Contact
Contact

Movie spotlight

Contact

1982
Movie
98 min
English

An investigation & analysis of UFO contactee Billy Meier's sightings, photographs & films.

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes63%
Metacritic64/100
Google Users84%
Director: Robert ZemeckisGenres: Science Fiction, Drama, Mystery

Plot Summary

Dr. Eleanor Arroway, a determined astronomer, dedicates her life to searching for extraterrestrial intelligence. Her unwavering pursuit leads to the discovery of a signal from a distant star system, initiating a global effort to decipher the message. As humanity grapples with the profound implications of this contact, Eleanor finds herself at the center of a scientific, political, and spiritual debate about our place in the universe.

Critical Reception

Contact was met with widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise for its intelligent script, thought-provoking themes, and Jodie Foster's performance. Critics lauded its balance of scientific plausibility with philosophical inquiry, exploring faith, science, and the human need for connection.

What Reviewers Say

  • A visually stunning and intellectually engaging exploration of humanity's first encounter with extraterrestrial life.

  • Jodie Foster delivers a powerhouse performance as a driven scientist grappling with faith and evidence.

  • The film successfully blends hard science fiction with profound questions about belief and existence.

Google audience: Audience reviews frequently highlight the film's compelling narrative, its ability to inspire awe and wonder, and its thoughtful examination of scientific discovery versus personal faith. Many appreciated its mature approach to a science fiction theme.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Sound, and multiple Saturn Awards including Best Actress for Jodie Foster.

Fun Fact

The iconic scene where Ellie first hears the alien signal was inspired by a real-life experience of SETI researcher Jill Tarter, who worked as a consultant on the film. She described hearing a series of beeps that sounded distinctly artificial, a moment that deeply influenced the film's portrayal.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review