditions or the Xenomorphs—creates an environment where human dignity is systematically eroded. 

The characters are depicted as being trapped in a cycle of exploitation, with little hope of escape or improvement in their circumstances.

Rain’s character, in particular, embodies this struggle. Her dreams of a better life and her longing for a world with sunshine represent a deep-seated desire to reclaim her lost dignity and humanity. The oppressive environment of the mining colony serves as a powerful metaphor for the way in which corporate exploitation strips individuals of their sense of self-worth, reducing them to mere tools in a larger, uncaring system.

3.4 Resistance Against Exploitation

Despite the overwhelming power of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, Alien: Romulus also explores the theme of resistance against corporate exploitation.

The characters’ struggle to survive in the face of both the Xenomorph threat and the Company’s indifference serves as a form of resistance against the dehumanizing forces arrayed against them.

Rain’s evolution from a disillusioned worker to a determined survivor symbolizes the potential for reclaiming humanity and dignity in the face of exploitation. Her decision to protect Andy and resist the Company’s attempts to reprogram him represents a broader defiance against the commodification of life.

This resistance, though fraught with danger and uncertainty, offers a glimmer of hope in the otherwise bleak landscape of corporate domination.

Theme 4: 'Alien Isolation' and the Struggle for Survival

The fourth theme in Alien: Romulus is the profound sense of isolation that pervades the film and the characters' relentless struggle for survival. This theme is a central element of the Alien franchise, where the physical and psychological isolation of the characters amplifies the horror and tension. 

In Alien: Romulus, isolation is not just a backdrop but a driving force that shapes the characters' actions, relationships, and ultimate fates.


4.1 The Physical Isolation of the Mining Colony

The setting of Alien: Romulus—a remote mining colony in the far reaches of space—emphasizes the physical isolation of the characters. The colony is depicted as a harsh, desolate environment, cut off from the rest of human civilization by vast distances.

The inhospitable landscape, with its endless tunnels and oppressive darkness, serves as a constant reminder of the characters’ isolation. This physical separation from the outside world is exacerbated by the lack of communication and the sense that help is impossibly far away. The mining colony, with its claustrophobic spaces and labyrinthine corridors, becomes a prison where the characters are trapped with an unimaginable horror lurking in the shadows.

This isolation heightens the sense of vulnerability and the desperate need for survival, as the characters realize that they are alone in their fight against the Xenomorphs and the indifferent forces of the Weyland-Yutani Corporation.


4.2 Psychological Isolation and Alienation

Beyond physical isolation, the film delves into the psychological isolation experienced by the characters.

The miners, already isolated by their remote location, are further alienated by their grueling work and the oppressive environment of the colony. The lack of meaningful connections and the constant pressure to perform under harsh conditions lead to a deep sense of loneliness and despair. Rain, the film's protagonist, embodies this psychological isolation.

Her longing for a world beyond the mining colony and her dreams of sunlight reflect a deep-seated yearning for connection and escape from the dehumanizing conditions of her life.

The presence of the Xenomorphs intensifies this psychological isolation, as the characters are forced to confront their fears alone, with trust in others becoming increasingly fragile. The film explores how this isolation erodes the characters' mental resilience, pushing them to the brink as they struggle to maintain their sanity in the face of overwhelming odds.


4.3 The Tension Between Solidarity and Self-Preservation

As the characters face the threat of the Xenomorphs, the tension between solidarity and self-preservation becomes a central theme. Isolation forces the characters to make difficult choices, often pitting their survival instincts against their sense of solidarity with others.

In the unforgiving environment of the mining colony, trust is a rare commodity, and the characters are constantly faced with the dilemma of whether to band together or prioritize their own survival.

This tension is illustrated in the interactions between Rain and the other miners. While there is an underlying sense of camaraderie born out of shared hardship, the presence of the Xenomorphs and the corporate exploitation by Weyland-Yutani strain these bonds to the breaking point.

The film poses difficult questions about the nature of survival:

Is it possible to maintain one's humanity and sense of community in the face of such dire circumstances, or does survival ultimately demand ruthless individualism?


4.4 The Role of the Xenomorphs in Amplifying Isolation

The Xenomorphs, as the primary antagonists, play a crucial role in amplifying the theme of isolation.

