Outland (1981)
This week, Rob Will Taylor fills in for Dick Ebert to join Gene Lyons in breaking down the 1981 sci-fi thriller Outland, starring Sean Connery.
Often described as “High Noon in space,” this overlooked gem takes us to Jupiter’s moon Io, where a hard-nosed marshal uncovers corruption, drug smuggling, and explosive (sometimes literally) consequences.
Rob shares why this film is a must-see for Connery fans and ’80s sci-fi lovers, while Gene dives into its striking similarities with Alien.
Tune in for lively debates on head explosions, corporate greed and Sean Connery’s on-screen marriages—or lack thereof. Did Outland age like fine space wine or burn out faster than a rogue asteroid? Find out in this week’s review!
Plot Summary:
Determined to uncover the truth, O’Niel investigates and uncovers a dangerous conspiracy. The deaths are linked to a powerful amphetamine-like drug being distributed among the workers to boost their productivity, at the cost of their sanity. The drug’s distribution is orchestrated by corrupt corporate officials, including the colony’s ruthless manager, Mark Sheppard (Peter Boyle), who will go to any lengths to protect the company’s profits.
As O’Niel digs deeper, he finds himself alone in his fight for justice. His wife and son have left him, unwilling to endure the colony’s inhospitable environment, and most of the colony’s residents are either too scared or too complicit to help. O’Niel’s only ally is the sarcastic but resourceful Dr. Lazarus (Frances Sternhagen), who assists him in exposing the corruption.
The film builds to a tense and gripping climax as O’Niel faces off against hired assassins sent to silence him, leading to a high-stakes showdown in the colony’s corridors and on its surface. Outland combines noir-inspired storytelling with a gritty sci-fi setting, offering a unique twist on the Western “lone lawman” archetype.
Join our podcast review as we revisit this underrated classic, discussing Connery’s commanding performance, the film’s atmospheric visuals, and its exploration of corporate greed and moral courage.
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