MireilleThe Spanish cinema is known to have cultural and historical vibrancy which is representative of the diversity prevalent in the Hispanic regions. Spanish cinema has a list of visionary directors with stellar storytelling skills, who have been captivating audiences all around the globe. Spanish films have been through a plethora of challenges like dictator regime-led censorship, lack of funding, and propaganda.
Moroever, in the past they have been known to revolve around the common tropes of enemy-to-lovers, transnationality, identity, tragedy, politics, and even history. What is interesting is that contemporary Spanish Cinema has deviated from the trajectory set by its predecessors and started exploring new themes like generational trauma and even Sci-Fi.
This blog delves into how the theme of Alien Invasion is gaining popularity among the Spanish film audiences, what it signifies and some good Spanish Alien films to watch.
What Does the Alien Theme in Cinema Signify?
The thematic influence of Aliens in the cinema is known to begin from Ridley Scott’s Alien, in the horror and sci-fi genres and since then it has become a fan favorite. The influence of Ridley Scott’s Alien can be seen in contemporary Spanish cinema as well.
Alien movies are the perfect mode to represent the sub-theme of survival and fear where the characters are forced into a nightmarish setting where only the best can survive. The feeling of the unknown associated with the extraterrestrial beings is also a great source of horror and fear in the audience and the characters. This similarity often makes the audience feel onea with the characters in the movie, and the whole act of viewing the film becomes a highly immersive experience.
There is also another sub-theme of maternal instinct, where a bond is formed that is led by this motherly instinct. This leads to strong characters protecting the weaker ones from the otherworldly beings. This sub-theme often reaches its climax when one of the weaker characters is either kidnapped or falls prey to the scary creatures.
Alien themes also signify a sense of camaraderie and teamwork between the characters as they team up together to either save the world or their group from a difficult situation. There is also a sense of existential dread present in these films as the world usually known to the characters suddenly turns upside down and becomes impossible to recognize. This is emphasized by the dark and murky cinematography, jump scares, and cliffhangers. This lack of understanding of the world also instills a sense of dread in the characters which is manifested by dark visual imagery and gloomy sound effects.
Alien Movies to Watch in Spanish Cinema
Now that we are on the topic of Spanish Alien films, it is a good time to drop some movie suggestions for our Hispanic audience or even those who are looking to acquaint themselves with the Spanish cinema (thank god for English subtitles)? it’ll be an odd thought but if you’re wondering how will you be watching these Spanish films. Its easy, I watch them on Optimum’s Stream Device which can provide a seamless streaming experience for you, with 200+ TV channels and movie and TV on-demand service. To get Optimum’s Stream Device, you contact numero de Optimum en español.
Now let’s discuss some Spanish films with Alien plots which you can watch.
- Invasión
It is a 2024 sci-fi film directed by David Martín-Porras. The film covers there different stories triggered by the Alien invasion of Earth. Two individuals from opposing sides are locked together in a cell and three soldiers together seek refuge from the scary invasion while a scientist couple finds themselves alone with an imprisoned alien. The movie is a thrilling journey, where two of these learn to trust their enemies. - Extraterrestre
A very entertaining convergence of romance with science fiction, Extraterrestre is directed and written by the Spanish filmmaker Nacho Vigalondo. It diverges from the usual gloomy and dark alien plots and is actually a comedy of errors. Set in Madrid, Julio wakes up one morning from a one-night stand, only to realize he and the girl he spent the night with, Julia, does not remember anything. They see a large UFO looming over Madrid and from there on, the movie becomes a hilarious mix of romance while the characters figure out their next moves.
You can watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hj6IlU8-ps - Control Room
Pitched as ‘Aliens meet the Guilty’, Control Room is a science fiction movie with a strong female Olivia. The movie is directed by Luiso Berdejo and produced by the same entity who produced ‘Through My Window’, one of the most popular Spanish movies on Netflix. The movie is interestingly set in a remote space colony, where Olivia, as a control room operator, is in charge of the security of the colony. Olivia’s skills are put to test as the colony is invaded by Aliens.
- Seres: Genesis
Released in 2010, it is a Mexican science fiction film directed by Angel Mario Huerta. The film is an interesting mix of Mayan prophecies, mysticism, archaeologists, and UFO hunters. A young girl is found in the wreckage caused by a UFO while the end of the world predicted by the Mayan Kind Pakal approaches. The main character Mariel is forced to make sense of the heart-stopping message which points out a hostile alien force will be attacking Earth soon.
Spanish Cinema has scores of interesting stories to tell and Alien films are just a single and emerging medium for it. Having barely begun, there is a lot more for the Spanish filmmakers to explore and make and we are here for it.
