Did Life's Calvin Consume Mars and Transcend Back to Its Origin?

The film Life, released in 2024, features a mysterious and enigmatic entity known as Calvin. The plot revolves around Calvin's origination and its journey across Earth and Mars. A popular theory surrounding Calvin is that it was responsible for consuming everything on Mars before reverting back to a simpler, primitive state. This theory raises intriguing questions about Mars' barrenness, the origin of Calvin, and the nature of its transformation. This article delves into the possible scenarios based on the film's plot, exploring the theories and implications of Calvin's behavior on Mars.

Giorgi's Activation and Journey

Giorgi (played by Oona Chaplin) is able to activate Calvin, the egg creature, using her father’s video footage and a portable device. Upon its activation, Calvin is sent to Mars, a planet long believed to be barren and lifeless. As the film progresses, viewers are introduced to a myriad of possible theories regarding Calvin's nature and origin. These theories often revolve around the idea that Calvin was responsible for Mars' seemingly sudden transformation from a potentially life-supporting planet to a lifeless one.

Converting Mars

One of the most compelling theories is that Calvin consumed the entire planet, leaving it devoid of life. This notion is supported by several scenes in the film. For instance, Calvin's signature symbol, known as the M_sdk_ls_and.hl_dstringLiteral, appears across the Martian surface, indicating a widespread and devastating impact.

The term 'M_sdk_ls_and.hl_dstringLiteral' is a cryptic code left by Calvin, which defies conventional scientific interpretation, adding to the intrigue of the film. Its frequent appearance on Mars supports the theory that Calvin's existence on the planet was not limited to surviving, but rather, converting the entire planet to its own peculiar form of life.

The Immortal Jellyfish and Calvin's Transformation

A unique similarity to the immortal jellyfish, also known as the Turritopsis dohrnii, could offer further insights into Calvin's behavior. The immortal jellyfish can transform back to its juvenile polyp form, effectively reverting to a younger, simpler state but maintaining its immortality. Speculation suggests that Calvin may have undergone a similar transformation on Mars, consuming all life forms and ultimately reverting to a more original and simpler state.

Key evidence supporting this theory lies in Calvin's behavior in the film. After a period of consuming all life on Mars, Calvin is shown to revert back to a simpler, almost infantile form, resembling the early stages of its existence. This transformation is marked by a symbolic progression from complex and consuming to simple and dormant, which is reminiscent of the immortal jellyfish's life cycle.

The Multiple Theories

While the theory of Calvin consuming Mars and reverting to a simpler form is the most popular, there are several other possible theories:

Non-Martian Life Form Invasion: The idea of a non-Martian invasive organism is one proposed by some viewers. This theory suggests that a life form from another planet or dimension invaded Mars, leaving it lifeless. In the film, the initial presence of cold ice suggests a cold or sterile environment, offering support to this theory. Outperforming Martian Life: An alternative theory posits that Calvin outperformed all life on Mars, effectively outcompeting and consuming Martian life forms. This scenario emphasizes Calvin's power and adaptability, rather than its complete consumption of the planet.

Implications and Commentary

The various theories and scenarios surrounding Calvin's behavior on Mars and its transformation in the film Life are not just speculative, but offer rich grounds for discussion about the nature of life, transformation, and the potential for advanced extraterrestrial forms. These theories contribute to a deeper understanding of the film's themes and the intertwined stories of Mars and Calvin.

For instance, the idea of an invasive life form aligns with broader discussions of interstellar colonization and the potential for conflict or symbiosis between differing life forms. Meanwhile, Calvin's transformation and consumption of Mars demonstrate a form of existential and ecological impact that echoes real-world concerns about environmental degradation and ecological collapse.

Ultimately, the possibility that Calvin consumed Mars and then reverted to a simpler form adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the film, encouraging viewers to ponder the nature of life, transformation, and the potential for advanced extraterrestrial forms. This speculative interpretation invites further exploration of these themes and contributes to the richness of the film's narrative landscape.