Aliens: Queen Behaviour

We’re heading back into space for the second in the franchise. Join Rae and Grace as they talk all things Aliens (1986), James Cameron’s action-packed sequel to Ridley Scott’s iconic sci-fi horror classic Alien. This week on The Final Cut, Grace and Rae visit one of the most influential science-fiction films of all time and ask the big question: does Aliens live up to the original, or does it take the franchise in an entirely different direction? Starring Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley, Aliens trades the claustrophobic terror of the Nostromo for a heavily armed squad of Colonial Marines, a terrifying new threat and some of the most memorable moments in sci-fi cinema. From its legendary practical effects and unforgettable one-liners to the introduction of the iconic Alien Queen, we’re breaking down what makes this 1986 sequel such a beloved classic - and why Ripley remains one of cinema’s greatest action heroes. We also get into the film’s deeper themes, including motherhood, survival, and trauma. Is Aliens really a story about humanity fighting an unstoppable monster, or is there something much more interesting happening beneath the surface? Plus, we put Rae to the test with our pre-film trivia quiz, explore the behind-the-scenes tensions during filming at Pinewood Studios, and discuss how James Cameron transformed the Alien franchise from slow-burning space horror into a landmark sci-fi action film. Find all things RAE here. Find all things REDRUM here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices