They Live (1988) | Custom (VHS)

Title: They Live (1988)

Genre: Science-Fiction / Action / Satire

Plot Synopsis
A drifter down on his luck takes a job in Los Angeles and uncovers a pair of unusual sunglasses that allow him to see propaganda-laden media for what it is — and more disturbingly, to recognize that many of the rich and powerful are aliens in disguise, manipulating humanity through subliminal messages of “OBEY,” “CONSUME,” and “STAY ASLEEP.” With his friend by his side, he fights to expose the truth and ignite resistance against the hidden invaders.

Cast and Crew

• Director: John Carpenter

• Writers: John Carpenter

• Cast:

  • Roddy Piper as John Nada

  • Keith David as Frank Armitage

  • Meg Foster as Holly Thompson

  • Raymond St. Jacques as Preacher

  • George ‘Buck’ Flower

YouTube Trailer: They Live | Trailer

IMDb: They Live (1988)

Reviews from Letterboxd:

1. Vindicator123 — ★★★★
   “A goofy 80s action film that somehow nails the simmering anxiety of consumer capitalism and hidden power.”

2. RebelCinema — ★★★★½
   “From the sunglasses moment to the alley-fight, Carpenter turns absurdity into revolt. Pure cult gold.”

3. TechnoAlien — ★★★★★
   “I’ve not laughed, fought, and awakened so hard in a single movie. They Live doesn’t just entertain — it enrages.”

4. PopCritique — ★★★★
   “Not perfect, the acting is rough, but its blunt metaphor about media and control still slams.”

5. MidnightViewer — ★★★★★
   “The canonical ‘wake-up film’ for anyone who suspects there’s more to the world than meets the eye.”

Meta Description: A biting satirical sci-fi thriller from John Carpenter that uses a pair of glasses to expose a corporate-alien takeover of humanity — sharp, wild, and eternally cult.