Cosmic Horror in Alien

The influences of H.P Lovecraft on Alien (1979)

H.P. Lovecraft's works have had a significant influence on horror and science fiction movies, particularly in the form of the "Cthulhu Mythos," a shared universe of stories featuring monstrous deities and otherworldly beings. Many films, particularly in the horror genre, have been directly inspired by or have borrowed elements from Lovecraft's stories, such as "The Call of Cthulhu" and "The Dunwich Horror." Additionally, films, such as "The Thing" and notably "Alien," have been influenced by the cosmic horror and existential dread present in Lovecraft's works.

The film "Alien" directed by Ridley Scott, was heavily influenced by H.P. Lovecraft's works. The creature design of the Alien and its life cycle, as well as the film's themes of unknown, ancient and powerful entities, and the insignificance of humanity in the face of cosmic horror, are all reminiscent of Lovecraft's stories such as "At The Mountains of Madness" and "The Call of Cthulhu."

The film also borrows elements from Lovecraft's stories such as the use of a derelict alien spacecraft, which serves as the setting for much of the horror in the movie, and the idea of ancient, powerful and malevolent beings that are indifferent to the fate of humanity. Additionally, the creature's design and behaviour and its habit of laying eggs inside living hosts are similar to the description of the monstrous deities in Lovecraft's stories.

Scott's "Alien" is a masterful blend of science fiction and horror that owes much of its success to the influence of H.P Lovecraft's cosmic horror tales. The film's ability to create a sense of dread and hopelessness in the face of an unknowable and malevolent force is a testament to the lasting impact of Lovecraft's work on the genre of horror and science fiction.