The Science of Alien: Covenant

The 2017 science fiction horror film Alien: Covenant is a visually stunning and suspenseful film that showcases the ingenuity of modern filmmaking. The film, directed by Ridley Scott, is a prequel to the original Alien film and tells the story of the crew of the colony ship Covenant as they discover a mysterious planet and must fight for survival against a terrifying alien creature. The film was praised for its special effects, its tense atmosphere, and its strong performances. But what makes Alien: Covenant so compelling is its use of science and technology to create a believable and terrifying world.

The Science of Xenomorphs

One of the most intriguing aspects of Alien: Covenant is the design of the Xenomorphs, the deadly alien creatures that terrorize the crew of the Covenant. The Xenomorphs are a fascinating example of evolutionary biology, and the film explores the ways in which these creatures have adapted to their environment. The Xenomorphs are bio-engineered organisms, designed to be the perfect killing machine. They are highly intelligent, incredibly strong, and have a unique life cycle that makes them difficult to defeat. The film’s science advisor, Dr. John Gurdon, worked closely with the filmmakers to ensure that the Xenomorphs’ biology was scientifically plausible. For example, the Xenomorphs’ acidic blood is a real phenomenon that is found in some species of ants and other insects. The film also explores the ways in which the Xenomorphs’ biology has evolved to make them more efficient predators. For example, their acidic blood is used to dissolve their victims’ flesh, and their sharp claws and teeth are designed to tear through even the toughest armor. The Xenomorphs’ ability to reproduce is also a fascinating aspect of their biology. They lay eggs that hatch into facehuggers, which then attach themselves to their victims and inject a parasitic embryo into their bodies. The embryo then grows and develops inside the host until it is ready to burst out and kill its host. This complex life cycle makes the Xenomorphs a formidable foe, as they are able to reproduce quickly and spread throughout their environment.

The Science of Space Travel

Alien: Covenant also explores the science of space travel in great detail. The film’s special effects are incredibly realistic and create a sense of wonder and excitement for the audience. The film’s science advisor, Dr. John Gurdon, worked closely with the filmmakers to ensure that the spacecraft and technology depicted in the film were scientifically accurate. For example, the Covenant is a colony ship that is designed to transport thousands of colonists to a new world. The ship is equipped with advanced technology, including a hypersleep chamber that allows the colonists to travel through space for long periods of time. The film also explores the dangers of space travel, such as the threat of radiation and the possibility of encountering hostile alien life forms. The film’s depiction of space travel is a powerful reminder of the challenges and risks involved in exploring the unknown.