In 1988, John Carpenter released a film that would go on to become a cult classic. ‘They Live’ is not your typical sci-fi action movie. It’s a bold social commentary on consumerism, conformity, and the power of the ruling class.

The film’s protagonist, a drifter played by Roddy Piper, stumbles upon a pair of special sunglasses that reveal a shocking truth: the people in power are not human, but aliens hiding in plain sight. They use subliminal messages to control the masses, pushing them to consume, breed, and obey. But what makes ‘They Live’ great is not just its thought-provoking premise, but its execution. The film has a raw, gritty feel that perfectly captures the despair of the working class.

It’s not afraid to be political, yet it never feels preachy. Instead, it lets its characters speak for themselves, particularly Piper’s drifter hero “Nada,” and Keith David’s reluctant ally “Frank.” They are flawed, relatable, and believable, making their struggle against the alien invaders all the more compelling.

‘They Live’ also features some of the most memorable and iconic scenes in sci-fi cinema, from the epic street fight between Piper and David to the chilling reveal of the aliens’ true appearance. And let’s not forget the film’s most famous line, ‘I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass…and I’m all out of bubblegum.’

In short, ‘They Live’ is a film that defies expectations. It’s not just a sci-fi movie, but a commentary on the world we live in. It’s not just a cult classic, but a timeless provocative masterpiece.