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Species II (1998) Plot Summary & Timeline

Species II (1998) movie poster

Species II is a 1998 action and sci-fi film directed by Peter Medak, running 1 hour 33 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 639 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 4 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Species II.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
4
themes explained
3
Species II (1998) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 33m
Director
Peter Medak
Genres
Action, Sci-Fi, Horror
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Species II About?

The premise of Species II in 298 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the wake of a bold expedition to the Red Planet, humanity celebrates a triumph that carries an unsettling secret. Commander Ross returns to Earth bearing the weight of an alien influence that begins to reshape his very nature, turning the celebrated hero into a conduit for a mysterious, reproductive drive. The film leans into a sleek, near‑future aesthetic where cutting‑edge technology and the lingering scent of the void collide, setting a tone that is both awe‑inspiring and quietly terrifying.

Back on the ground, the scientific community grapples with the consequences of playing with forces beyond its control. Laura Baker, a determined researcher, has spent years engineering a hybrid being—an attempt to understand and perhaps weaponize the alien DNA. Her intellect and moral compass are tested as she confronts a reality far more dangerous than any laboratory experiment. Alongside her operates Press Lennox, a highly trained operative whose pragmatic skill set and unflinching resolve make him the perfect counterpart to Laura’s analytical mind. Their uneasy partnership hints at both tension and mutual respect, forming the film’s central human axis amid the chaos.

Amid the growing unease, a creation known as Eve slips from containment, embodying the very paradox of artificial life—part promise, part threat. Her escape introduces a new variable, suggesting that the alien influence may not be confined to a single source. As the world teeters on the brink, the stakes become unmistakably global; the potential for an uncontrolled cascade of alien propagation forces the characters to act before the balance between humanity and the unknown is irrevocably shattered.

With a blend of sleek sci‑fi visuals, palpable dread, and a cast of layered protagonists, the story invites viewers to wonder how far humanity will go to confront a menace that is both intimately familiar and unmistakably alien.

Full plot

What Happens in Species II?

The complete story of Species II, from the first scene to the last, in 639 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout.

Spoilers ahead

Commander Patrick Ross embarks on a daring mission to Mars, leading his crew into the unknown. During their expedition, they collect soil samples that inadvertently contain an alien substance. This alien matter thaws upon their return journey due to temperature changes and causes a disturbing seven-minute blackout in communication with mission control. When the astronauts return to Earth, they are met with accolades and public celebration, but not everyone is pleased; the institutionalized Dr. Cromwell reacts with intense fear and panic right upon their return.

Meanwhile, Dr. Laura Baker has been working on a significant project: creating a clone named Eve, derived from alien DNA but modified to suppress its more aggressive traits. Her team conducts a series of experiments on Eve, intending to explore potential defenses against any future alien threats. However, they continuously face setbacks as Eve’s unique biology adapts to their every effort.

Upon arriving back on Earth, the astronauts receive instructions to avoid sexual activity for ten days, a guideline that Patrick brazenly disregards. Following a fundraiser, he engages in a threesome with sisters Marcy and Lucy. Strangely, during his intimate encounter with Lucy, he starts growing tentacles. Upon realizing this transformation, Lucy is horrified and attempts to escape as she pleads for him to stop, but Patrick ignores her distress as he reaches a climactic moment. The alien essence within both Marcy and Lucy propels them into rapid pregnancies, leading to a grotesque and violent birth of Patrick’s half-alien offspring.

To conceal his monstrous progeny, Patrick hides them on his father Senator Judson Ross’ property. With each sexual encounter, Eve becomes increasingly agitated. The next day, Patrick confesses to his father that he has no memory of the previous night’s events. Senator Ross, aware of his son’s reckless behavior, advises him to concentrate on his political ambitions.

However, Dr. Orinsky, a NASA scientist analyzing Patrick’s blood, uncovers unsettling anomalies and attempts to alert Cromwell, only to be ambushed and fatally attacked by a creature birthed from Patrick’s blood. When Laura analyzes Orinsky’s injuries, she discovers that the DNA doesn’t match Eve’s, leading her to suspect Patrick as the true source of the threat.

As the situation escalates, Laura and her colleague Press Lennox confront the astronauts and discover that the alien seed is spreading like wildfire among them. Unfortunately, they are unable to save Anne Sampas, who becomes pregnant by her husband, resulting in a swift and violent demise when a tentacled creature erupts from her body, killing him in the process.

In the midst of the chaos, Patrick’s actions become increasingly sinister, culminating in the tragic death of his girlfriend due to another hybrid pregnancy. Amidst his horror, Patrick attempts suicide with a shotgun, but the alien DNA resurrects him, banishing his human emotions and compelling him to reproduce at a terrifying pace, hiding his victims and children beneath his father’s roof.

