ALIENS OF THE DEEP
An astonishing ocean journey that inspires wonder at creation.
Should You Watch It?
Yes. ALIENS OF THE DEEP offers an extraordinary 3D IMAX experience as James Cameron and a team of scientists explore the darkest ocean depths. The film presents translucent jellyfish, tiny white shrimp, squid-like creatures, and volcanic “chimneys” supporting life in extreme temperatures.
The movie’s worldview occasionally drifts from a biblical perspective. A voiceover suggests that the ancient Egyptians may have been right to worship the sun, and the filmmakers express hope that life exists on other planets. Still, the film’s magnificent images can leave believers amazed at the intricacy of God’s creation.
Take the whole family for a visually stunning and thought-provoking science documentary.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESJames Cameron, marine biologists, and NASA astro-biologists descend miles below sea level in four submersibles. They are searching for life in sunless regions where volcanic heat meets freezing ocean water.
Their findings may help scientists consider whether similar ecosystems could exist elsewhere, including on Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons. Along the way, the crew encounters remarkable creatures and an ecosystem thriving in the pitch-black depths.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this is an exceptional film experience. ALIENS OF THE DEEP uses complicated 3D IMAX technology to make the underwater creatures appear vivid, real, and brilliant. The enormous screen and multidimensional presentation create a powerful “take me away” experience.
The film also makes scientific exploration accessible and exciting. Children and adults alike may spend hours pondering the mysteries of the ocean depths, and the documentary could inspire young viewers to pursue marine biology.
The Worldview
ALIENS OF THE DEEP approaches the ocean through the eyes of science and exploration. The scientists search for life in places without sunlight, studying ecosystems powered by volcanic heat and considering whether similar conditions might exist on other planets.
The film does not acknowledge God, instead presenting science as the primary answer to the mysteries it explores. It also includes a reference to ancient sun worship and depicts a clear hope that aliens exist elsewhere in the universe. Those ideas give families useful opportunities to discuss the difference between observing creation and worshiping created things.
For believers, the film’s greatest strength is also its unintended testimony: the ocean depths display extraordinary order, beauty, and life. “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Light humanist worldview displays the amazing wonders of Creation, but God is not acknowledged, and movie extols science as the big answer, as well as some pagan content such as one reference to “maybe it’s right that the ancients worshipped the sun. . .,” and ending photos are special effects scenes of possible life on another planet with aliens and their Star Trek-looking kingdom, the entrance of which looks like a totem pole; and, nothing else objectionable.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The film shows life thriving in places people once thought could not support it. What does creation reveal about God’s wisdom and power?
Psalm 19:1 · Romans 1:20The movie considers whether life might exist on another planet. How can curiosity about the universe remain different from placing our hope in created things?
Colossians 1:16–17 · Romans 1:25The film mentions people worshiping the sun. Why does Scripture call us to worship the Creator rather than what He has made?
Exodus 20:3–5 · Acts 17:24–25What part of the ocean world shown in the film most fills you with wonder, and how could you respond to that wonder with gratitude?
Psalm 104:24 · James 1:17The Final Word
ALIENS OF THE DEEP is a dazzling invitation to wonder at life in places few people have ever seen. Its minor worldview problems make it worth discussing, not avoiding. For an immersive science experience the whole family can enjoy, WORTH THE TRIP.
