It's Alive 3: Island of the Alive

It's Alive 3: Island of the Alive is a 1987 horror, science fiction film directed by Larry Cohen and featuring versatile actors Michael Moriarty, Karen Black, and Laurene Landon. It's the third installment in the 'It's Alive' series that continued the horrifying premise of the first two movies while introducing its unique spin.

Michael Moriarty, known for his versatile acting skills, plays Stephen Jarvis, a desperate father exploring a perplexing mystery that threatens his child's life. On the other hand, Karen Black depicts the character of Ellen Jarvis, Stephen's ex-wife, who struggles to protect and understand their mutant child. Laurene Landon completes the main cast with her role as Ralston, contributing significantly to the film's chilling narrative. In a storyline that is as horrifying as it is intriguing, the performances of these actors bring depth, creating a vivid depiction of a dystopian world that feeds on fear and uncertainty.

It's Alive 3: Island of the Alive begins with a social and political predicament. Mutant babies, portrayed as violent and abominable creatures in the previous films, have been adjudged not guilty of their inherent destructive tendencies by the court. These newly born yet dangerous entities are the result of an undefined catastrophe affecting newborn children globally.

To deal with this unprecedented crisis, the court decides to isolate these mutant babies in a remote island far from human civilization. This decision, although controversial, assures that the mutants don't pose any immediate threat to humankind while still upholding their right to live. However, as one can imagine, this seemingly peaceful resolution becomes the seed of the impending dread and chaos to follow.

Possessing supernatural growth and developmental abilities, these mutant babies soon evolve into dangerous entities. They grow exponentially on an island that has been left devoid of human supervision or control. Herein lies the central conflict of this film, as it poses an increasingly inevitable question - what happens when these dangerous entities decide to leave their isolation and mingle with the human world?

Moriarty's character, a dutiful yet scared father, takes a daunting trip to this island, teeming with monstrous creatures, in a desperate attempt to understand and possibly save his child. The suspense and tension build on this journey are at the core of It’s Alive 3: Island of the Alive, adding layers of danger, urgency, and impending doom. Michael Moriarty effortlessly conveys the internal conflict of a desperate parent who wants nothing more than to safeguard his child.

Similarly, the character of Ellen Jarvis (Karen Black) presents the heart-wrenching depiction of a mother caught up in a perilous situation that has transcended her understanding or control.

What distinguishes It's Alive 3: Island of the Alive from its predecessors is its elevated sense of suspense, horror, and uncertainty. It not only continues the chilling narrative from the earlier films but presents it within a grander and more horrifying scheme. The societal and moralistic dilemma at the heart of the film further intensifies the horror elements, making it an engaging watch for horror genre enthusiasts.

Director Larry Cohen, known for his unique style of storytelling, weaves this chilling tale with intriguing moments of suspense, fear, horror, and surprising twists that keep the audiences on the edge of their seats.

On the whole, It's Alive 3: Island of the Alive encompasses the ensuing terror unleashed by science gone wrong within an atmospheric story set against the backdrop of a remote, eerie island. The film is undoubtedly a must-watch for horror and sci-fi aficionados who relish intense, dread-inducing narratives adeptly interspersed with a sense of foreboding and chilling revelations. Although the movie is an extension of an existing series, it manages to serve up fresh, intense scares while retaining the essence of the original horror franchise.