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Species

year 1995decade 90sdirector Roger Donaldsongenre Science fiction horror

108 minutes

Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Michelle Williams Young Sil
Ben Kingsley Xavier Fitch
Michael Madsen Preston "Press" Lennox
Alfred Molina Dr. Stephen Arden
Forest Whitaker Dan Smithson
Marg Helgenberger Dr. Laura Baker
Whip Hubley John Carey
Anthony Guidera Robbie Llywelyn

Species | The Rewatchables

host Bill Simmonshost Chris Ryanhost Van Lathanproducer Jack Sanders
Explore episodeClose episode

Half-Assed Internet Research

The budget is stated as $35 million and the gross as $113.3 million, described as a hit.

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:24:47Read transcript
  • The budget is stated as $35 million and the gross as $113.3 million, described as a hit.
  • The kiss is said to have won the 1996 MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss and to have been recreated at the ceremony.
  • Giger is identified as Sil’s designer and reportedly objected to reused alien-film ideas, prompting a different headshot ending.
  • The Id club was reportedly constructed inside the Pantages Theatre.
  • Molina reportedly eased Henstridge’s first-sex-scene nerves by joking that his own prior experience had been with a man.

Roger Ebert's review

2 stars (scale not stated)

The episode states that Roger Ebert gave Species two stars and criticized its treatment of intelligent human and alien characters.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:24:58Read transcript
  • The episode states that Roger Ebert gave Species two stars and criticized its treatment of intelligent human and alien characters.
  • The answer that the movie never tells her prompts the reply to relax and have some fun.

Most Rewatchable Scene

Young Sil escaping the gas-filled enclosure is nominated; the immediate opening and lack of explanatory preamble are praised.

In the discussion (12)
Approx. transcript time · 00:26:50Read transcript
  • Young Sil escaping the gas-filled enclosure is nominated; the immediate opening and lack of explanatory preamble are praised.
  • Fitch explaining the alien project to the assembled crew is nominated for efficient exposition and the female-docility exchange.
  • The burn-room escape is called fun despite questions about why the door is not opened promptly and why Madsen is not angrier.
  • Sil’s club visit, bathroom killing, and lethal French kiss at the Hollywood Hills house are nominated.
  • The bathroom murder is discussed as Sil’s literal response to a romantic threat; Robbie’s car, view, and automated home are admired.
  • Initial rooting interest in Robbie ends when he tries to prevent Sil from leaving.
  • Robbie’s threatening conduct and diabetes are both considered reasons for his death.
  • The Palisades encounter is nominated, with sympathy for the helpful man whose successful date becomes a sudden death.
  • The car chase and body-switch explosion are called fun to watch.
  • The paired sex scenes are nominated, and the Helgenberger–Madsen scene is reportedly partly improvised.
  • The dueling sex scenes at the end are called clearly the answer; Henstridge is praised for going for it.
  • The Robbie Hollywood Hills sequence receives a separate explicit favorite-scene preference.

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Sil’s rapid familiarity with showers, money, and American behavior is questioned; the diabetes rejection is mocked.

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 00:33:09Read transcript
  • Sil’s rapid familiarity with showers, money, and American behavior is questioned; the diabetes rejection is mocked.
  • The discussion asks where Dan works and whether his empath abilities require certification.
  • Whether being an empath constitutes a job and how the CIA located Dan are questioned.
  • Sil’s aging rate is questioned, including whether she would become elderly within a week.
  • A comic hypothetical asks whether Sean Marks would draft the species if eligible.
  • Whether the originating aliens monitor or approve Sil’s progress is debated; her behavior is interpreted as reflecting a predatory human society.
  • Suggested places to find a mate include the South Bay strand, a USC party, and wine country; the range of suitable adult men and locations is debated.
  • Disney World, a Lakers game, Eagle Rock, and meeting Gretzky are imagined as further Sil encounters.

Picking Nits

The team’s failure to suspect that the intelligent alien staged the apparent death is criticized.

