Sci-Fi Films That Dazzlingly Examine Human Nature Through Alien Eyes

Science fiction films often present us with a unique lens through which to examine the human condition. The alien perspective is a particularly intriguing approach, offering a fresh viewpoint to critically analyze our species, our behaviors, and our place in the universe. In this article, we explore some of the best science fiction films that use an alien perspective to challenge our understanding of human nature.

Understanding Ourselves Through the Eyes of Aliens

The best science fiction films that explore an alien perspective on humanity often delve into the ways in which an extraterrestrial point of view can reveal the complexities and foibles of human nature. These films use the alien characters as mirrors, reflecting back our own behaviors and values, and often highlighting areas where we fall short.

A Alien But Wiser Perspective

There are films where the alien or aliens are just like us, but they have transcended or are immune to the very flaws that plague us. These aliens, knowing better, can expose our weaknesses and reveal them to both the characters in the film and the viewers in the audience. Movies like The Day the Earth Stood Still serve as prime examples. Another lesser-known but highly entertaining film is P.K., an Indian sci-fi comedy that presents a stranded alien who is ignorant of human religion and, through his naivety, casts doubt on its validity.

The Truly Alien Perspective

Alternatively, there are films where the alien is truly alien, meaning they have difficulty comprehending human behavior and society. These films can offer a profoundly different and unsettling experience. Under the Skin is a standout example. The film stars Scarlett Johansson as an alien who is provided with a human body to evade detection. The narrative is shot from her point of view, and the experience of viewing the world through her eyes is both fascinating and uncomfortable. She is trying to make sense of a wholly unfamiliar and often uncomfortable situation, which helps viewers contemplate the alienness of human culture.

Under the Skin is visually stunning and slowly paced, with a narrative that does not hold the audience's hand, making it a more arthouse experience. Many viewers require multiple viewings to fully comprehend the film's depth. Despite a low rating of 6.3 on IMDb, the film has a high 7.9 average on Rotten Tomatoes, thanks to critical acclaim and its reputation as one of the year’s best films. This level of reception is a testament to the film's effectiveness in challenging viewers' perceptions of the human experience.

Compared with Other Films

Just to give context, other films in this genre, such as Holy Motors, are similarly perplexing but have an even more substantial following. Holy Motors, also an arthouse film, has a much lower rating of 4.7 on IMDb, but among its 47,000 votes, it has managed to maintain a critical rating of 75%. These films, while not always widely popular, offer profound insights into the human psyche.

Conclusion

Science fiction films that explore alien perspectives on humanity are not only interesting but also provide powerful tools for self-reflection. They challenge our assumptions and behaviors, forcing us to question what it means to be human. Whether through a wiser, more evolved alien or a truly alien one, these films offer a unique lens to examine our own nature and the world around us.