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Episode 26: “Aliens”

Stephanie Summar

Game Over, Men – Game Over

Ripley and Newt encounter the Xenomorph Queen
Aliens, 1986

James Cameron's 1986 sci-fi horror classic Aliens is more than just a pulse-pounding action flick – it's a groundbreaking exploration of women in film, challenging traditional gender roles and offering a nuanced portrayal of feminine strength.

At the heart of this cinematic revolution is Ellen Ripley, played by the incomparable Sigourney Weaver, who emerges as a feminist icon in a genre typically dominated by masculine heroes. But the movie doesn’t stop at Ripley. It presents a diverse array of female characters, each challenging gender norms in their own way.

Tonight on the Paranormal Pajama Party podcast, we’re taking a look at the women of Aliens – Ripley, Vasquez, Newt, and the Xenomorph Queen herself.

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Ripley – best final girl ever

Ripley's character in Aliens is a masterclass in subverting expectations. Unlike many male action heroes of the era, her decisions are guided by what feminist philosophers call the ethics of care. Rather than adhering to abstract notions of justice or freedom, Ripley's choices are driven by empathy and a deep sense of responsibility toward others, especially the orphaned Newt. This approach to heroism offers a refreshing alternative to the individualistic, combat-driven narratives often seen in action films.

Ripley’s emergence as a feminist icon is particularly striking when viewed in the context of the time. The first Alien film was released in 1979, just 16 years after Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique had ignited the second-wave feminist movement.

At a time when mainstream media was still grappling with the changing roles of women in society, Ripley stood out as a powerful, competent, and empathetic protagonist. Unlike many female characters of the era, who were often relegated to secondary or supportive roles, Ripley was front and centre, not just surviving but leading the fight against the alien menace. Her portrayal marked a significant departure from the traditional damsel-in-distress archetype, paving the way for more complex and empowered female characters in cinema.

Aliens also tackles the persistent issue of women not being heard or respected in male-dominated environments. Ripley's frustrations with being ignored or dismissed by her male counterparts, despite her expertise and past experiences, resonate strongly with many women's real-world experiences in the workplace.

There’s more than one way to be a competent woman

Private Vasquez, with her tough-as-nails attitude and impressive physical prowess, demonstrates how women can succeed in hypermasculine environments by adopting traditionally masculine traits.

Vasquez, portrayed by Jenette Goldstein, is a rare character in the 1980s action genre – a woman who not only holds her own among male soldiers but often surpasses them in terms of strength, bravery, and tactical skill. Her muscular build, no-nonsense demeanour, and readiness for combat challenge the era's narrow definitions of femininity. But Vasquez's portrayal also raises important questions about the cost of conforming to masculine ideals to achieve respect or acceptance in such environments.

In contrast to Ripley, who balances strength with empathy, Vasquez embodies a different form of feminine power – one that is fierce, uncompromising, and heavily influenced by the surrounding male-dominated military culture. From both characters, we learn there are multiple ways for women to assert themselves in male-dominated spaces, each with its own challenges and rewards.

Why is Newt a girl?

Meanwhile, Newt, the young survivor, represents resilience and adaptability in the face of unimaginable horror. Her character is significant not just for her role in the plot but for what she represents thematically. Newt's presence underscores the film’s exploration of motherhood and the protective instincts that drive Ripley. As a young girl, Newt becomes Ripley’s symbolic daughter, allowing the film to delve into themes of surrogate motherhood and the primal need to protect one's offspring.

The decision to make Newt a girl rather than a boy also adds a layer of complexity to her relationship with Ripley. In a genre where male characters typically dominate the narrative, Newt's role as a vulnerable yet resourceful female child emphasizes the importance of female solidarity and the passing of strength from one generation to the next. The bond between Ripley and Newt is not just about survival; it’s about creating a legacy of strong women overcoming adversity.

Her Majesty, the Queen Mum

But perhaps the most fascinating aspect of "Aliens" is its exploration of the monstrous-feminine through the Xenomorph Queen. Drawing on Barbara Creed's groundbreaking work, the film presents the Queen as the ultimate embodiment of primal female power and fertility. Her grotesque reproduction process and violent maternal instincts serve as a dark mirror to idealised notions of motherhood, tapping into deep-seated fears about uncontrolled female sexuality and reproduction.

The climactic confrontation between Ripley and the Xenomorph Queen is more than just a battle between human and alien – it's a clash between two powerful maternal figures. Both are driven by the primal urge to protect their young, but while the Queen represents a destructive, all-consuming motherhood, Ripley embodies a nurturing, life-affirming version. This juxtaposition challenges viewers to consider the complexities of maternal instincts and female power.

By giving us a lineup of badass women – from the flame-thrower-wielding Ripley to a literal alien queen – Aliens doesn’t just blow stuff up. It also sneaks in a sharp critique of gender roles, all while covered in acid blood. It’s proof that you can have your chest-bursting horror and a little gender commentary, too. Who knew that a movie about slimy space monsters could pave the way for more interesting, complex women in cinema? Now, if only the rest of Hollywood would catch up.

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