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 00:35:40Read transcript
  • The team’s failure to suspect that the intelligent alien staged the apparent death is criticized.
  • The Palisades man’s reluctance is mocked, but his reaction to the abrupt demand for a baby is defended as reasonable.
  • The tough guy handing a cat to a sitter is mocked, but defended because dogs need more care when someone travels.
  • Sil leaving a bloody scene in the porter’s clean, perfectly fitting clothes is challenged.
  • The team locating Robbie’s house from the club is questioned, especially the assumption that a doorman knows his address.
  • Testing the hot-tub water for semen within roughly ten minutes is questioned.
  • The unusually helpful motel manager and lack of stronger reactions to Sil’s appearance are criticized; making a microbiologist a combatant is reiterated.
  • Fitch sending the team home to sleep while Sil remains loose is criticized.

The most "year the movie came out" thing

Young Michelle Williams is nominated as a 1995 marker, followed by discussion of her reported disavowal of the film.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:38:03Read transcript
  • Young Michelle Williams is nominated as a 1995 marker, followed by discussion of her reported disavowal of the film.
  • The short-lived portable Sony television is favored as the most 1995 object.
  • The finale’s effects, paper credit-card authorization machine, and the actors’ thin and young appearance are additional 1995 markers.

What’s Aged the Best?

Molina’s Species-to-Boogie Nights career stretch is praised.

In the discussion (12)
Approx. transcript time · 00:40:10Read transcript
  • Molina’s Species-to-Boogie Nights career stretch is praised.
  • Madsen watching hockey with beers before receiving the call is admired; the exact game cannot be identified.
  • Dan’s obvious observations and inconsistent empath powers are treated as funny, including his response to the dead woman and alien cocoon.
  • Dan’s sympathy for Sil and inexplicable characterization are part of the movie’s appeal.
  • Whitaker is praised for playing weird, off-kilter, soft-spoken characters, with Ghost Dog also cited.
  • Laura and Preston’s sex scene is praised as especially frisky, with Laura’s initiative and private fist pump singled out.
  • More scenes of Natasha shopping in downtown L.A. are desired, including buying weird things or headphones.
  • Learning culture from hotel-room television is admired as a recurring device shared with Borat and Big.
  • Dan surviving is noted as unusual in the genre, while the friendly woman on the train supplies a counterpoint; infected rats are called a frightening device.
  • The surviving creature material and rat suggest a sequel direction considered more promising than the poorly regarded actual sequel.
  • A commentary anecdote says Madsen antagonized Kingsley by interfering with his guarded chair, including putting garbage on it and hanging it from a crane.
  • The ragtag team of specialists assembled for a hunt is praised as an appealing genre setup.

The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink

Young Sil’s train meal, especially pudding and eating a banana with its peel, is nominated.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:11Read transcript
  • Young Sil’s train meal, especially pudding and eating a banana with its peel, is nominated.
  • Long Island iced teas receive an additional nomination.

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

The cinematography is praised, and Sil emerging from the train cocoon is nominated, with the train reportedly inverted to achieve the effect.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:52:25Read transcript
  • The cinematography is praised, and Sil emerging from the train cocoon is nominated, with the train reportedly inverted to achieve the effect.
  • The Biltmore’s appearance is praised.
  • The tongue emerging through Robbie’s head is considered the defining and most memorable shot, even if not conventionally cinematic.

Did This Movie Need a Random Sports Scene?

Sil stopping at the Venice courts, attracting a player, hustling a game, or destroying a ball is proposed; beach volleyball is offered as another setting.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:54:53Read transcript
  • Sil stopping at the Venice courts, attracting a player, hustling a game, or destroying a ball is proposed; beach volleyball is offered as another setting.
  • A Lakers or cheaper Clippers game is proposed, with Sil studying and replacing a cheerleader or meeting a player.

George Ellerby “Two Weeks with Pay” Award for Character Who Should Have Been Fired

Fitch is nominated for excessive autonomy, inadequate containment and killing plans, and hiring civilians instead of military specialists.

Flex pick · Chris Ryan

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:56:14Read transcript
  • Fitch is nominated for excessive autonomy, inadequate containment and killing plans, and hiring civilians instead of military specialists.
  • Plainclothes special forces are proposed as a better response, and the absence of supervisory scrutiny is criticized.

