They Live 1988

Nada's Arrival in Los Angeles

George Nada arrives in Los Angeles amidst economic hardship, leaving behind his previous life in search of employment opportunities. The city is a harsh landscape, filled with struggling individuals, including Nada, who finds himself living in a shantytown.

Meeting the Street Preacher

While wandering the city, Nada encounters a street preacher warning about unseen forces controlling society. Dismissing the preacher's grave warnings, Nada abruptly leaves when police begin to approach, unaware of the greater dangers he will soon face.

Job at the Construction Site

Nada secures employment at a construction site where he befriends Frank Armitage. Their initial interactions are filled with suspicion until Frank offers Nada a place to stay, realizing he's just seeking companionship and a warm meal.

Strange Occurrences at the Church

One day, Nada witnesses bizarre behavior during a gathering at a nearby church, where police seem to be surveilling the attendees. His curiosity piqued, he decides to investigate further, leading him to uncover more unsettling truths.

Discovery of the Sunglasses

Investigating the church, Nada discovers boxes filled with sunglasses that appear unremarkable at first glance. Overcome with curiosity, he tries on a pair and instantly perceives the grim reality, revealing the subliminal messages that control human behavior.

Confrontation in the Grocery Store

Realizing the world is filled with grotesque alien entities disguised as humans, Nada ventures into a grocery store. In a tense moment, he confronts the aliens, which escalates into an explosive confrontation with law enforcement.

The Famous Declaration

In a defiant moment during the grocery store confrontation, Nada boldly declares, 'I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum.' This declaration sparks an intense shootout with aliens and their human collaborators.

Seeking Help from Holly

After the chaos, Nada seeks refuge with television executive Holly Thompson, hoping to enlist her assistance against the aliens. However, his trust quickly turns into betrayal when Holly reveals her true allegiance.

Frank's Skepticism and Transformation

Nada desperately attempts to convince Frank about the alien invasion, but his words are met with skepticism. After a fierce struggle between the two, Frank finally dons the sunglasses and becomes aware of the horrifying truths surrounding them.

Meeting the Rebels

After their strained reunion, Nada and Frank uncover a community of rebels fighting against the alien oppression. They learn about the television signals used to control the population and the urgency to act against this pervasive threat.

Besieged by Authorities

The rebels are soon besieged by government forces, which prompts Nada and Frank to make a hasty escape. During their flight, they delve into underground passages leading them closer to uncovering the heart of the alien's control.

The High-Tech Alien Compound

Nada and Frank stumble upon a high-tech alien compound where they unveil the source of the controlling signal. Their discovery sets the stage for a confrontation that could shift the balance of power in their favor.

Battle at the TV Station

A decisive battle takes place at the local television station, where Nada and Frank face off against a horde of alien guards. The stakes are high as they implement their plan to shut down the broadcast signal controlling humanity.

Betrayal and Loss

During the climactic struggle, Holly reveals her true allegiance and fatally betrays Frank. This shocking turn leaves Nada emotionally devastated but compelled to continue their mission against the aliens.