The Rewatchables - Episode: ‘Species’ with Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan Release Date: July 22, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Rewatchables, hosted by Bill Simmons alongside Chris Ryan and Van Lathan, the trio delves into the 1995 cult classic sci-fi horror film "Species." They explore why this movie, released nearly three decades ago, continues to captivate movie enthusiasts, despite its mixed reviews and often-overlooked status in the broader cinematic landscape.
Opening Remarks and Cast Discussion
The episode kicks off with the group sharing playful banter and impressions before diving into the core of their discussion.
- Bill Simmons (00:48): "We're going to do an incredible movie that came out 30 years ago that I saw in the theater."
- Van Lathan (00:56): "Species is next. We now have a new sequence of DNA of instructions on how to combine it with ours."
The conversation quickly shifts to the film's cast, particularly focusing on Michael Madsen and his role, juxtaposed with the involvement of Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina.
- Chris Ryan (02:25): "Now you're doing Javier Bardem from F1."
- Bill Simmons (02:29): "Michael Madsen passed away and we had to do a Michael Madsen movie."
Michael Madsen's performance is lauded as a standout, with comparisons drawn to his iconic roles in "Reservoir Dogs" and "True Romance."
- Van Lathan (03:26): "He just injects cool into a movie. But he's always so. But in this one he's gotta do his thing a little bit."
- Chris Ryan (03:48): "I liked Species because I got to play a good guy."
Plot and Character Analysis
The hosts delve into the movie's plot, dissecting key scenes and character motivations.
"Species" revolves around a genetically engineered alien hybrid, Natasha Henstridge's character, who escapes and seeks to mate with humans to propagate her species.
- Bill Simmons (10:52): "Basically the synopsis is, what if I told you they made an Alien movie, but the alien was a hot, horny blonde who wanted to find a mate?"
- Chris Ryan (11:05): "I think the alien from another planet dropping into LA would have made a great TV show."
The discussion highlights the film's blend of sci-fi, horror, and erotic elements, questioning the execution and plausibility of certain plot points.
- Van Lathan (13:47): "It's always compelling to me when an alien from another planet is dropped into a major metropolis and has to figure their way out."
- Bill Simmons (25:30): "The team was an anthropologist, a molecular biologist, a black ops mercenary, and an empath."
Memorable Scenes and Performances
The hosts reminisce about specific scenes that encapsulate the movie's essence, both its strengths and shortcomings.
Key Scene Highlights:
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Michelle Williams' Character Escaping:
- Bill Simmons (26:50): "Michelle Williams, young Michelle Williams, escaping in the glass hole. They’re trying to gas her out."
- Chris Ryan (27:07): "It's like, oh, shit's getting real here on Species."
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The Hollywood Hills Sequence:
- Van Lathan (37:07): "The long hair. Yeah."
- Bill Simmons (37:40): "The Robbie, I just love that whole section is just great."
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The Climactic Sex Scenes:
- Van Lathan (45:00): "That sex scene was actually hotter than anything that Natasha was into."
- Chris Ryan (36:15): "These are two consenting adults... It’s like, am I kind of into this."
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Final Chase and Climax:
- Bill Simmons (35:23): "The car chase, body switch explosion, whatever’s going on there. Very fun to watch."
Notable performances from the cast are highlighted, with Alfred Molina's role receiving mixed reviews.
- Bill Simmons (16:45): "Ben Kingsley had already won. And then Forest Whitaker, who hadn’t won yet."
- Chris Ryan (24:58): "He's really good as far as lay. Period. He’s really good and hatefully, he's awesome in Kill Bill Part two."
Nitpicks and Critiques
Despite fondness for certain aspects, the hosts are unafraid to point out the film's flaws and missed opportunities.
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Michael Madsen’s Role:
- Bill Simmons (05:00): "Not sure why he wasn't a bigger deal. Probably had some off-the-set issues."
- Chris Ryan (06:09): "I have this couple of things. I just wish there had been more depth."
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Plot Inconsistencies:
- Bill Simmons (27:32): "Do we do the… Are we sure this guy was good at her? What’s that?"
- Van Lathan (29:01): "They couldn’t just open the door quickly, let them out."
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Character Development:
- Chris Ryan (42:05): "He’s on autopilot the whole thing."
- Bill Simmons (41:01): "I just can't believe this was the best they could do."
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Special Effects and Movie Logic:
- Bill Simmons (53:00): "She was in the train porter clothes, just a horrific murder."
- Chris Ryan (58:37): "She has to have her little Dion Waiters moment and then get killed."
What Could Have Been: Alternate Casting and TV Adaptations
The discussion takes a creative turn as the hosts imagine alternate scenarios where "Species" might have thrived with different casting or as a television series.
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Alternate Casting Suggestions:
- Chris Ryan (54:10): "Natasha met Leo DiCaprio."
- Bill Simmons (75:00): "If Cruise was in the Ben Kingsley role, doing a couple of old men Tom Cruise things."
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TV Show Potential:
- Bill Simmons (64:06): "It should have been a TV show. And I think you can make the case that if this is an HBO show in 1995, it becomes the first great cable one-hour show that we have."
- Van Lathan (65:39): "There’s mute different types of mutants because this government agency is doing all kinds of crazy."
These imaginative scenarios underscore the hosts' belief that "Species" possessed elements that could have been further explored, had the format or casting been different.
Special Features and Behind-the-Scenes Insights
The hosts share anecdotes and behind-the-scenes insights, particularly about Roger Donaldson's direction and the film's production nuances.
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Roger Donaldson’s Influence:
- Bill Simmons (52:42): "This was directed by Roger Donaldson, who did some fun ones over the years, including 'No Way Out.'"
- Chris Ryan (53:31): "Roger Donaldson also did 'The Getaway.'"
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Behind-the-Scenes Dynamics:
- Bill Simmons (48:33): "Madsen said Ben Kingsley was protective of his chair on set and didn’t like anyone touching it. So Madsen would purposely do things to it, including dumping garbage on it and hanging it from a crane."
These insights add depth to the hosts' appreciation of the film, highlighting the collaborative yet challenging environment during production.
Final Thoughts and Legacy
Towards the end of the episode, the hosts reflect on "Species" legacy and its place in 90s cinema, balancing nostalgia with critical analysis.
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Legacy and Cultural Impact:
- Bill Simmons (73:50): "They should be every five years."
- Chris Ryan (84:05): "They made so many bad sequels of this. Your Prestige TV pitch was great."
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Cult Status:
- Van Lathan (88:05): "But about Craig. We hit basically everything except."
- Craig Horlbeck (88:50): "It's definitely a film where I was like, they grow up so fast."
The hosts acknowledge that while "Species" may not have been a critical darling, its unique blend of genres and memorable performances have cemented its status as a beloved cult classic among fans.
Notable Quotes
- Bill Simmons (10:52): "Basically the synopsis is, what if I told you they made an Alien movie, but the alien was a hot, horny blonde who wanted to find a mate?"
- Van Lathan (16:45): "But he was like, I have to run down this hallway."
- Chris Ryan (37:07): "The Long Island Iced Teas still at the clubs."
- Bill Simmons (77:46): "Best double feature choice under the skin."
Conclusion
In wrapping up, The Rewatchables team presents "Species" as a film that, despite its flaws, offers ample material for discussion and rewatching. From standout performances and memorable scenes to the film's unique premise and cult status, "Species" remains a fascinating subject for movie lovers looking to explore the gems of the past.
For more detailed discussions and the complete list of rewatchable scenes from "Species," visit The Ringer's Rewatchables page or watch full episodes on the Ringer Movies YouTube Channel.