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

The kidnapped woman and the extended body-decoy sequence are nominated as unnecessary; the DNA purpose does not persuade the objection.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:23Read transcript
  • The kidnapped woman and the extended body-decoy sequence are nominated as unnecessary; the DNA purpose does not persuade the objection.
  • The last twelve minutes in the sewer are criticized because Natasha is no longer Natasha and the movie becomes conventional.

What’s Aged the Worst?

Species 2 is nominated, citing Madsen’s reported description of it as lousy and a paycheck job.

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:57Read transcript
  • Species 2 is nominated, citing Madsen’s reported description of it as lousy and a paycheck job.
  • Long Island iced teas are criticized as unfashionable, caloric, and potent, with the claim that nobody drinks them challenged.
  • The discussion questions whether Dan avoids alcohol for religious reasons and criticizes slipping alcohol to him on that possibility.
  • Missed Hollywood mating encounters are criticized, with the Viper Room, Swingers locations, and Canter’s proposed as opportunities.
  • More Santa Monica and outdoor-pool locations are desired; Fitch’s assumption that Sil will return to the same club is questioned.

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Whitaker is selected for the film overall, with Kingsley’s single tear separately nominated; the film is otherwise called underacted.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:01:52Read transcript
  • Whitaker is selected for the film overall, with Kingsley’s single tear separately nominated; the film is otherwise called underacted.

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

The hottest take imagines an alien rated a six struggling to find a mate, turning the movie into a rom-com.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:03:28Read transcript
  • The hottest take imagines an alien rated a six struggling to find a mate, turning the movie into a rom-com.
  • The movie is said to need more sex, including on the train once she becomes a grown-up woman, and a hard-R or stronger-rating approach.
  • An HBO series beginning in 1995 is proposed as a potentially transformative early cable drama, expanding the pursuit and giving the investigators further cases.
  • The TV show idea prompts concern that aliens would be too expensive; showing them once a year and continuing with Madsen and Marge are suggested.

Casting What-Ifs

Brosnan was reportedly offered a role but unavailable because of GoldenEye; the proposed identification of the role as Kingsley’s is speculative.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:07:39Read transcript
  • Brosnan was reportedly offered a role but unavailable because of GoldenEye; the proposed identification of the role as Kingsley’s is speculative.
  • Schwarzenegger’s reported interest is explicitly uncertain, and Lennox is guessed as the intended part; casting him as the empath is a separate joke.

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Whip is selected, with St. Elmo’s Fire and Top Gun recalled as earlier familiar roles; the transcript corrects an initial pronunciation.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:08:22Read transcript
  • Whip is selected, with St. Elmo’s Fire and Top Gun recalled as earlier familiar roles; the transcript corrects an initial pronunciation.

Mallory Rubin Award: Did This Movie Need a Better Sex Scene?

The flex proposes a missed Madsen–Sil sexual encounter, citing her visions and suggesting a triangle with Dr. Baker.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:56Read transcript
  • The flex proposes a missed Madsen–Sil sexual encounter, citing her visions and suggesting a triangle with Dr. Baker.
  • Sil coming into bed while Marge is away is proposed; Madsen is imagined as the best mate and Molina as the hurried substitute.

Apex Mountain

Henstridge is accepted as an apex selection.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:24Read transcript
  • Henstridge is accepted as an apex selection.
  • Madsen’s apex is disputed: Reservoir Dogs is offered, while Species’ success and the accumulated visibility of his earlier roles support this period as his career peak.
  • Helgenberger’s apex is assigned to CSI, Kingsley and Whitaker are rejected, and horny-alien films are proposed as a genre apex.
  • Mid-1990s BMW convertibles are proposed, with comparisons to Speed and a Frank Ocean cover left partly uncertain.

Cruise or Hanks?

Cruise is favored in several versions: Cocktail or Magnolia era as a picked-up man, current Cruise as Fitch, or Cruise as Lennox; Hanks is doubted for keeping a straight face.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:27Read transcript
  • Cruise is favored in several versions: Cocktail or Magnolia era as a picked-up man, current Cruise as Fitch, or Cruise as Lennox; Hanks is doubted for keeping a straight face.

Scorsese or Spielberg?