As the military gets involved, Laura grapples with the decision to activate Eve’s dormant alien DNA to track Patrick. This reaction makes Eve more volatile, heightening the stakes of the game. With mounting tension, they attempt to contain Patrick, but he becomes aware of Eve’s presence, leading to chaotic clashes that threaten all involved.

A culmination of terror occurs when the team learns that the insights from Dennis—who remains uninfected due to his sickle-cell disease—are key to countering Patrick’s rampage. As the military and the team pursue their objectives, Eve breaks free in search of Patrick, leading to a dramatic showdown revealing Patrick’s full alien form.

In a heart-stopping clash, Press and Dennis rally together to confront the threats posed by the now fully transformed Patrick. As the battle unfolds, Eve’s fate hangs in the balance, ultimately revealing the shocking truth of her and Patrick’s bond as the screen fades to black, leaving a lingering sense of dread about the future.

Timeline

Species II Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Mission to Mars” to “Climax and Revelation”. 4 events name a place, across 3 locations.

  1. 1

    Mission to Mars

    Commander Patrick Ross begins a daring mission to Mars, navigating the unexplored terrain with his dedicated crew. Their objective is to collect soil samples that could provide insights into potential alien life and resources.

    Where:Mars

  2. 2

    Discovery of Alien Substance

    During their expedition, the crew inadvertently collects soil samples containing an alien substance. This discovery could change humanity's understanding of extraterrestrial life and its implications.

    Where:Mars

  3. 3

    Communication Blackout

    While on their return journey to Earth, the alien matter thaws, leading to a disturbing seven-minute blackout in communication with mission control. This event raises alarms about the potential dangers they may have brought back with them.

  4. 4

    Celebrated Return

    Upon returning to Earth, Commander Ross and the crew are met with accolades and public celebrations for their achievements. However, not everyone shares the enthusiasm as darker reactions begin to surface, particularly from Dr. Cromwell.

    Where:Earth

  5. 5

    Eve's Creation

    Dr. Laura Baker is engaged in a secretive yet ambitious project to create a clone named Eve, utilizing alien DNA but with modifications to suppress its aggressive tendencies. This experiment is crucial for anticipating and defending against potential alien threats.

  6. 6

    Patrick's Disregard for Rules

    After returning, the astronauts are advised to avoid sexual activity for ten days to prevent any possible complications. However, Patrick brazenly disregards this guideline, engaging in risky behavior that has unexpected consequences.

  7. 7

    Transformation Begins

    While involved with Lucy, Patrick experiences a shocking physical transformation, noticing the growth of tentacles as the alien essence takes hold of him. Lucy, horrified, tries to escape, but Patrick's actions lead to further terrifying developments.

  8. 8

    Grotesque Offspring

    In a horrifying twist, both Marcy and Lucy rapidly become pregnant due to Patrick's alien hybrid nature. The births are grotesque and violent, resulting in the emergence of Patrick’s half-alien offspring that he struggles to conceal.

    Where:Senator Judson Ross's property

  9. 9

    Confession to Father

    Haunted by events he cannot remember, Patrick confesses to his father, Senator Ross, his distress over the previous night's actions. Senator Ross urges him to focus on his political career, unaware of the darkness surrounding his son.

  10. 10

    Dr. Orinsky's Discovery

    NASA scientist Dr. Orinsky analyzes Patrick's blood and uncovers anomalies that suggest a spreading alien influence. His attempts to alert Dr. Cromwell lead to dire consequences when he is ambushed and killed by a creature born from Patrick's blood.

Show the other 5 events of Species II
  1. 11

    Infection Spreads

    Amid increasing chaos, Dr. Laura Baker and her team realize that the alien seed is rapidly spreading among the astronauts. Their crisis escalates when Anne Sampas, one of their colleagues, becomes a victim of this terrifying phenomenon.

  2. 12

    Tragic Death and Suicide Attempt

    As the consequences of Patrick's actions become increasingly severe, he faces the tragic death of his girlfriend due to another hybrid pregnancy. Consumed by horror and despair, Patrick attempts suicide, only for the alien DNA to resurrect him.

  3. 13

    Eve's Activation

    In a desperate attempt to track Patrick, Laura decides to activate Eve's dormant alien DNA. This risky move heightens tensions as Eve becomes more volatile, making it difficult to contain Patrick and unearth the truth of his transformations.

  4. 14

    Final Confrontation

    As Patrick grows increasingly unstable, a dramatic showdown unfolds between him and a team led by Press Lennox and Dennis. With Eve now in the mix, the stakes are higher than ever, revealing the extent of Patrick's terrifying transformation.

