Alien Resurrection (1997) is the fourth installment in the Alien franchise, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. The film takes place 200 years after the events of Alien 3, presenting a dark and futuristic story about the consequences of human ambition and genetic experimentation.

Plot Summary

Scientists aboard the military research vessel USM Auriga successfully clone Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) from blood samples, bringing her back to life along with the Alien queen embryo inside her. The goal is to harvest the creature for military weaponization. However, the cloning process results in Ripley having enhanced strength, acidic blood resistance, and a psychic connection to the Xenomorphs.

The scientists breed several Xenomorphs for study, but the creatures inevitably escape containment, wreaking havoc on the ship. Ripley teams up with a group of mercenaries, including Annalee Call (Winona Ryder), who reveals herself as an advanced android with her own agenda to stop the Aliens.

As they fight their way through the ship, the crew discovers the horrifying result of genetic experiments: a hybrid creature known as the Newborn, born from the Alien queen. The Newborn views Ripley as its “mother,” but its grotesque nature and deadly behavior threaten everyone aboard.

The group must not only survive the Xenomorphs but also prevent the Auriga from reaching Earth, as the ship is on a collision course that could bring the Alien threat to humanity’s doorstep. In a climactic showdown, Ripley makes a harrowing sacrifice to destroy the Newborn and ensure the ship’s destruction.

Themes

The film explores themes of identity, the ethical limits of science, and humanity’s hubris in trying to control nature. Ripley’s duality as human and alien raises questions about what it means to retain humanity amidst monstrous transformations.

Reception

While Alien Resurrection received mixed reviews for its tonal shift and unconventional direction, it remains notable for its unique visual style and Sigourney Weaver’s compelling performance as a darker, more enigmatic Ripley.