Two Spielberg choices are followed by a Scorsese preference imagining a gritty film steeped in Catholic guilt with a priest replacing the empath.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:34Read transcript
  • Two Spielberg choices are followed by a Scorsese preference imagining a gritty film steeped in Catholic guilt with a priest replacing the empath.

How Would Van Lathan Get Out of This One?

The answer is to team up with the alien, promise more babies and housework, and start a new world together.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:18:27Read transcript
  • The answer is to team up with the alien, promise more babies and housework, and start a new world together.

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

The earlier prestige-television pitch is reaffirmed, including as a current adaptation, against the actual poor sequels.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:22:38Read transcript
  • The earlier prestige-television pitch is reaffirmed, including as a current adaptation, against the actual poor sequels.

Is This Movie Better With…?

DB is imagined announcing the naked cocoon appearance; the idea of bringing the observed Shack into more movies remains unfinished.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:22:52Read transcript
  • DB is imagined announcing the naked cocoon appearance; the idea of bringing the observed Shack into more movies remains unfinished.
  • Byron Mayo is imagined responding to Sil, and first-take Jay Williams is proposed for the recurring impression roster.

Just One Oscar

Special effects is proposed, with a separate Madsen choice offered for affection.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:09Read transcript
  • Special effects is proposed, with a separate Madsen choice offered for affection.

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Forrest Whitaker’s observed Coofy is the only memorabilia suggestion after another participant cannot come up with one.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:27:07Read transcript
  • Forrest Whitaker’s observed Coofy is the only memorabilia suggestion after another participant cannot come up with one.

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Lessons warn against underestimating dangerous attractive aliens and treating an immediate demand for a baby as too good to be true; women are not to be used is also offered.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:27:18Read transcript
  • Lessons warn against underestimating dangerous attractive aliens and treating an immediate demand for a baby as too good to be true; women are not to be used is also offered.

Producer review

The invited response calls the film not good but extremely enjoyable, respects the premise, and regards its nudity as justified rather than gratuitous.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:28:48Read transcript
  • The invited response calls the film not good but extremely enjoyable, respects the premise, and regards its nudity as justified rather than gratuitous.

