The movie Alien ends with Ellen Ripley, the sole surviving crew member of the Nostromo, successfully ejecting the Xenomorph into the vacuum of space and destroying the ship’s self-destruct mechanism before escaping in the Narcissus shuttle. After entering cryosleep for her long journey home, Ripley records a final log entry, confirming the death of the Alien and marking the end of a terrifying ordeal.
The Climax: Ripley vs. the Xenomorph
The final act of Alien is a masterclass in suspense and survival horror. After the self-destruct sequence is initiated, Ripley realizes the Xenomorph, having survived the explosive deaths of its host bodies, is still aboard the Nostromo. Her mission shifts from escape to extermination. What follows is a desperate cat-and-mouse game through the labyrinthine corridors of the increasingly unstable ship.
Ripley’s resourcefulness and bravery are pushed to their limits. She utilizes her knowledge of the ship’s systems, employing stealth and ingenuity to avoid and ultimately confront the creature. Her iconic encounter with the Xenomorph in the Narcissus launch bay showcases not only the Alien’s horrifying design, but also Ripley’s unwavering determination to survive.
The Ejection and Escape: A Moment of Triumph
The culmination of Ripley’s struggle arrives when she manages to lure the Xenomorph into the Narcissus shuttle bay. She uses the airlock mechanism to eject the Alien into the vacuum of space, witnessing its final, silent moments of thrashing before it is engulfed by the void. This act of defiance, although simple in execution, is profoundly symbolic. It represents humanity’s resilience against overwhelming odds and Ripley’s transformation from a crew member following orders to a warrior taking control of her destiny.
Importantly, the ending also features Ripley scrambling to disengage the Nostromo’s self-destruct. While successfully jettisoning the Xenomorph, she realizes she forgot Jones, the ship’s cat, and risks her own life to retrieve him. This reinforces her compassionate side even in the face of unimaginable trauma. After rescuing Jones and successfully disabling the self-destruct mechanism (preventing further damage to the Narcissus and preserving her chances of rescue), Ripley enters cryosleep. Her final log entry, a somber yet hopeful statement, closes the film. She confirms the death of the Alien and details her journey back to Earth, leaving the audience with a sense of closure and the unsettling feeling that the universe remains a dangerous and unknowable place.
Analysis: Themes of Survival and Empowerment
The ending of Alien is far more than just a thrilling climax; it’s a powerful statement about survival, empowerment, and the human spirit’s capacity to endure. Ripley’s transformation from a supporting character to a hardened survivor is complete. The Alien, a symbol of primal fear and the unknown, is vanquished, albeit temporarily (as sequels would later reveal). The ambiguity of space and the threat it poses are underscored, creating a lingering sense of unease.
The film’s ending cemented Ripley as a feminist icon. Her survival isn’t based on brute force, but on her intelligence, courage, and adaptability. She embodies the power of human ingenuity against seemingly insurmountable odds. This resonated deeply with audiences and helped establish Alien as a landmark film in both the science fiction and horror genres.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Ending of Alien
What happens to the Nostromo after the Xenomorph is ejected?
The Nostromo is destroyed. Ripley initiated the self-destruct sequence as a last resort to eliminate the Xenomorph, knowing that the ship could not be salvaged after its infestation. The ending shows the Nostromo exploding in a fiery blaze, ensuring the Alien’s potential spread is contained.
Why did Ripley bother to save Jones the cat?
Saving Jones the cat wasn’t merely a sentimental act. It highlights Ripley’s humanity and compassion amidst the chaos. It also serves as a contrasting element to the cold, ruthless nature of the Weyland-Yutani corporation, which prioritizes profit and scientific advancement over human life. Saving Jones is a personal victory for Ripley.
Was the Xenomorph actually dead when Ripley ejected it?
The Xenomorph, while seemingly defeated, is unlikely to be truly dead after being ejected into space. While the vacuum of space is a harsh environment, the Alien’s resilience and adaptability are significant. It is more accurate to say the Alien was incapacitated and unlikely to pose an immediate threat, but its fate remains ambiguous within the context of the first film’s ending.
What does Ripley say in her final log entry?
In her final log entry, Ripley states: “This is Ripley, last survivor of the Nostromo, signing off. [Pause] Jonesy’s with me. [Pause] I’m going into hypersleep now. When we wake up, it’ll all be over.” This entry confirms her survival, acknowledges the loss of her crew, and expresses a cautious optimism for the future.
What is hypersleep, and why does Ripley use it?
Hypersleep (also known as cryosleep) is a form of suspended animation used for long space journeys. It significantly slows down the body’s metabolic processes, allowing passengers to survive extended periods without food or water. Ripley uses it because her journey back to Earth in the Narcissus shuttle would take an extended amount of time.
Did Weyland-Yutani know about the Xenomorph before the Nostromo landed on LV-426?
It is strongly implied that the Weyland-Yutani corporation had prior knowledge of the Xenomorph. Ash, the Nostromo’s science officer, was secretly an android acting on the corporation’s orders to secure a specimen at any cost. This implies a pre-existing understanding of the Alien’s potential value as a bioweapon, motivating the corporation’s deception.
What is the significance of the Narcissus shuttle?
The Narcissus shuttle is the escape pod from the Nostromo. It’s Ripley’s lifeline and the vehicle that represents her eventual survival and journey home. Its small size emphasizes the isolation Ripley faces as the last survivor.
How did Ripley know how to operate the Narcissus shuttle?
Ripley’s position as a warrant officer likely included extensive training in ship systems, including the operation of emergency escape craft like the Narcissus shuttle. Her familiarity with the Nostromo’s schematics and procedures allowed her to effectively utilize the shuttle.
Why didn’t the other crew members escape with Ripley?
The other crew members of the Nostromo perished in various encounters with the Xenomorph. Some were killed outright, while others were used as hosts for the Alien’s reproductive cycle. Their deaths highlight the creature’s predatory nature and the crew’s vulnerability.
Does the ending imply a sequel?
While the ending of Alien provides a sense of closure, it also leaves room for a sequel. The survival of Ripley and the implicit knowledge of Weyland-Yutani about the Alien create lingering questions and potential storylines, ultimately paving the way for the subsequent films in the franchise. The vastness of space suggests that the threat of Xenomorphs may not be entirely eradicated.
What makes Ripley such a compelling character in the film’s ending?
Ripley’s compelling nature stems from her transformation throughout the film. Initially a relatively ordinary crew member, she steps up to lead in the face of extraordinary danger. Her intelligence, resilience, and unwavering commitment to survival, coupled with her compassion (saving Jones), make her a powerful and relatable protagonist. She defies expectations and becomes a symbol of female empowerment in a genre traditionally dominated by male characters.
How does the ending contribute to Alien’s legacy as a horror masterpiece?
The ending of Alien perfectly encapsulates the film’s themes of isolation, dread, and the fragility of human life. Ripley’s solitary victory, while hard-won, offers a glimmer of hope amidst the overwhelming horror. The lingering ambiguity about the Xenomorph’s true fate and the corporation’s agenda contribute to the film’s lasting impact, solidifying its place as a genre-defining masterpiece. The final image of Ripley entering hypersleep, carrying the burden of her experience, leaves a powerful and unsettling impression on the viewer.