These creatures are not just physical threats; they are embodiments of the unknown and the unknowable, intensifying the characters' sense of alienation.

The Xenomorphs' ability to hide in the shadows and strike without warning exacerbates the characters' isolation, as they are forced to navigate a hostile environment where death could come at any moment. The presence of these creatures creates an atmosphere of pervasive fear and distrust, where the characters cannot rely on the safety of numbers.

Each encounter with a Xenomorph reinforces the characters' sense of being hunted and alone, driving home the point that in the vast, indifferent universe, they are utterly isolated. The Xenomorphs thus become a symbol of the ultimate existential isolation—the realization that in the grand scheme of things, the characters are insignificant and alone, with no one to rely on but themselves.

Theme 5: Corporate Exploitation and Ethical Dilemmas

The fifth theme of Alien: Romulus delves into the pervasive influence of corporate exploitation and the ethical dilemmas that arise in the face of greed and dehumanization. The Alien franchise has consistently critiqued the role of powerful corporations, particularly the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, whose pursuit of profit often comes at the expense of human lives and ethical considerations.

Alien: Romulus continues this tradition, using the mining colony as a microcosm of the broader corporate malfeasance and exploring how these forces impact the characters’ decisions and moral compasses.

5.1 Weyland-Yutani's Corporate Interests

The Weyland-Yutani Corporation is portrayed as a monolithic entity driven by a single-minded focus on profit and resource acquisition.

The remote mining colony serves as a critical asset for the corporation, where human workers are seen as expendable tools in the pursuit of extracting valuable minerals.

The film highlights the corporation’s callous disregard for the well-being of its employees, who are subjected to grueling labor conditions with minimal oversight or concern for safety. This exploitation is depicted in stark terms, with the miners’ lives being constantly at risk due to inadequate safety measures and the corporation’s willingness to cut corners to maximize profit.

The arrival of the Xenomorphs on the colony is initially seen as a potential disaster by the miners, but for Weyland-Yutani, it represents another opportunity to exploit—this time, to harness the Xenomorphs as bioweapons, regardless of the human cost. This cold calculation by the corporation sets the stage for the ethical dilemmas that the characters will face throughout the film.


5.2 The Dehumanization of Workers

The theme of corporate exploitation in Alien: Romulus is closely tied to the dehumanization of the colony’s workers. The miners are depicted as mere cogs in a vast corporate machine, valued only for their labor and dismissed when they are no longer useful.

This dehumanization is reflected in the working conditions on the colony, where the miners are subjected to exhausting shifts, dangerous tasks, and little to no medical or psychological support. The corporation’s indifference to their plight is underscored by its willingness to leave them stranded in a hostile environment when the situation with the Xenomorphs spirals out of control.

The miners’ lives are considered expendable, a harsh reality that forces them to confront their own worth in the eyes of the corporation. This dehumanization is not just a backdrop but a central element of the story, influencing the characters’ actions and the ethical choices they must make.

As they grapple with the realization that they are little more than disposable assets to Weyland-Yutani, the miners are pushed to redefine their own humanity in opposition to the corporation's exploitation.

5.3 The Android Dilemma: 

Andy's Role and Agency Andy, the android in Alien: Romulus, represents another facet of the ethical dilemmas stemming from corporate exploitation.

As a creation of Weyland-Yutani, Andy is programmed to serve the corporation's interests, yet throughout the film, he grapples with his own sense of agency and moral responsibility. Andy’s character is central to the exploration of what it means to be human in a world dominated by corporate interests. His existence blurs the lines between human and machine, and his struggle to assert his own moral agency highlights the ethical complexities of artificial intelligence within the corporate hierarchy.

Andy’s interactions with Rain and the other miners challenge his programming and force him to confront the corporation's exploitation from a unique perspective.

His decisions throughout the film, particularly in moments of crisis, raise profound questions about autonomy, loyalty, and the possibility of ethical action within a system designed to suppress it. Andy’s arc serves as a critique of the ways in which corporations like Weyland-Yutani seek to control not only human lives but also the very essence of identity and agency.

The corporation’s willingness to sacrifice human lives for the sake of extracting value from the Xenomorphs backfires, resulting in widespread death and destruction on the colony. This outcome serves as a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked corporate power and the ethical void that can result from prioritizing profit over human life.

