27 Years Later, Matthew McConaughey's Sci-Fi Classic Still Shines Bright

Summary:

• The Interstellar actor starred in the 1997 science fiction drama, which is now considered the genre’s classics, perfectly blending a bunch of essential issues.
• It follows a SETI astronaut in her struggle to knock on aliens’ doors.

Most of today’s audience, especially the young ones, recognize Matthew McConaughey as a great sci-fi actor mostly due to his performance in Christopher Nolan ’s 2014 movie Interstellar. Yes, he was extremely convincing in the role of a strong-willed astronaut who travels through a wormhole near Saturn in search of a new home for humanity.

However, back in 1997, long before starring in Nolan’s masterpiece, the actor took part in a science fiction feature, which gained iconic status among the genre’s lovers. Interestingly, McConaughey doesn’t play an astronaut, like in Interstellar, or some kind of a scientist, no, he’s definitely gonna surprise you with quite an unexpected role.

The movie’s plot revolves around a SETI scientist Dr. Arroway, who finds evidence of extraterrestrial life and then, fighting against skeptics and political games, proves it’s necessary to find a way for communication and further encounter with aliens.

One opposing force she faces on her way to explore the truth about life on other planets are religious activists, with McConaughey’s character standing out of them. The actor portrayed Christian philosopher Palmer Joss, who falls for Arroway, nevertheless, his faith and her scientific mission keep them apart throughout the whole story.

Thus, this movie perfectly balances between science fiction, romantic drama and political thriller, with this mix being reminiscent of another sci-fi gem, Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival (2015). More than that, there are some curious speculations on the essential topic of faith and its potential symbiosis with scientific thinking.

Apart from the well-built script, inventive sci-fi elements and deep philosophical aspect, the movie contains presumably the best performance of the acclaimed Jodie Foster, who portrayed the main heroine, delivering all her commitment and persistence.

Titled Contact, Robert Zemeckis’ movie, based on the 1985 novel by Carl Sagan, was really a sensation in the cinematic era with no such big budgets as today’s filmmakers have. Even though some of the film’s visual effects haven't obviously passed the test of time, it doesn’t interfere with the movie’s timeless messages and universal themes.

“This together with Interstellar and Arrival are my own Trinity of Sci-fi excellence,” says Redditor @bawk15. Indeed, Jodie Foster’s movie can guarantee you a superior sci-fi experience just like these 2010’s hits.

Explore the space mysteries by watching Contact, as it’s available on Prime.