“Not bad for a human.”
Bishop-Aliens
I was drawn to Screamers because of its writer, Dan O’Bannon, who penned iconic films like Alien, Total Recall, and Return of the Living Dead. It’s fascinating how some of the best genre writers from the ’80s and ’90s never got the full recognition they deserved, and Screamers is a perfect example of an underrated gem.
Based on a Philip K. Dick short story, Screamers follows a squad of soldiers stationed on a war-ravaged planet where they face a lethal enemy: self-replicating machines known as “Screamers.” Designed to kill, these weapons have evolved beyond their original programming, turning into a terrifying, unpredictable force. As the soldiers uncover the Screamers’ chilling new capabilities, they find themselves in a claustrophobic, paranoia-filled fight for survival.
Peter Weller, as Commander Joe Hendricksson, is easily the film’s strongest asset. Weller brings gravitas to the role, anchoring the film’s tension. Roy Dupuis, as Becker, gives another solid performance, but most of the cast doesn’t get much to do. They’re serviceable but largely overshadowed by the more experienced leads.
Despite its limited budget, Screamers excels visually, especially in its practical effects. The stop-motion Screamers are handled with restraint, and while the CGI is sparse, it holds up well for the era. The only downside of the film’s production is its somewhat uninspired cinematography, which occasionally makes the environment feel a little flat.
Director Christian Duguay manages to keep the action tight and the twists genuinely shocking, ensuring the pace never lags. The story could’ve gotten lost in world-building, but thanks to O’Bannon’s sharp script, the narrative is always moving forward. The dialogue is snappy and often laced with dry humor, reminiscent of the best sci-fi thrillers. While Screamers teeters on the edge of horror, its strongest element is the unnerving tension it builds throughout.
Screamers may not reach the same iconic status as O’Bannon’s more well-known work, but it remains an underrated sci-fi thriller. With Weller’s strong performance, suspenseful pacing, and a script that keeps things tight, this film stands out as a solid entry in ‘90s sci-fi cinema—even with its flaws.
Rating: 7/10