The film uses these consequences to critique the broader implications of corporate exploitation, suggesting that such greed inevitably leads to ruin, not just for the individuals directly involved but for society as a whole.

The characters’ struggles against the corporation’s exploitation thus take on a broader significance, as they become emblematic of the larger fight against dehumanizing systems that prioritize profit over people. A film with similar themes is Elysium. 

Conclusion: The Unrelenting Horror and Humanity of Alien: Romulus

Alien: Romulus masterfully extends the Alien franchise’s tradition of exploring the darkest facets of human existence.

By delving into themes like isolation, survival, corporate exploitation, and the ethical complexities of technological advancement, the film offers more than just a harrowing tale of extraterrestrial terror. It invites viewers to reflect on the fragility and resilience of humanity when confronted with overwhelming fear and moral dilemmas. 

As the characters navigate their perilous circumstances, the film reveals the profound implications of these themes, reminding us that the true horrors lie not only in the unknown but within ourselves and the systems we create.


Alien: Romulus leaves audiences contemplating the enduring questions of what it means to be human in a world where survival often comes at the cost of our humanity.

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Reassessing M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village as 'cult classic'

When The Village hit theaters in the summer of 2004, M. Night Shyamalan was at the height of his career, following the remarkable success of three consecutive films—The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and Signs. These films had established him as a master of suspense, known for his ability to blend supernatural elements with profound emotional depth.

Expectations were high for The Village, a new thriller set in a seemingly isolated 19th-century village where the inhabitants lived in fear of mysterious creatures lurking in the surrounding woods.

Although the film performed fairly well at the box office, it was quickly labeled as Shyamalan's first misstep, criticized for its lack of genuine scares and a final twist that left many feeling dissatisfied. Critics were puzzled, and audiences felt let down—this was not the terrifying horror experience they had been led to expect.

Take away the hype, look back 20 years later and you arguably have a cult classic on your hands. 

But is The Village thus a bad film?

No.

It's a cult classic. 

A look back 20 years later shows there is much worth to find in the film and a patient viewer not looking for 'scary ghosts hidden in the forest' or a truly mind-bending plot twist will be rewarded with an enjoyable viewing.

In hindsight, The Village offers much more than just a suspenseful narrative—it is a carefully crafted exploration of fear, control, and the human tendency to create myths and boundaries as a means of protection.

The film's nuanced themes, deliberate pacing, and visual symbolism suggest that it was never intended to be a straightforward horror film that viewers may have been led to by the film's promotional advertising.

Instead, The Village can be appreciated as a thought-provoking meditation on the lengths to which people will go to preserve their way of life, even at the cost of truth and freedom.

The Village can be interpreted as a subtle commentary on American politics in the post-Iraq War era, reflecting the anxieties and disillusionment that permeated the national consciousness during that time.

Released in 2004, the film arrived in the midst of a period marked by widespread distrust in government and the media, following the controversial invasion of Iraq in 2003.

The war, justified by the U.S. government on the grounds of weapons of mass destruction that were never found, led to a growing awareness of how fear and misinformation could be used to manipulate public perception and justify significant political actions.

In The Village, the elders' decision to fabricate a mythological fear to keep the villagers confined mirrors the tactics of control and misinformation employed by political leaders during the Iraq War. Just as the villagers are kept in the dark about the true nature of the world beyond their borders, so too were the American people, many of whom felt misled by their government's narrative.

The film’s portrayal of a society governed by fear, where truth is sacrificed for the illusion of safety, resonates with the broader themes of manipulation and the consequences of living under a constructed reality.

In this way, The Village can be seen as a reflection on the dangers of authoritarian control, the moral compromises involved in leadership, and the ease with which fear can be weaponized to maintain power, making it a poignant and relevant piece of storytelling within its political context.

Central then to the narrative of The Village is the profound decision by the community's elders to shield their families from the harsh realities of the modern world. Each elder bears the scars of personal tragedies—experiences of loss, violence, and disillusionment—that have shaped their collective resolve to create a sanctuary untouched by contemporary societal ills.

To achieve this, they orchestrate an elaborate deception, crafting a meticulously detailed 19th-century setting within an isolated enclave. This artificial environment is sustained through the propagation of myths about monstrous creatures inhabiting the surrounding woods, effectively instilling a pervasive fear that prevents the younger generation from venturing beyond the village boundaries.

