Contact

Contact, directed by Robert Zemeckis and released in 1997, is a thought-provoking science fiction film based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Carl Sagan. The movie delves into a world where humanity discovers its first extraterrestrial radio signal, and follows the journey of a brilliant and determined radio astronomer as she grapples with its implications. Dr. Eleanor 'Ellie' Arroway (played by Jodie Foster) is a skilled radio astronomer at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. Her obsession with the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) is evident in her dedication to the mission, spending years meticulously combing through radio waves in search of the ultimate discovery. This steadfast commitment results in significant personal sacrifices, including a strained relationship with her father, who she loved dearly, and her complicated past with her foster parents. One day, a groundbreaking discovery is made. A faint signal from afar, from a location known as Vega, which, in astronomical terms, has the potential for liquid water to exist. Ellie is tasked to verify the authenticity of the signal, but, she, with her intuition and drive instilled in her from her searching days, makes it clear to her team that it is no mistake. At first, the scientific community treats this find with apprehension. Fears of the implications run high among key players in the scientific community as many raise concerns over potential safety issues on Earth. Against this backdrop of intense scientific scrutiny and debate, Ellie becomes increasingly obsessed with the signal, which has awakened new concepts within her about human existence and the cosmic balance. When the international scientific community confirms the signal's authenticity, Ellie and her team spend years deciphering its meaning, but understanding it holds certain key principles. Dr. Thomas J. Oakley (played by Matthew McConaughey), an officer from the U.S. Air Force, which has been quietly monitoring the search for alien life on Earth, becomes a useful ally in Ellie's pursuit of deciphering the message. Oakley pressures Ellie to reconsider her role in a government research project: assisting in search and answer to what could be a message to human civilization. Ellie's ambivalence makes her question whether the U.S. government's prime objective – possibly of exploiting alien technology for military or domestic use – is what the discovery's true purpose is seeking to achieve. As Oakley grows in influence, he starts to suppress information from reaching Ellie, and subsequently, from the rest of the world, provoking a crisis between the scientist and the nation's true intentions. Ellie ultimately becomes forced to confront her own doubts and the significance of her research as government agents attempt to withhold her newfound understanding. This places Ellie firmly in between her profound commitment to the truth, and national governments who might manipulate this extraterrestrial discovery. The crux of the film reveals that the aliens from Vega are benevolent beings, sharing knowledge that ultimately uplifts humanity, allowing humanity to fully appreciate and celebrate the universe and our place within it. Ellie believes and persuasively says that 'You're telling us that we've been given the equivalent of the radio code of the universe.' Thus, 'if they're sharing secret knowledge, it must mean they're sending us a gift'. Ellie's conclusion is gradually gaining acceptance among a small group of national leaders who consider that humanity's growth, under guidance of extraterrestrial support, will facilitate prosperity. The film reaches its climax as Ellie sets up one more attempt to create a similar communication with Vega to start a wider dialogue between extraterrestrial civilisations and human societies worldwide.