Alien vs. Predator (2004), directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, is the long-awaited crossover that brought together two of sci-fi horror’s most iconic creatures: the Xenomorphs from Alien and the Predators from Predator. It mixes horror, action, and survival elements while expanding the mythologies of both franchises.
Detailed Summary
The Discovery of the Pyramid
The movie kicks off when billionaire Charles Bishop Weyland (Lance Henriksen) funds an expedition to Antarctica after satellites detect a mysterious heat source deep beneath the ice. The crew, led by guide Alexa Woods (Sanaa Lathan), uncovers a massive pyramid buried underground. This pyramid predates human civilization and contains elements from Aztec, Cambodian, and Egyptian architecture.
The Awakening of the Hunt
Inside the pyramid, the group inadvertently triggers an ancient mechanism. Unknown to them, the Predators use this pyramid as a hunting ground, where humans are lured as sacrificial hosts for the Alien Xenomorphs. Once activated, Alien eggs hatch and Facehuggers begin creating Xenomorphs to serve as prey for the Predator hunters.
The Carnage Begins
Chaos erupts quickly. The archaeologists are picked off one by one, either becoming Alien hosts or being slaughtered by Predators. The pyramid’s architecture constantly shifts, trapping and isolating survivors. Alexa and her team realize they are caught in the middle of an ancient ritual war between two deadly species.
Predator and Human Alliance
As the bloodshed intensifies, Alexa forms an uneasy alliance with one surviving Predator, known as Scar. Recognizing her bravery, Scar marks Alexa with Alien blood, symbolizing her initiation into the Predator’s code of honor. Together, they attempt to stop the Alien Queen, who has been awakened beneath the pyramid and is producing thousands of eggs.
Movie Ending
In the climax, Alexa and Scar fight side by side against the Alien Queen. They manage to chain her down and launch her into the icy depths of the Antarctic ocean, temporarily stopping the infestation. However, Scar is fatally wounded in the battle.
In a poignant moment, Alexa watches as the other Predators arrive in a massive ship. They retrieve Scar’s body and, out of respect, present Alexa with an ancient Predator spear as a token of honor. The ship departs, leaving her behind in the cold.
But the true sting of the ending comes after the ship leaves: Scar’s corpse contains an Alien embryo inside him. In the closing moments, the Predalien chestburster bursts out of his chest, setting the stage for the sequel, Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007).
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Alien vs. Predator does not have a post-credits scene. The shocking Predalien birth is the movie’s final scene before the credits roll, serving as its own sequel tease.
Type of Movie
This is a sci-fi action horror crossover. It blends the survival-horror feel of Alien with the tribal-hunter action of Predator.
Cast
- Sanaa Lathan as Alexa Woods
- Raoul Bova as Sebastian de Rosa
- Lance Henriksen as Charles Bishop Weyland
- Ewen Bremner as Graeme Miller
- Colin Salmon as Maxwell Stafford
- Tommy Flanagan as Mark Verheiden
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Harald Kloser, who delivered a dark, tension-filled orchestral soundtrack, emphasizing the cold Antarctic setting and the deadly encounters.
Filming Locations
The film was shot primarily in Prague, Czech Republic, at Barrandov Studios, where massive pyramid sets were built. The Antarctic exteriors were filmed on location in Canada and Iceland to capture the frozen, isolated environment that enhances the survival horror tone.
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Awards and Nominations
While not a critical darling, the movie was nominated for Best Horror Film at the 2005 Saturn Awards. It also won Best Science Fiction Film at the Golden Trailer Awards.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Paul W.S. Anderson had been developing the project since the 1990s, inspired by the Alien vs. Predator comic book series.
- The Predator costumes were practical suits worn by stunt performers, while the Alien Queen was an enormous animatronic, standing over 14 feet tall.
- Lance Henriksen’s role as Weyland connects loosely to the Alien franchise, foreshadowing the Weyland-Yutani Corporation.
- The shifting pyramid design was inspired by the concept of a Rubik’s Cube.
Inspirations and References
The film draws heavily from the Dark Horse Comics’ Alien vs. Predator series. Its sacrificial pyramid plot borrows elements from Mesoamerican myths, combining ritualistic sacrifice with sci-fi horror.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- An extended cut includes longer gore sequences and more character development, especially for Weyland and Sebastian.
- Some deleted scenes show Alexa training with Scar in more detail, strengthening their unusual bond.
- An alternate ending was rumored but never confirmed, where more Predators survive and acknowledge Alexa more formally.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The movie was novelized by Marc Cerasini. The novel expands on Predator culture, Alexa’s inner thoughts, and includes more brutal Alien attacks. It also fleshes out Weyland’s backstory and motivations more thoroughly than the film.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The first facehugger attack, reigniting Alien franchise terror.
- The pyramid shifting, trapping characters in labyrinth-like hallways.
- Alexa and Scar teaming up, showcasing an unlikely Predator-human partnership.
- The Alien Queen’s escape and final battle on the ice.
Iconic Quotes
- Alexa Woods: “The enemy of my enemy… is my friend.”
- Weyland: “There’s nothing more important than proving that we were here.”
- Sebastian: “This pyramid… it’s a hunting ground.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The name “Weyland” ties directly to Weyland-Yutani, the megacorporation central to the Alien franchise.
- Scar’s marking on Alexa mirrors Predator tribal traditions shown in earlier Predator films.
- The opening scene’s satellite imagery is labeled “Weyland Industries.”
Trivia
- This was the first Alien film officially rated PG-13, which angered fans expecting the franchise’s usual R-rated brutality.
- The Predalien concept was long teased in comics before being canonized in this film’s ending.
- Anderson deliberately kept Xenomorphs smaller and more animalistic to differentiate them from the bulkier, biomechanical look in Alien.
Why Watch?
Watch this if you’ve ever wondered what happens when two of the deadliest sci-fi monsters clash in a brutal, survival-driven showdown. It may not be high art, but it’s a fun, action-heavy ride for fans of creature features.