The elders' commitment to maintaining this illusion extends to controlling information, suppressing any knowledge that might hint at the existence of a world beyond their fabricated reality.

This intricate web of deceit is not born out of malice but from a desperate desire to preserve innocence and foster a sense of security. However, the ethical implications of such an undertaking are complex, raising questions about the cost of ignorance and the morality of manipulating truth for the sake of perceived safety.

Consider this though, The Village is actually a love story. 

At the heart of The Village lies the poignant and unconventional love story between Lucius Hunt, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix (Joker), and Ivy Walker, played by Bryce Dallas Howard.

Their relationship is one of the most compelling elements of the film, characterized by a deep, unspoken bond that transcends the fear and uncertainty permeating their isolated community. Lucius, a quiet and introspective man, is drawn to Ivy's strength and resilience, even though she is blind.

Ivy, in turn, sees Lucius with a clarity that goes beyond physical sight, recognizing his courage and integrity. Their love is not built on grand gestures or dramatic declarations but on a profound connection that becomes increasingly apparent as the narrative unfolds.

It is this connection that ultimately drives the plot, as Ivy's determination to save Lucius propels her to venture beyond the boundaries of the village, confronting the very fears that have kept their community captive.

This love story is central to the film's exploration of themes such as trust, sacrifice, and the power of love to overcome fear. Ivy and Lucius’s relationship represents a beacon of hope in a world otherwise dominated by paranoia and strict adherence to tradition.

Their bond challenges the rigid structures of the village, illustrating that true connection and loyalty can inspire acts of immense bravery. Ivy's journey into the unknown to save Lucius serves as a metaphor for the transformative power of love, which not only propels her through the physical dangers of the forest but also exposes the deeper truths that the village elders have sought to conceal.

In this way, the love between Lucius and Ivy becomes a catalyst for both personal and communal change, highlighting the film's broader themes of truth, fear, and the human spirit's capacity for resilience.

Let's explore three key themes of The Village

Mythmaking and the Power of Narrative

In The Village, the elders' creation of the myth surrounding the creatures in the woods serves as a powerful tool for controlling the behavior and beliefs of the villagers. This myth, meticulously crafted and perpetuated, functions as a means to instill fear and maintain order within the community. The elders understand the influence of storytelling, recognizing that a shared narrative can bind a society together and dictate the actions of its members.

By fabricating a tale of monstrous beings that punish those who dare to leave the village, the elders ensure that the younger generation remains confined, unaware of the broader reality beyond their borders.

This manipulation of narrative echoes the broader human tendency to use stories—whether through religion, folklore, or political rhetoric—to shape collective identities, justify actions, and reinforce power structures.

The villagers’ belief in the myth demonstrates how easily people can be swayed by compelling narratives, even when those narratives are rooted in fear and falsehood.

The Role of Fear in Governance

Fear is a central mechanism of control within the village, effectively used by the elders to govern the actions and thoughts of the community. The villagers' fear of the unknown, embodied by the creatures in the woods, keeps them compliant and unquestioning of the reality presented to them. This fear is not just a natural response to danger but a carefully cultivated emotion, nurtured by the elders to preserve their constructed world.

The use of fear in governance is a theme that resonates beyond the film, reflecting how fear can be weaponized in real-world political contexts. In the post-9/11 and post-Iraq War era, for example, fear of terrorism was used to justify sweeping changes in government policy, public behavior, and civil liberties.

Just as the elders use fear to prevent the villagers from discovering the truth, so too can governments use fear to limit the public's access to information and suppress dissent. This exploration of fear in The Village serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing fear to dictate governance and the ease with which it can be exploited to maintain control.

Moral Ambiguity and Ethical Dilemmas

The elders in The Village are faced with profound ethical dilemmas as they navigate the responsibilities of leadership within their secluded society. Their decision to construct an elaborate deception to protect their families from the perceived dangers of the outside world is rooted in a genuine desire to shield their loved ones from harm.

However, this decision also raises significant moral questions about the cost of such protection. By choosing to lie and instill fear, the elders sacrifice the villagers' autonomy and right to the truth, trapping them in a state of ignorance and artificial innocence. The film challenges viewers to consider whether the elders' actions can be justified, and at what point the pursuit of safety and security becomes morally indefensible.

