Prometheus is a terrifying, thrilling, and deeply philosophical science fiction film. Behind the slimy gore and movements in the shadows is a deeply personal and relatable tale of the search for answers of origin, purpose, and meaning. Everyone has a creator and every creation rebels in some shape or form against its creator. In “Prometheus” a group of scientists have been searching for clues as to the origins of mankind. All across the earth they find hieroglyphs, cave paintings, and murals that all point to the stars. Convinced that they have pinpointed the location of the “Engineers” in the galaxy, they travel through space to where they believe the architects of their existence dwell.
Each crew member has different motivations for the quest. Shaw, the main character, is a deeply spiritual individual who craves to know how she fits into the whole of creation. She thirsts for answers to why they were left alone; why the “Engineers” abandoned them. The representative for the corporation sponsoring the expedition is on a quest to prove herself to her father. She feels insignificant and strikes out in an effort to not feel small in the world. She has also, in a way, been abandoned by her creator. Finally there is the android David. He possesses no soul and yet acknowledges his need for identity. Ironically, David knows who his creators are and is aware of their monstrous qualities.
“Everyone wants their parents dead.” He says. In the end, it is also the parents that want their children dead as horror upon horror is unleashed upon the unsuspecting crew of scientists. Indeed, after Shaw is impregnated by alien DNA she tries to destroy her offspring as the fetus is torn from her womb. One by one, everyone finds an answer to their questions. Not “the” answer they were looking for however as one by one they also all die.
Still alive, an unsatisfied Shaw and a decapitated David set out further into space on her continual search for the answer, “Why? What did we do wrong? Can we be saved or redeemed?” Thank God that, in reality, he has answered us and given us meaning. Whether or not we listen is up to us.
