The 1995 film Species is a controversial mixture of both science fiction horror and cheesy thrills, focusing on the production of a lethal alien temptress named Sil. The novel starts with humanity being given alien messages where they contain alien DNA and the government is conducting an experiment to make a controllable hybrid. To the outcome is Sil a girl who initially appears innocent but very fast develops into a beautiful yet deadly being capable of transforming and regenerating, becoming both beautiful and dangerous at once. As she breaks free and goes to Los Angeles, the movie raises the topic of primal urges, scientific arrogance and the unknown aftermath of doing godly things.
The film is toned to swing between the atmosphere of suspense and the over-the-top, which frequently borders on the camp, contributing to the cult status. The special effects are creative and out-of-date, more particularly the changes that Sil goes through, but they add to the surreal and visceral feel of the film. The seductive nature and the subplots of menace in Natasha Henstridge as Sil are portrayed well however, there are moments and dialogue that is deliberately corny. The supporting cast, such as Ben Kingsley and Michael Madsen, adds seriousness to balance the more ridiculous aspects of the film, which provides a distinct atmosphere that is exciting and comedic.
The most interesting and touching was the wandering of the loneliness of Sil and her two-sidedness, both intriguing and sad simultaneously. I experienced a sense of suspense, curiosity and unease in the movie and particularly during the scenes where she is seduced and where she is violent. In the end, Species is an exhilarating thriller that impounds on the reasons as to why scientific experimentation should not be allowed to run amok and the primordial powers that lurk in the shadows of the human race. It is a movie that is hard to forget, as it is a fusion of horror, comedy, and compassion, in an impressive manner.