  5. 15

    Climax and Revelation

    In a heart-stopping climax, the team confronts Patrick’s fully alien form, leading to shocking revelations about his connection with Eve. As chaos engulfs them, the screen fades to black, leaving audiences with lingering dread about the future.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Species II?

4 characters, among them Commander Patrick Ross, Dr. Laura Baker and Eve: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 2 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • Michael Madsen as Commander Patrick Ross in Species II

    Commander Patrick Ross

    Played by Michael Madsen

    Commander Patrick Ross starts off as a celebrated hero but descends into madness due to alien influence. His reckless behavior leads to devastating consequences, and he embodies the struggle between human instincts and alien urges.

    • 👨‍🚀 Commander
    • 🌌 Alien
  • Natasha Henstridge as Dr. Laura Baker in Species II

    Dr. Laura Baker

    Played by Natasha Henstridge

    Dr. Laura Baker is a determined scientist dedicated to understanding and controlling the alien threat. Her pragmatism and resilience are tested as she navigates a delicate balance between scientific curiosity and the safety of humanity.

    • 🔬 Scientist
    • 🌠 Ambitious
  • E

    Eve

    Eve is a clone engineered to suppress aggressive alien traits, but she becomes a pivotal figure in the fight against the growing threat. Her existence raises questions about identity and what it means to be human in a world beset by alien influences.

    • 👽 Clone
    • 🧬 Bioengineered
  • SJ

    Senator Judson Ross

    Senator Judson Ross is caught between his political ambitions and the chaotic repercussions of his son's actions. He represents the institutional response to the unfolding alien crisis, often prioritizing public perception over familial concerns.

    • 👨‍⚖️ Politician
    • ⚖️ Authority
Setting

Where and When Is Species II Set?

Species II is set in Mars and Earth. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The story unfolds in a near-future setting where space exploration has become advanced yet perilous. The intersection of science, politics, and human emotion plays a significant role as society grapples with the implications of alien life mingling with human existence.

Where

Mars, Earth

Mars serves as the backdrop for a crucial mission to investigate unknown substances, showcasing the vastness and mystery of outer space. Back on Earth, the familiar yet chaotic setting reacts to the unforeseen consequences of this alien encounter, highlighting the contrast between human civilization and the unknown.

  • 🌌 Space
  • 🌍 Earth
Themes

What Are the Themes of Species II?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Alien Invasion, Genetic Experimentation and Tragic Consequences.

  1. 01

    Alien Invasion

    The theme of alien invasion encapsulates the fear and uncontrollable nature of foreign entities interacting with humanity. The film delves into how the human psyche and physical being are overwhelmed by these extraterrestrial forces, triggering chaos and moral dilemmas.

  2. 02

    Genetic Experimentation

    A strong theme of genetic experimentation permeates the narrative, focusing on the ethical implications of manipulating alien DNA. This theme raises questions about humanity's responsibility towards life it creates and the potential dangers that come with playing god.

  3. 03

    Tragic Consequences

    The unfolding events lead to tragic consequences stemming from reckless decisions and forbidden desires. The film explores the emotional landscape of its characters as they deal with loss, betrayal, and the horrifying realities of their choices.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Species II?

Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Dark
Pacing
Fast
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
High
Ending
Ambiguous

A fast-paced and intensely dark sci-fi horror that generates relentless anxiety through its depiction of grotesque alien transformations, brutal violence, and a desperate race against time to stop an extinction-level threat.

  • anxious
  • oppressive
  • horrifying
  • brutal
  • dread-filled
  • threatening
  • alien invasion
  • body horror
  • genetic engineering
  • pursuit

Content notes: sexual assault, body horror, gruesome deaths, non-consensual impregnation.

Quiz

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Where to watch

Where to Watch Species II

Stream it on Fawesome and fuboTV, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Read next

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6 films close to Species II in story and themes that have a full plot summary here: Species (1995) and Species: The Awakening (2007) lead.

All plot summaries

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FAQ

Species II Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Species II, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Species II about?

In the wake of a bold expedition to the Red Planet, humanity celebrates a triumph that carries an unsettling secret. Commander Ross returns to Earth bearing the weight of an alien influence that begins to reshape his very nature, turning the celebrated hero into a conduit for a mysterious…

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Species II take place?

Species II is set in Mars and Earth. The story unfolds in a near-future setting where space exploration has become advanced yet perilous. The intersection of science, politics, and human emotion plays a significant role as society grapples with the…

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Species II?

The story follows Commander Patrick Ross (played by Michael Madsen), Dr. Laura Baker (played by Natasha Henstridge), Eve and Senator Judson Ross.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Species II?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Alien Invasion, Genetic Experimentation and Tragic Consequences.

The themes explained

Who directed Species II?

Species II (1998) was directed by Peter Medak and runs 1 hour 33 minutes.

Peter Medak’s films

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