The Must-See Sci-Fi Films of 1985 (Aside from Back to the Future)

      Casey Chong examines the key sci-fi films of 1985…

      The year 1985 marked a significant moment for the sci-fi genre, highlighted by the blockbuster Back to the Future, which grossed over $210 million in the United States alone. Robert Zemeckis’s groundbreaking time-travel film continues to be a cinematic landmark. Additionally, the year saw the release of several other sci-fi films, with some, like Cocoon, achieving commercial success, while others, such as Enemy Mine and Explorers, were largely overlooked by audiences at the time. Below is our selection of essential sci-fi films from 1985, aside from Back to the Future…

      **Re-Animator**

      Not for the faint of heart, Stuart Gordon goes all out in Re-Animator, merging Lovecraftian horror with sci-fi elements. The film features Jeffrey Combs in his iconic, unhinged portrayal of Herbert West, a maniacal medical student bent on achieving a scientific breakthrough to resurrect the dead with his experimental serum. Gordon's direction captures the unrestricted, B-movie essence of sci-fi horror, infused with dark comedy. It’s excessively bloody and gory, demonstrating impressive practical effects without unnecessary embellishments, due to its well-paced narrative. The cult success of Re-Animator led to two sequels: Bride of Re-Animator and Beyond Re-Animator.

      **Brazil**

      Terry Gilliam’s often misunderstood sci-fi classic initially failed to draw large audiences but has since been recognized as one of the best in the genre. Gilliam, who co-wrote the screenplay, presents a unique vision of a dystopian future fraught with bureaucratic absurdities, centering on a sympathetic low-level government employee, played by Jonathan Pryce, who navigates between daydreams and the dreariness of reality. Besides Gilliam’s striking visuals and trademark quirky humor, there is a significant narrative depth concerning Orwellian themes of totalitarianism and societal oppression in Brazil. Though its nearly 2 ½ hour runtime might deter some viewers, Gilliam’s intricate direction—balancing imaginative stretches and subtle commentary—offers a singular cinematic experience that is worth watching.

      **Enemy Mine**

      The late Wolfgang Petersen produced several defining works, from Das Boot to In the Line of Fire and Air Force One. However, Enemy Mine, released a year after the success of The NeverEnding Story, remains underrated. The film faced numerous production challenges, including the firing of original director Richard Loncraine, who had already filmed some scenes. Instead, Petersen chose to start from scratch. Despite his efforts, Enemy Mine underperformed at the box office, yet it deserves better recognition. Based on the adapted screenplay by Edward Khmara from Barry B. Longyear’s novella, it effectively explores themes of harmony, overcoming prejudice, and universal empathy. Centered on the revealing interactions between human pilot Willis Davidge (Dennis Quaid) and reptilian humanoid Jeriba Shigan (Louis Gossett Jr. in impressive prosthetic makeup), Petersen successfully brings out the best in both actors. The unique dynamic between these two central characters elevates Enemy Mine beyond a mere survival story.

      **The Quiet Earth**

      This film from New Zealand delves into the aftermath of a global catastrophe that nearly wipes out humanity. Directed by Geoff Murphy, who later directed Hollywood films like Young Guns II and Under Siege 2: Dark Territory, it begins with a compelling scene—a man (Bruno Lawrence) waking up alone in a deserted city. The initial 35 minutes focus on Lawrence's character, Zac Hobson, who struggles with solitude and boredom (at one point even donning a woman's dress). Lawrence delivers an outstanding performance, convincingly portraying the complex emotions of isolation, frustration, and unexpected joy. The film later introduces two new characters: a young woman named Joanne (Alison Routledge) and a Maori man named Api (Pete Smith). Based on Craig Harrison’s 1981 novel, The Quiet Earth also touches on human instincts, trust, and racial tensions, culminating in a surreal and ambiguous ending.

      **Cocoon**

      Surprisingly, Robert Zemeckis was initially set to direct Cocoon, but Fox executives hesitated after negative reactions to an early cut of Romancing the Stone, which ultimately became successful. Ron Howard, whose previous film Splash was a box office hit, took over and his thoughtful direction suits Tom Benedek’s screenplay about a group of seniors at a retirement home who discover a Fountain of Youth-like swimming pool with giant cocoons at the bottom, transforming it into a touching sci-fi tale. Through the experiences of senior characters played by Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, and Hume Cronyn, the film thoughtfully explores aging, rediscovered youth, and universal themes of life and death. The decision to cast older actors feels authentic as Howard elevates their performances. While the special effects, especially the glowing alien beings, may seem dated by