More from the conversation

The episode was selected as a Michael Madsen tribute after his death; Species was already on the summer list.
Approx. transcript time · 00:02:30Read transcript
One preference ranks this as Madsen’s second-best performance after True Romance, admiring his charismatic, unusually good-guy role.
Approx. transcript time · 00:02:57Read transcript
Madsen’s memorable 1990s run is contrasted with later paycheck roles, including a Species sequel he reportedly disliked.
Approx. transcript time · 00:04:20Read transcript
Madsen conveys lived experience and the impression that he could have worked outside acting, despite his theater background.
Approx. transcript time · 00:05:20Read transcript
Travolta’s roles are proposed as alternatives Madsen could have played; a CSI-style television career and a series with Helgenberger are imagined.
Approx. transcript time · 00:06:19Read transcript
A China Beach digression recalls its emotional finale and speculates that music rights explain its streaming absence.
Approx. transcript time · 00:06:57Read transcript
The production is said to have concentrated its budget on creature effects while assembling its ensemble from comparatively affordable actors.
Approx. transcript time · 00:08:51Read transcript
The serious ensemble is praised, while the theatrical draw is frankly described as the alien heroine and nudity.
Approx. transcript time · 00:09:37Read transcript
Species is placed in an ensemble-based 1990s scientist-fiction grouping with Congo, Outbreak, Sneakers, Sphere, and Mimic; Event Horizon is considered adjacent space horror.
Approx. transcript time · 00:11:21Read transcript
The premise of humanity being tricked into combining alien DNA with its own is defended as believable and mocked as susceptible to political incompetence.
Approx. transcript time · 00:12:12Read transcript
Henstridge’s debut presence inspired expectations of a larger movie-star career; a longer version of her exploring Los Angeles is imagined.
Approx. transcript time · 00:13:02Read transcript
The appeal of a newcomer navigating everyday urban tasks is discussed alongside how the heroine’s attractiveness shapes audience interest.
Approx. transcript time · 00:13:51Read transcript
Henstridge’s striking screen presence is contrasted with uncertainty about her acting; the alien imagery and sexual danger complicate the attraction.
Approx. transcript time · 00:15:01Read transcript
A new Ben Kingsley in Species award is proposed for an actor who appears not to want to be in the movie. Kingsley is described as on autopilot, contrasted with his work in Sexy Beast.
Approx. transcript time · 00:16:41Read transcript
An anecdote claims Kingsley took a short paid appearance in BloodRayne that was then used prominently in its marketing.
Approx. transcript time · 00:17:27Read transcript
Madsen is praised for making government-mercenary exposition and awkward dialogue sound cool.
Approx. transcript time · 00:18:36Read transcript
The search for contemporary equivalents to Madsen’s character-actor cool considers Bernthal, Bachrach, Goggins, Butler, and Schreiber, while questioning whether enough suitable films are made.
Approx. transcript time · 00:19:25Read transcript
A Madsen-versus-Sizemore comparison produces two Sizemore preferences and a Madsen defense based on broader charm and romantic plausibility.
Approx. transcript time · 00:21:31Read transcript
Madsen is imagined in Basic Instinct and as Shooter; the latter suggestion draws an objection that he already visibly conveys darkness.
Approx. transcript time · 00:22:44Read transcript
A personal anecdote recalls spotting Madsen at breakfast, photographing his back, and declining to approach him.
Approx. transcript time · 00:23:23Read transcript
Later Tarantino performances are praised, and missing Pulp Fiction is considered a possible career turning point, with the reason for the absence left uncertain.
Approx. transcript time · 00:23:52Read transcript
The proposed reluctant-performance award is revisited with Roy Scheider in Jaws 2 offered as another example.
Approx. transcript time · 00:24:31Read transcript
Chris Ryan is explicitly addressed as the owner of the upcoming good-at-their-job flex, and its discussion is deferred.
Approx. transcript time · 00:27:27Read transcript
The team composition is mocked for sending only one fighter alongside scientists and an empath whose observations seem trivial.
Approx. transcript time · 00:28:34Read transcript
A Vision Pro digression discusses improved sports viewing and imagines an F1 presentation designed for it.
Approx. transcript time · 00:39:13Read transcript
A comic digression distinguishes contemporary self-described empathy from the film’s professional psychic role.
Approx. transcript time · 00:42:47Read transcript
Dan is compared with Tony Romo’s predictive commentary, then Romo is imagined playing Dan.
Approx. transcript time · 00:44:02Read transcript
The unusually detailed Wikipedia production history inspires explicitly speculative jokes that screenwriter Dennis Feldman wrote it himself.
Approx. transcript time · 00:47:33Read transcript
Feldman’s credits prompt praise for Just One of the Guys, The Golden Child, and Real Men; Just One of the Guys is announced for the schedule.
Approx. transcript time · 00:49:54Read transcript
A film-camp anecdote describes editor Ralph Rosenblum demonstrating how recutting Real Men improved it, illustrating editing’s importance.
Approx. transcript time · 00:50:24Read transcript
A film-camp short about a BMX rider finding drug money is recalled, including action-film influences and music-clearance obstacles to sharing it.
Approx. transcript time · 00:51:04Read transcript
Roger Donaldson’s filmography prompts discussion of No Way Out, The Getaway, Cocktail, Thirteen Days, The Recruit, Cadillac Man, and The Bounty, plus a Sean Young disagreement.
Approx. transcript time · 00:53:01Read transcript
An Under Siege category is proposed for how a person suddenly knows how to work something, prompted by the microbiologist carrying a rifle; the spoken title trails off and weapon competence is an editorial description.
Approx. transcript time · 00:57:55Read transcript
A worst-death discussion contrasts the tortured decoy, toilet victim, and Molina’s reversal from pleasure to disaster; sympathy for Molina is challenged because he should recognize the disguised target.
Approx. transcript time · 00:58:39Read transcript
The closing discussion frames Species as an example of pre-internet theatrical appeal built on an entertaining premise and nudity rather than awards ambition.
Approx. transcript time · 01:29:59Read transcript
The less-attractive-alien premise is extended to a hypothetical unappealing man forced to get a job and develop a personality, with Jon Lovitz proposed.
Approx. transcript time · 01:30:36Read transcript