Within Science Fiction films, the character of Ellen Ripley in “Alien” (1979) and “Aliens” (1986) stands as a pioneering icon of feminism, unlike some of the more “Mary Sue” type characters within modern cinema (think Rey from the new Star Wars Trilogy, or Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers from the Marvel Cinematic Universe). Unlike the latter, who are often criticized for the lack of flaws and near immortal capabilities, Ripley was portrayed with obvious realism by Sigourney Weaver. She embodied vulnerability, as well as resilience and strength.
In one scene in the first film, Ripley is changing out of her spacesuit while being watched by a male crew member from behind a glass pane. It’s an all-too-common situation women deal with, being leered at by the opposite sex. The film does an excellent job highlighting these difficulties that women deal with in the workplace.
The second film delves into Ripley’s maternal themes, further highlighting her womanhood. Her fierce protection of Newt, a young girl that survived the Xenomorph attack showcased her tenderness. Once she was in protection of Newt, it made her battles with the Aliens even more fascinating, now a symbol of a mother protecting her young.
These scenes are great symbols, but Ripley wouldn’t have been the action hero she was if she wasn’t kicking ass. Her final battle against the Alien Queen stands as an all-time great action sequence. Her tactical ingenuity led her to utilize the power loader to put her and the queen on equal footing, making the queen’s overwhelming strength less relevant. It stands as a testament to Ripley’s resourcefulness and determination.
Ripley's character evolves through her trials, making her
victories not just feats of strength but triumphs of character. Her legacy lies
not in her invincibility but in her humanity, setting a benchmark for feminist
characters in cinema that I believe still hasn't been surpassed. If you were going to put a female action heroine above her, who would you pick and why?
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