The Hidden

This B-movie, sleeper film that probably not a lot of people have heard of is a solid sci-fi action thriller. A good example of one of these so-called ‘triple threat’ films is Alien and its sequels. The Hidden was probably inspired by Alien, though The Hidden succeeds because it has a much more humanistic tone than the Alien franchise. There is something very dark and sinister about the Alien franchise. The Hidden takes a more light-hearted, human condition route and in many ways, outdoes Alien in being a thoroughly engrossing, watchable film.

I think I first saw The Hidden on late night a few years after its release in 1987 and I was rivited by the story. Instead of taking place in space, the setting is modern-day earth – instantly recognizable by everyone. Michael Nouri (the police detective) and Kyle MacLachlan (the alien in human form) are the perfect duo. Their chemistry together is one of the great cop buddy partnerships in film history (right up there with Lethal Weapon). MacLachlan’s fish-out-of-water alien provides for some great scenes. The story is well-constructed, seamless and manages to hold it’s firm grip on reality despite the alien from outer space theme – something that you forget about while enjoying the film. The ending (which I won’t mention) is a superb comment on humanity and selflessness. This is an intelligent, humanistic, moving sci-fi film that opens on full throttle and doesn’t let up until the end.

Despite the cringingly awful theme song at the end, this film is not only a guilty pleasure but a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, a totally preposterous sequel was made and it sounds so awful that I refuse to watch it for fear of ruining this fine film.

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