The 1995 release "Species" tells the story of events following SETI’s (Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) receipt of a transmission from space containing alien DNA information, along with instructions on how to combine it with human genetics. This process results in Sil, played by Michele Williams initially and later Natasha Henstridge, who escapes and rapidly matures into a tall blonde woman. Ben Kingsley portrays government agent Xavier Fitch, who assembles a team tasked with locating and eliminating Sil before she can find a partner and reproduce. The group includes a tough mercenary (Michael Madsen), an anthropologist (Alfred Molina), a molecular biologist (Marg Helgenberger) and an empath (Forest Whitaker). I previously held a negative opinion of "Species" due to Roger Ebert’s harsh review, but I've since changed my mind after watching it with an open mind. It is a high-quality science fiction/adventure/horror film. Some people dismiss it because of the nudity and mild sexual content, labeling it as exploitative and lowbrow. While Natasha Henstridge is attractive, she doesn’t appeal to me, allowing me to disregard that aspect and focus on other positive elements. The score by Christopher Young stands out as excellent. The presence of a well-known cast is also a highlight, with their characters becoming more developed throughout the story. Although many consider the plot to be standard B-movie fare with A-level production values, there's more substance than initially apparent. For example, Sil is portrayed as an unwitting tool of the extraterrestrials who sent the DNA. Similarly, the character of Dan (Whitaker) – often criticized for stating the obvious – consistently demonstrates knowledge that others lack, and they ignore his warnings to their detriment. His insights are essential for guiding the team and preventing them from pursuing fruitless paths. Despite negative reactions from some film critics, "Species" is a thoroughly entertaining science fiction adventure with interesting moral questions and well-developed characters. If you enjoy films like “Alien,” “Aliens,” “Terminator,” “Terminator 2” and “Predator,” you’ll likely appreciate this one as well. It may not reach the heights of “Aliens,” “Terminator” or “Terminator 2,” but it's comparable to "Alien" (and slightly better, in my view) and superior to "Predator." However, enjoyment will depend on what someone seeks in a science fiction blockbuster. In my opinion, "Species" delivers what it promises. The film’s running time is 108 minutes and filming took place in Los Angeles and Brigham City, Utah. GRADE: A- ***SPOILER ALERT*** (Do not read further if you have not seen the movie) A theory proposed by the mercenary and biologist suggests that the alien DNA was sent as a biological weapon – an extraterrestrial “weed killer” intended to eliminate humanity from Earth. It’s a compelling concept, and the film presents it in a believable way.

Source on TMDB