The debate as to whetherAlienorPredatorwas the superior franchise is one that science fiction fans had waged for years, but 2004 was the year in which the two creatures finally got the opportunity toface off in a head-to-head conflict.Based on the popular comic book series of the same name,Alien vs. Predatorallowed directorPaul W.S. Andersonto explore all the creative possibilities of an age-old conflict between the Xenomorphs and the ruthless predecessors. Both the originalAlienandPredatorfilms werehailed forbringing respectability to the science fiction horror genre,but that influence was not exactly present inAlien vs. Predator; the film was basically an excuse to string together a series of computer-generated action sequences, many of which looked indistinguishable from video game cutscenes. It may be easy to dismiss entirely, butAlien vs. Predatorwas loosely inspiredby a novella by H.P. Lovecraft, according to Anderson’s DVD commentary for the film.
‘Alien vs. Predator’ Draws Inspiration From a Lovecraft Novella
Lovecraft’s 1931 novellaAt the Mountains of Madnesstold a chilling horror story abouta group of explorers that discovered remnants of an ancient civilizationin the midst of an expedition to Antarctica.Although the remains that they find are initially mistaken to be those of a prehistoric human society, it is ultimately discovered that they belong to a powerful alien race known as the “Elder Things.” The Elder Thingsbuilt incredible pyramids and inscribed hieroglyphicswith the help of a submissive species known as the “shoggoths,” which they forced to serve as slaves. However, the shoggoths ultimately rebelled in a brutal struggle that nearly decimated both species entirely.The narrative ofAlien vs. Predatordirectly mirrorsthe story that Lovecraft imaginedinAt the Mountains of Madness, as the film reveals that the Xenomorphs have enslaved the Predators on Earth before the dawn of human civilization.
Here’s How to Watch the ‘Alien’ Movies in Order (Chronologically and by Release Date)
The franchise’s structural perfection is matched only by its hostility.
Alien vs. Predatorretains the concept of humans investigating ancient remains, as it focuses on the tour guide Lex Woods (Sanaa Lathan) and archeologist Sebastian De Rosa (Raoul Bova), who search through Antarctica after the wealthy industrialist, Charles Bishop Weyland (Lance Henriksen),discovers that there isan ancient pyramid buried beneath the ice.Unfortunately, their mission ends upreigniting the ancient feudbetween the two alien races; the Xenomorph Queen ends up awakening at the heart of the structure, and three Predators begin picking off the scientists one by one. AlthoughAlien vs. Predatorisultimately more interested in spectaclethan it is in analyzing humanity’s role within earth’s history, the film does succeed in buildinga Lovecraftian atmosphere of suspense.One of the themes inAt the Mountains of Madnessis that humanity’s entire existence is only a blip within the lifespan of the universe, which is also a major concept inAlien vs. Predator.
‘Alien vs. Predator’ Doesn’t Deserve All the Hate
Alien vs. Predatorhas enough interesting components to be interesting, even if the film ultimately is not able to unlock the potential of its concept. Unlike the rest of the films in each franchise,Alien vs. Predatorshows little interest in developing its human characters; despite solid performances by Lathan and Bova,the scientists ultimately just serve as fodderwithin the epic battlesbetween the Xenomorphs and Predators. Perhaps the film would have been more successful had it leaned heavier into the Lovecraftian components, which would have meant agreater presence of body horror.Although it has its scary moments,Alien vs. Predatoris hobbled by the fact that it retains a PG-13 rating,even though the other films in both franchises were rated-R.
The themes withinAt the Mountains of Madnesshave made their way into other sequels.Prometheusalso explored the concept of an ancient alien civilization being uncovered by humans working for the Weyland Corporation, and the prequel filmPreyexplored the Predators’ attack on Earthduring the eighteenth century.Alien vs. Predatormay have ultimately been seenas a disappointing blockbuster, but that doesn’t mean that it didn’t introduce some important precedents for both franchises.
Alien vs. Predatoris streaming on Peacock in the U.S.
Alien vs. Predator
Watch on Peacock
