The Sci-Fi Classic That Needs To Be On Netflix
Science fiction has always been a genre that explores societal issues through the lens of otherworldly settings and characters. Alien Nation and Bright are two notable examples of this genre, each offering a unique take on the integration of otherworldly beings into human society. While these films may seem quite distinct on the surface, they share several common themes and ideas.
Classic sci-fi film Alien Nation isn’t on Netflix or any other streaming service, despite its impact on the genre.
Alien Nation, released in 1988 and directed by Graham Baker, depicts a world where aliens called Newcomers land on Earth after fleeing from slavery. Detective Matthew Sykes, played by James Caan, teams up with Newcomer detective George Francisco, portrayed by Mandy Patinkin. Their partnership navigates deep-seated prejudices as they solve crimes together.
Bright, on the other hand, is a 2017 Netflix original film directed by David Ayer, set in an alternate Los Angeles populated by both humans and mythical creatures. LAPD officer Daryl Ward, played by Will Smith, reluctantly pairs with Nick Jakoby, an orc and the force’s first of his kind, portrayed by Joel Edgerton. Together, they grapple with racial tensions and the challenges of possessing a sought-after magical wand.
Both Alien Nation and Bright explore themes of integration and discrimination. In Alien Nation, the Newcomers experience discrimination due to their unique physical characteristics, facing derogatory treatment and challenges while trying to assimilate into human society. The partnership between Sykes and Francisco symbolizes the possibility of unity and cooperation among diverse groups, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and understanding in combating prejudice.
Bright takes a different approach by incorporating mythological creatures into its storyline, with orcs portrayed as a marginalized group burdened by historical associations of violence and criminality, echoing real-world racial and ethnic stereotypes.
Although Alien Nation and Bright share similar themes and concepts, their release strategies diverged significantly.
The film confronts these biases through the partnership of Ward, a human, and Jakoby, an orc, illustrating the need to avoid prejudgment based on one’s species or ethnicity. Like Alien Nation, Bright employs its cop duo to deliver a compelling message about the significance of embracing diversity and combatting discrimination in society.
Although Alien Nation and Bright share similar themes and concepts, their release strategies diverged significantly. Alien Nation made its debut in theaters, raking in approximately $32 million against its estimated $18 million budget. In contrast, Bright premiered exclusively on Netflix, standing out as one of the streaming platform’s most costly productions with a budget of around $90 million.
Both Alien Nation and Bright received mixed receptions upon their respective releases. Critics appreciated the unique concepts and social commentary in both films, acknowledging their attempts to address issues of discrimination and integration. However, both movies also faced criticism for their execution, with some reviewers finding flaws in the storytelling and character development, resulting in polarizing reactions from professional critics and everyday viewers alike.
Expanding on the cinematic impact of Alien Nation, the narrative transitioned into a television series in 1989, a notable achievement considering its lukewarm box office performance and mixed reviews. This series deepened the exploration of Newcomer integration, presenting a range of stories beyond the film’s initial scope. The TV venture’s popularity led to a series of made-for-television movies, further embedding the Newcomer narrative into pop culture consciousness.
Similarly to Alien Nation, Bright garnered mixed reviews, but its captivating world has sparked discussions about potential sequels and spin-offs. In contrast to the well-established and committed expansions within the Alien Nation universe, conversations about Bright have largely remained speculative. This has left fans excited yet uncertain about what lies ahead for the franchise.
Alien Nation and Bright are two distinct sci-fi films that, despite their differences, share common themes of alien integration, diversity, law enforcement, and family dynamics. Both movies use their otherworldly settings to provide commentary on real-world issues such as immigration, discrimination, and social integration.
Alien Nation launched a television series and then a series of made-for-TV movies, each further exploring the world of the film.
By examining the challenges and triumphs of their characters, these films offer valuable insights into the complexities of human nature and the potential for positive change in a diverse and interconnected world.
Whether you’re a first-time viewer or eager to revisit the classic sci-fi gem Alien Nation, you can rent or purchase it from digital platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV+. On the other hand, Bright is available to stream on Netflix. If you have a penchant for science fiction, both films undoubtedly merit your attention and are worth checking out.
