Alien, the Ridley Scott movie, had it’s 45th Anniversary this year (2024). Some movies resonate with us specifically because of the age at which we saw them. Others because they are spectacular pieces of work. This is one of those.
The character of Ripley, written for a man, or maybe just written for a lead, gives defines Sigourney Weaver’s entire career enabling her to take on leading roles in so many more movies. She own’s the role. While other characters on the Nostromo fall one by one to the ferocious “indestructible” alien that is now on board their ship, this movie would often have been one ending in the death of everyone on board. But Ripley (even better in Aliens) takes control for her own survival.. and wins against all odds. Ridley, the child of a single mother, clearly sees women (and mother’s) as heros, and it shows.
