Life, the 2017 science fiction horror film, concludes with a chilling and ambiguous finale: while the remaining crew believe they’ve successfully contained Calvin on Earth, Hugh Derry, unknowingly piloted by the alien, crashes the escape pod carrying Calvin into the ocean. David Jordan, believing he’s secured the infected pod destined for Earth, is instead ejected into the depths of space, leaving Earth vulnerable to Calvin’s parasitic growth.
The Crushing Ambiguity of Life‘s Ending
The core of Life‘s ending lies in its deliberate subversion of typical sci-fi tropes. We’re conditioned to expect a heroic sacrifice, a desperate last-minute solution, or at least a glimmer of hope. Life offers none of these. Instead, it delivers a nihilistic punch to the gut, leaving the audience to grapple with the unsettling reality that human ingenuity and sacrifice aren’t always enough. The film skillfully plays with our expectations, leading us to believe, along with Miranda North, that David is making the ultimate sacrifice to save Earth. The switch is devastatingly effective.
The final moments depict a small Vietnamese fishing boat approaching the crashed escape pod, suggesting that Calvin is now free to proliferate on Earth. This bleak outlook is what distinguishes Life from other creature features. It’s not just about surviving an alien encounter; it’s about accepting the potential for utter annihilation.
Decoding David’s and Hugh’s Fates
The ambiguity is compounded by the lack of explicit closure for David and Hugh. While it’s heavily implied that David suffocates and freezes in space, the movie never explicitly confirms his death. Similarly, while Hugh is shown struggling under Calvin’s control, his ultimate fate remains uncertain. Did he actively aid Calvin? Was he simply a puppet? These unanswered questions add to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
The genius of the ending resides in its simplicity. It doesn’t rely on complex plot twists or convoluted explanations. Instead, it focuses on the raw, visceral fear of the unknown and the terrifying consequences of unchecked ambition. The film leaves you questioning whether humanity is inherently equipped to handle the discovery of extraterrestrial life, especially when that life is inherently hostile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Life‘s Ending
Why did David switch the escape pods?
David didn’t deliberately switch the escape pods. He was tricked by Calvin, who, through Hugh, manipulated the situation to ensure its survival and arrival on Earth. David, blinded by his love for Miranda and his desire to save Earth, was the perfect pawn in Calvin’s plan.
Was Miranda’s plan to quarantine David and Calvin in space flawed?
Miranda’s plan, while seemingly sound in theory, proved fatally flawed due to her underestimation of Calvin’s intelligence and adaptability. Her reliance on protocols and her belief in the inherent rationality of the situation failed to account for the unpredictable nature of a parasitic extraterrestrial lifeform. Furthermore, the rapid growth and complexity of Calvin surprised even the most experienced scientists.
Could the crew have done anything differently to prevent Calvin’s escape to Earth?
In retrospect, the crew could have benefited from a more cautious and less aggressive approach to studying Calvin. Confining Calvin permanently from the beginning to a completely secure, isolated environment would have minimized the risk of escape. They might also have focused on finding a way to kill Calvin without causing a catastrophic breach, albeit a challenge considering its resilience.
Is there a sequel to Life planned?
As of today, there are no confirmed plans for a sequel to Life. The film’s bleak ending makes a direct continuation challenging, although a prequel exploring the initial discovery and study of Calvin could be a possibility. However, the studio has remained silent on the topic.
What is the significance of the Vietnamese fishermen at the end?
The appearance of the Vietnamese fishermen at the end serves as a chilling reminder of the unintended consequences of the crew’s actions. These innocent bystanders are now likely to encounter Calvin, triggering a potential global catastrophe. Their presence highlights the film’s theme of human fallibility and the vulnerability of the planet.
How does Life compare to other alien horror films?
Life stands out from other alien horror films by its grounded realism and its unwavering commitment to its pessimistic worldview. While films like Alien focus on individual survival, Life explores the potential for existential threat and the futility of human efforts against a superior adversary. The film’s portrayal of the characters’ scientific backgrounds gives the film more credibility and tension.
What does the ending say about humanity’s chances of survival in a real alien encounter?
The ending suggests that humanity’s chances of survival in a real alien encounter are slim, particularly if the alien possesses superior intelligence and adaptability. The film cautions against hubris and the assumption that human solutions are always effective. A key message is the vulnerability of the human species against an adaptable, parasitic threat.
Why did Hugh become so attached to Calvin?
Hugh’s attachment to Calvin stemmed from his intellectual curiosity and his desire to understand the alien lifeform. As a paraplegic, he also found a sense of purpose and connection in studying Calvin, potentially projecting his own desire for growth and evolution onto the creature. This fascination blinded him to the potential dangers.
Is Calvin truly evil, or simply acting on instinct?
The film leaves Calvin’s motives ambiguous. While its actions are undeniably destructive, it’s unclear whether Calvin is driven by malice or simply by its biological imperative to survive and reproduce. The ending allows for both interpretations, raising questions about the nature of morality and the limits of anthropomorphizing alien lifeforms.
What are some of the scientific inaccuracies in the film?
While Life strives for a degree of scientific plausibility, it does take certain liberties. The speed and scale of Calvin’s growth, as well as its ability to survive in the vacuum of space for extended periods, are scientifically questionable. Furthermore, the ease with which Calvin can manipulate human behavior is likely an exaggeration.
What are the main themes explored in Life?
Life explores themes of hubris, the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition, the limitations of human knowledge, the fragility of life, and the potential for existential threat. It also delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the complex relationship between humans and the unknown.
What is the overall message of the movie Life?
The movie’s overarching message is a bleak one: humanity is not necessarily equipped to handle the discovery of extraterrestrial life, especially if that life is inherently hostile and intelligent. The film serves as a cautionary tale, urging caution and humility in the face of the unknown. It also hints at the possibility that life itself is a dangerous and unpredictable force, regardless of its origin.