The weird alien introduced in Alien Resurrection was The Newborn, a unique and controversial creature that marked a significant departure from previous Xenomorph designs.
Introduction to The Newborn
Referred to by some as "the weird one," The Newborn represents one of the most unusual and perhaps the strangest moments in the entire Alien franchise. It emerges as a grotesque yet fascinating hybrid, combining traits of both the familiar Xenomorph and human physiology.
Origins and Unique Biology
The Newborn is a direct result of the genetic manipulation and cloning experiments performed on Ellen Ripley by the United Systems Military. Specifically, it is a half-alien, half-human hybrid birthed directly from the Queen Alien (who was also cloned from the original Ripley's DNA, creating a genetic link to Ripley-8). This makes it distinct from any other Xenomorph encountered before.
Key biological differences that set The Newborn apart include:
- Viviparous Birth: Unlike traditional Xenomorphs that reproduce via eggs and facehuggers, The Newborn was birthed live from the Queen Alien, a first for the species.
- Humanoid Appearance: Its skin is pale and fleshy, lacking the hard, bio-mechanical exoskeleton of other Xenomorphs. It has visible, almost human-like eyes and a generally more humanoid head shape.
- Lack of Inner Jaw: The iconic inner pharyngeal jaw, a hallmark of the Xenomorph, is absent in The Newborn.
- Emotional Connection: It displays a disturbing, childlike attachment to Ripley-8, showing a capacity for empathy or recognition not seen in other Xenomorphs.
The Newborn vs. Traditional Xenomorph
To highlight its uniqueness, here's a comparison of The Newborn to the classic Xenomorph:
| Feature | Traditional Xenomorph (e.g., Drone, Warrior) | The Newborn |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Egg, Facehugger, host organism | Born directly from Queen Alien (hybridized) |
| Appearance | Dark, bio-mechanical, exoskeletal | Pale, fleshy, humanoid, more vulnerable-looking |
| Inner Jaw | Present and prominent | Absent |
| Eyes | Obscured or absent | Visible, wet, human-like |
| Reproduction | Oviparous (egg-laying Queen), Facehugger implant | Viviparous (live birth from Queen) |
| Behavior | Primarily instinct-driven, aggressive, hostile | Displays a degree of attachment/empathy (to Ripley-8) |
| Fate | Varies; often killed by protagonists or environment | Expelled into space via airlock, disintegrated |
Its Role in Alien Resurrection
The Newborn's emergence serves as a shocking twist in the film's narrative. It is initially presented by the Queen as a "gift" for Ripley-8, symbolizing the shared genetic link and the new, horrific evolutionary path taken by the Xenomorphs under human influence. Its destructive nature and emotional complexity force Ripley-8 to make a difficult decision, ultimately leading to a climactic confrontation and its eventual demise by being sucked out into the vacuum of space.
Why It's Considered "Weird"
The "weirdness" of The Newborn stems from several factors:
- Unsettling Hybridity: Its blend of human and alien traits creates a deeply unsettling visual, stepping away from the "perfect organism" concept to something more fragile and unnerving.
- Emotional Depth: The unexpected emotional connection it forms with Ripley-8 adds a disturbing layer of complexity to the creature, challenging the audience's perception of the Xenomorph as a purely predatory being.
- Departure from Lore: Its unique birth method and biology significantly alter established Xenomorph lore, which was a point of contention for some fans.
The Newborn remains a memorable, albeit polarizing, addition to the Alien universe, representing a bold, experimental direction for the franchise's iconic creature.