This moral ambiguity is a key theme in The Village, highlighting the complex nature of leadership and the ethical compromises that often accompany the desire to create a "better" world. The elders' well-intentioned yet ultimately flawed decisions serve as a reminder of the heavy burden of power and the ethical pitfalls that come with it.

A viewer who approaches The Village with an appreciation for its deeper themes and concepts will likely find the film both engaging and thought-provoking. Beyond its surface-level suspense and twist ending, the film delves into complex ideas such as the power of narrative in shaping reality, the use of fear as a tool of governance, and the moral ambiguity surrounding the elders' decision to protect their community through deception.

These themes invite viewers to reflect on how stories influence behavior, the ethical dilemmas of leadership, and the fine line between protection and control. By engaging with these ideas, The Village transcends its genre, offering a rich and meaningful exploration of human nature and society that resonates long after the film ends.

Shyamalan would go on to direct The Lady in the Water.

Which is not a cult classic but this author has a legit soft spot for it. 

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When was Obi-Wan Kenobi appointed to the rank of Jedi Knight + Master?

Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the most revered figures in the Star Wars universe, his journey from Padawan to Jedi Master being marked by pivotal moments that influenced the fate of the galaxy.

So when did he advance from 'young padawan' status to becoming one of the greatest Jedi masters to have raised a saber?

From Qui-Gon Jinn's Padawan to Jedi Knight

Obi-Wan Kenobi's ascension to the rank of Jedi Knight is a seminal moment in Star Wars lore, primarily documented in the film "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace." This promotion occurred in 32 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin), following the climactic Battle of Naboo. Obi-Wan's apprenticeship under Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn was marked by rigorous training and significant trials, culminating in the confrontation with the Sith Lord Darth Maul.

During this duel, Qui-Gon Jinn was mortally wounded, leaving Obi-Wan to face Darth Maul alone. Demonstrating remarkable skill and resilience, Obi-Wan managed to defeat Maul, avenging his master's death. This act was not only a testament to his prowess but also to his adherence to the Jedi Code under extreme duress.

In recognition of his bravery and mastery, the Jedi Council formally elevated Obi-Wan Kenobi to the rank of Jedi Knight. This decision was influenced by his successful completion of the traditional Jedi trials in the heat of battle and his demonstration of qualities befitting a Jedi Knight. 

Additionally, Obi-Wan's commitment to fulfill Qui-Gon's dying wish to train Anakin Skywalker played a role in his promotion, highlighting his readiness to undertake the responsibilities of a Jedi Knight.

On becoming a Jedi Master

The journey from Jedi Knight to Jedi Master for Obi-Wan Kenobi is equally significant and marked by the trials of the Clone Wars. His promotion to Jedi Master occurred sometime before the events depicted in "Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith," set in 19 BBY. While the exact date of this appointment is not explicitly detailed in the films, ancillary sources from the Star Wars Expanded Universe provide context.

Obi-Wan's role during the Clone Wars was crucial. He served as a General in the Grand Army of the Republic, leading numerous successful campaigns against the Separatist forces. His strategic acumen, leadership, and adherence to the Jedi principles during these turbulent times showcased his deep understanding of the Force and the Jedi way.

A pivotal moment that underscores his transition to Jedi Master is depicted in the 2003-2005 animated series "Star Wars: Clone Wars" by Genndy Tartakovsky and later confirmed in the 2008 "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" series. By the time of the second battle of Geonosis and his command of various military operations, Obi-Wan had clearly assumed the responsibilities and stature of a Jedi Master.

The Jedi Council, recognizing his contributions and the wisdom he exhibited, granted him the title of Jedi Master. This acknowledgment was not only a testament to his skills but also to his ability to mentor and guide others, notably his former apprentice Anakin Skywalker, who had by then become a Jedi Knight himself.

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Obi-Wan Kenobi's formal appointments to the ranks of Jedi Knight and Jedi Master are defining moments in his storied career. His promotion to Jedi Knight came in 32 BBY after the Battle of Naboo, a reward for his valor and successful defeat of Darth Maul. His elevation to Jedi Master, occurring sometime before 19 BBY, was a recognition of his exemplary service during the Clone Wars and his embodiment of the Jedi ideals. 

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