Enemy Mine (1985)

Detailed Summary

The Crash on Fyrine IV

The movie opens during an interstellar war between humans (Terrans) and an alien species known as the Dracs. Fighter pilot Willis Davidge (Dennis Quaid) is shot down during a dogfight with a Drac pilot, Jeriba “Jerry” Shigan (Louis Gossett Jr.). Both crash-land on the barren, hostile planet Fyrine IV. At first, they try to kill each other, but survival demands cooperation.

Enemies Become Allies

Stranded with no way off the planet, Davidge and Jerry are forced to share resources, shelter, and knowledge. The hostile environment (meteor showers, volcanic eruptions, carnivorous creatures) pushes them closer together. Their initial hostility slowly gives way to respect, humor, and even friendship. Davidge learns the Drac language, and Jerry begins teaching him about Drac culture and spirituality.

Jerry’s Pregnancy

In a twist that surprises Davidge (and the audience), Jerry reveals that Dracs reproduce asexually and carries a child. Jerry dies during childbirth, leaving Davidge to raise the baby, Zammis, on his own. This pushes Davidge into a paternal role and deepens his bond with the Drac race, transforming him from a reluctant ally to a guardian.

Raising Zammis

Davidge teaches Zammis about both human and Drac culture, but danger arrives when human scavengers (miners exploiting the planet) capture the child and enslave him. Davidge, horrified by the cruelty of his own species, stages a daring rescue.

Movie Ending

Davidge rescues Zammis after a violent confrontation with the scavenger miners. In the climactic sequence, Davidge kills the leader of the scavengers, showing how far he has come from his soldier mindset into someone who values life over conquest.

He then takes Zammis to the Drac homeworld, where he is required to recite his parentage in front of the Drac Council—a crucial part of their culture. Since Jerry has died, Davidge recites Zammis’s lineage on his behalf, fulfilling a promise to his friend. The Dracs accept Zammis, and Davidge is honored as family by the Drac race. The film closes on a note of reconciliation and mutual respect, symbolizing hope that the cycle of war might one day end.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. Enemy Mine was released in 1985, long before post-credits scenes became popular. Once the credits roll, the story is fully complete.

Type of Movie

Enemy Mine is a sci-fi drama with war, survival, and friendship themes. It blends science fiction adventure with a strong anti-war, anti-racism allegory.

Cast

• Dennis Quaid as Willis Davidge
• Louis Gossett Jr. as Jeriba “Jerry” Shigan
• Brion James as Stubbs
• Richard Marcus as Arnold
• Carolyn McCormick as Morse

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Maurice Jarre, known for his epic, sweeping orchestrations (Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago). His music underscores both the loneliness of the planet and the warmth of the growing friendship.

Filming Locations

The film was primarily shot in Bavaria Film Studios in Munich, West Germany. Additional scenes were filmed in Iceland and Lanzarote (Canary Islands) to capture the alien-like, desolate landscapes. These rugged, volcanic backdrops helped establish Fyrine IV as a harsh and unforgiving world.

Awards and Nominations

• Won the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor (Louis Gossett Jr.).
• Nominated for Best Science Fiction Film at the Saturn Awards.
• Praised for makeup effects, especially the groundbreaking prosthetics for the Drac character.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• The film was originally directed by Richard Loncraine, but after production issues, he was replaced by Wolfgang Petersen (Das Boot).
• Louis Gossett Jr. spent hours each day in makeup to become Jerry, wearing extensive prosthetics that were revolutionary for their time.
• Dennis Quaid reportedly lost weight and roughed himself up to look convincingly stranded.
• Production went over budget due to reshoots and the rebuilding of major sets.

Inspirations and References

• Based on the 1979 novella “Enemy Mine” by Barry B. Longyear.
• The themes echo Cold War politics—humans and Dracs mirror the hostility between the US and USSR.
• The story is also reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe, a tale of survival and unlikely companionship.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There were early drafts and filmed material where Davidge returns to human command instead of staying with Zammis, but test audiences preferred the more emotional ending with the Drac Council. Many of these deleted sequences have never been released in full.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie is based closely on Longyear’s novella but expands on certain aspects:

• In the book, more time is spent on Drac culture and philosophy.
• The novelization explores the bond between Davidge and Zammis in greater detail, including Zammis’s adulthood.
• The movie streamlines these elements into a survival-focused plot.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Davidge and Jerry building shelter together after days of hostility.
• Jerry teaching Davidge the Drac language by the fire.
• Jerry giving birth and Davidge’s stunned reaction.
• Davidge storming the scavenger camp to rescue Zammis.
• The Drac Council scene where Davidge recites Zammis’s lineage.

Iconic Quotes

• Jerry: “You are ugly to my eyes, human, but beautiful to my heart.”
• Davidge: “I stopped hating. I realized the only enemy left was inside me.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The Drac language was fully constructed for the film, though it’s not as developed as Klingon from Star Trek.
• The look of the scavenger mining equipment was inspired by real 1980s industrial machinery.
• Dennis Quaid’s character wears a flight jacket with patches resembling Cold War-era fighter squadrons.

Trivia

• Louis Gossett Jr. became one of the first Black actors to play an alien lead role in a major sci-fi film.
• The prosthetic work for Jerry required three hours of application daily.
• Wolfgang Petersen said the movie was one of the hardest shoots of his career, second only to Das Boot.
• Despite poor box office performance, the film later became a cult classic.

Why Watch?

Watch Enemy Mine if you love science fiction that’s more about people than lasers. It’s a heartfelt story about survival, empathy, and friendship across divides. It has great performances, groundbreaking makeup, and a story that still resonates in today’s climate of cultural conflict.

Director’s Other Movies (Wolfgang Petersen)

• Das Boot (1981)
• The NeverEnding Story (1984)
• In the Line of Fire (1993)
• Outbreak (1995)
• Air Force One (1997)
• The Perfect Storm (2000)
• Troy (2004)

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Last Starfighter (1984)
• The Abyss (1989)
• Starman (1984)
• Silent Running (1972)
• Dune (1984)
• Contact (1997)