8 Fantastic Cult Sci-Fi Films from 1985

      Casey Chong examines eight notable cult sci-fi films from 1985...

      1985 marked a significant moment for the sci-fi genre with the release of Back to the Future, which grossed over $210 million in the U.S. alone. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this time-travel classic has become an enduring cinematic icon. However, the year also brought out several other sci-fi films, some of which gained popularity (such as Cocoon), while others like Enemy Mine and Explorers were largely overlooked by audiences at the time. Here is our selection of essential sci-fi movies from 1985, aside from Back to the Future...

      **Re-Animator**

      Not for the faint of heart, Re-Animator, directed by Stuart Gordon, fully embraces Lovecraftian horror with sci-fi elements. The film features Jeffrey Combs in his memorable role as Herbert West, a deranged medical student on a quest to resurrect the dead using his experimental serum. Gordon’s expertise in the genre highlights the B-movie aesthetic infused with dark comedy, presenting an over-the-top bloody spectacle and exceptional practical effects that maintain a brisk pace without unnecessary distractions. 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 gem failed to draw large crowds upon its release but has since been celebrated as one of the genre's finest. Co-written by Gilliam, it depicts a dystopian world filled with bureaucratic chaos through the eyes of Jonathan Pryce's sympathetic low-level worker, who navigates the absurdity of his situation. The film's stunning visuals and distinctive humor are signature to Gilliam's style, while its narrative depth explores themes of totalitarianism and societal oppression. Although its near 2½-hour runtime might deter some viewers, Gilliam's layered storytelling and imaginative vision create a unique cinematic experience.

      **Enemy Mine**

      The late Wolfgang Petersen contributed numerous defining works to the genre, ranging from Das Boot to Air Force One. Among them is the underappreciated Enemy Mine, released a year after the success of The NeverEnding Story. The film faced significant production challenges, including the firing of director Richard Loncraine, who had shot some footage before Petersen took over. Instead of using any existing material, Petersen started anew. Despite his efforts, the film underperformed at the box office; however, it effectively addresses themes of harmony, overcoming prejudice, and empathy through the story of human pilot Willis Davidge (Dennis Quaid) and the reptilian humanoid Jeriba Shigan (Louis Gossett Jr.), showcasing a compelling dynamic that transcends a typical survival narrative.

      **The Quiet Earth**

      This New Zealand film imagines a world post-global catastrophe where almost all of humanity has vanished. Directed by Geoff Murphy, who later worked on projects like Young Guns II, it begins with a striking scene where Bruno Lawrence's character, Zac Hobson, wakes up to find himself alone in a deserted city. The first 35 minutes focus on Hobson's solitary experience, as he struggles with isolation and self-comfort during his attempts to cope. The film later introduces two more characters, Joanne (Alison Routledge) and Api (Pete Smith), and, based on Craig Harrison’s novel, delves into themes of human instinct, trust, and racial tensions, culminating in an ambiguous conclusion.

      **Cocoon**

      Interestingly, Robert Zemeckis was initially slated to direct Cocoon, but after negative reactions to an early version of Romancing the Stone, Fox opted for Ron Howard, who had recently enjoyed success with Splash. Howard’s careful direction is a perfect match for Tom Benedek's screenplay about retirees discovering a pool with rejuvenating cocoons. The film delicately explores themes of aging, rediscovery, and the cycle of life and death through characters played by Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, and Hume Cronyn. This casting of older actors avoids mere nostalgia, allowing Howard to highlight their performances. While the special effects may feel outdated today, the charm of the film remains evident. Cocoon became a significant success that eventually prompted an inferior sequel, Cocoon: The Return, three years later.

      **The Stuff**

      The title refers to a mysterious, sweet, addictive white goo that becomes an instant hit across America. Writer-director Larry Cohen fully embraces the absurdity of his concept, satirizing themes of consumerism and the influence of an irresistible product. The goo not only creates cravings but also exerts control over people's minds, leading to dangerous consequences. Michael Moriarty stars as a skeptical former FBI agent turned saboteur investigating this titular substance, contributing to the film's engaging and humorous exploration of its bizarre premise.

      **Lifeforce**

      Tobe Hooper delivers an eccentric mix of horror and sci-fi with Lifeforce, which incorporates vampire lore in a blatantly B-movie style.