Why do we need to understand our monsters? When a terrible act occurs, our first instinct is to ask, “Why?” What drove someone to commit such horrors and atrocities? By psychoanalyzing how we are, and are not, like them, we can find comfort and create a sense of distance from the unsettling.
But sometimes, monsters are just evil.
That is the core idea that has been fueling the “Alien” franchise for the last 45 years. Designed by Swiss artist H.R. Giger, the alien creature that appeared in Ridley Scott’s original 1979 “Alien” embodies a terrifying mystery. With its distorted, humanoid form and lack of eyes, it exudes an unsettling unpredictability, similar to iconic villains like Darth Vader or Michael Myers. Yet, everything about it—from its metallic tongue to its slimy teeth and elongated head—radiates a sinewy menace that sets it apart.
And then there is the procreation. These creatures require a host to incubate, latching onto their victim’s face and implanting an embryo that eventually bursts through their chest. This visceral body horror makes the alien feel like a living embodiment of disease, an unstoppable force that invades and destroys from within.
This concept continues in “Alien: Romulus,” director Fede Alvarez’s newest addition to the franchise, which opens at The Triplex this week. “Romulus” aims to bring the series back to its roots, recreating the tense, tactile horror that made the original so iconic.
The heroes in these movies never have time to ask about intentions, or seek solutions. They can’t even defeat these creatures; their victories are just a delay until the next encounter. But there is something cathartic about watching someone face down an insidious, unrelenting evil, even if the victory is only temporary.
“Alien” reminds us that while we may not always understand or defeat the monsters in our lives, confronting them head-on is a triumph in itself.
Now Playing
“Dory Previn: On My Way to Where”
“Dory Previn: On My Way to Where” follows the life of acclaimed singer-songwriter (and longtime Berkshires resident) Dory Previn from her start as an Academy Award-nominated lyricist for Hollywood musicals through a public breakdown following a tabloid scandal and her reemergence as a cult artist in the Laurel Canyon scene.
Director Julia Greenberg and animator Emily Hubley will join us for a talkback following this advance screening on August 17.
“It Ends With Us”
A story of love and resilience with Blake Lively.
Based on the best-selling novel by Colleen Hoover, “It Ends With Us” is the story of Lily (Blake Lively), a young woman who starts to see echoes of her traumatic childhood in her relationship with charming neurosurgeon Ryle (director Justin Baldoni). When Lily’s first love, Atlas, reenters her life and upends her relationship with Ryle, she must rely on her inner strength to decide her future.
“Janet Planet”
A nostalgic drama from Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Baker.
The debut film from Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker, “Janet Planet” is a subdued drama that explores the intricacies of the mother-daughter relationship. Set in western Massachusetts in the early 1990s, “Janet Planet” centers around knockout performances from Julianne Nicholson (Mare of Eastown) and Zoe Ziegler as her 11-year-old daughter as they spend a summer redefining their relationship.
“Into the Weeds”
Our environmental documentary series returns with a free screening and panel discussion on August 20.
“Does the most widely used weed killer in the world cause cancer?” That is the question posed by “Into the Weeds,” which follows the riveting story of groundskeeper Lee Johnson and his fight for justice against agrochemical giant Monsanto (now Bayer), the manufacturer of Roundup herbicide.
Following the screening, we will have a panel discussion with research pathologist Dr. Stephen C. Frantz, Brittany Ebeling of the Berkshire Environmental Action Team, State Representative Carmine Gentile, and members of our local agricultural community to discuss the impact of glyphosate on farming and our health.
This free screening is sponsored by a generous gift from the Dr. Robert C. and Tina Sohn foundation.
Coming Soon
“Big”
We are sitting down with the star of one of the most beloved comedies ever on August 24! Elizabeth Perkins joins us for an interview following a screening of Penny Marshall’s “Big,” where we will discuss the film’s legacy, Elizabeth’s career, and what it is like to jump on a trampoline with Tom Hanks.
“Kneecap”
A trio of self-proclaimed “low-life scum” become unlikely Irish Civil Rights activists in the explosively funny “Kneecap,” opening August 23. Starring the real-life hip-hop group as themselves, “Kneecap” follows the hoods as they go up against police, paramilitaries, and politicians in an attempt to rap in their native Irish language.
Part of The Triplex’s limited engagement series, “Kneecap” plays for one week starting August 23.
“Between the Temples”
As a 40-something cantor struggles with losing his voice and failing to meet the expectations of his rabbi, congregation, and not one but two Jewish mothers, his world turns upside down when his grade school music teacher reenters his life as an adult bat mitzvah student. Powered by the winning chemistry of stars Jason Schwarzman and Carol Kane, “Between the Temples” is a character-driven comedy that explores the complexities of faith, connection, and what it means to be a mensch.
