Explorers (1985) & Contact (1997): Are We Alone? | EP05
- Mar 20, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 9
First Contact in Space Sci-Fi
In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we continue our journey through the space subgenre by exploring two films that imagine humanity receiving messages from beyond our planet: Explorers (1985) and Contact (1997).
Both films revolve around one of the most exciting ideas in science fiction — the possibility that we are not alone in the universe.
First we look at Explorers, Joe Dante’s imaginative 80s sci-fi adventure about a group of kids who build their own spacecraft after receiving mysterious signals in their dreams.
Then we jump forward to Contact, Robert Zemeckis’ thoughtful adaptation of Carl Sagan’s novel about scientists who detect a signal from an alien civilisation.
Together these films show two very different approaches to the same question: what happens when humanity finally hears from another intelligence in the universe?
Because here on Journey Through Sci-Fi, we explore the history of science-fiction cinema one subgenre at a time.
Listen to the full episode below:
What We Discuss In This Episode
In this episode we talk about:
• How Explorers captures the sense of wonder and adventure of 80s sci-fi
• The influence of Spielberg-era science fiction on the genre
• Carl Sagan’s ideas about extraterrestrial life in Contact
• How science fiction imagines communication with alien intelligence
• Why the idea of first contact remains one of sci-fi’s most compelling themes
Explorers (1985) – Childhood Dreams of Space
Directed by Joe Dante, Explorers is one of the most charming sci-fi films of the 1980s.
The story follows three teenage friends who receive strange signals in their dreams that inspire them to build a homemade spacecraft.
The film blends adventure, imagination and classic coming-of-age storytelling with the excitement of space exploration.
Like many 80s sci-fi films, it captures the feeling that science and imagination could open the door to incredible discoveries.
Contact (1997) – Listening for Alien Intelligence
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Contact takes a much more grounded approach to the idea of first contact.
Based on the novel by Carl Sagan, the film follows scientist Ellie Arroway, who discovers a mysterious radio signal coming from deep space.
As the world struggles to interpret the message, the story explores the intersection of science, belief and humanity’s desire to understand its place in the universe.
Unlike many alien stories, Contact focuses less on spectacle and more on the philosophical implications of discovering that we are not alone.
The Search for Life Beyond Earth
Together, Explorers and Contact represent two different ways science fiction imagines communication with alien life.
One embraces the sense of childhood wonder and adventure that comes with imagining journeys beyond Earth.
The other explores the scientific and philosophical consequences of discovering extraterrestrial intelligence.
Both reflect humanity’s enduring fascination with the possibility that somewhere in the vastness of space, another civilisation might be trying to reach us.
Explore more Journey Through Sci-fi series
About Journey Through Sci-Fi
Journey Through Sci-Fi is a podcast exploring the strange, visionary and world-changing history of science-fiction cinema.
Each series focuses on a different sci-fi subgenre, examining the films and ideas that shaped the genre - from classic cinema to modern science-fiction storytelling
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