John Carpenter, They Live (1988)

Directed by John Carpenter, They Live is a sci-fi action film with a sharp socio-political edge. The story follows a drifter named Nada (played by Roddy Piper) who stumbles upon a pair of sunglasses that reveal a hidden reality. Through these glasses, he discovers that the world is covertly controlled by aliens who manipulate humans through subliminal messaging embedded in advertisements, media, and the government. The aliens appear as grotesque, skeletal beings, and their message is clear: "Consume," "Obey," and "Conform." As Nada teams up with a fellow drifter, Frank (Keith David), they embark on a mission to expose the aliens and ignite a human rebellion. The film builds to a thrilling climax, mixing moments of intense action with biting social commentary. Review: They Live is a cult classic that masterfully blends action, science fiction, and satire. John Carpenter’s direction ensures a gripping narrative with a minimalist approach to world-building,...