Prometheus (2012): The existential origins of the Xenomorph
2012 • Ridley Scott • 2.39:1 • Jump to Gallery ↓
Directed by Ridley Scott, Prometheus is a prequel to the Alien franchise, moving towards philosophical science fiction while preceding the original Alien film. The film follows a scientific expedition sent to a distant moon after ancient star maps are discovered, suggesting the existence of humanity’s creators. Upon arrival, the crew explores a vast alien structure and uncovers evidence of a highly advanced civilisation, as well as a biological threat tied to its collapse.
Rather than focusing primarily on survival horror, the film emphasises questions of origin, purpose, and the relationship between creators and their creations. The film alternates between quiet, atmospheric scenes and sudden, violent encounters as the tone shifts from exploratory curiosity to sustained tension and survival-driven conflict.
Prometheus extends the Alien universe by accentuating philosophical and existential themes. With its focus on creation, knowledge and unintended consequences, it is a hybrid of science fiction and horror, where the pursuit of answers leads to encounters that call into question both physical survival and conceptual understanding.
Technical Specs:
- The Story: In the late 21st century, a team of explorers travels to a distant moon in search of humanity’s origins, only to uncover a dark and deadly threat that challenges their understanding of creation. Read my review of Prometheus.
- Actors: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Idris Elba, Logan Marshall-Green, Guy Pearce, Rafe Spall.
- Director: Ridley Scott
- Year: 2012
- Cinematographer: Dariusz Wolski
- Origin: American Cinema
- Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
- Genre: Sci-Fi / Horror
