When virtually all of the residents of Piedmont, New Mexico, are found dead after the return to Earth of a space satellite, the head of the US Air Force's Project Scoop declares an emergency. A group of eminent scientists led by Dr. Jeremy Stone scramble to a secure laboratory and try to first isolate the life form while determining why two people from Piedmont - an old alcoholic and a six-month-old baby - survived. The scientists methodically study the alien life form unaware that it has already mutated and presents a far greater danger in the lab, which is equipped with a nuclear self-destruct device designed to prevent the escape of dangerous biological agents.
When virtually all of the residents of Piedmont, New Mexico, are found dead after the return to Earth of a space satellite, the head of the US Air Force's Project Scoop declares an emergency. A group of eminent scientists led by Dr. Jeremy Stone scramble to a secure laboratory and try to first isolate the life form while determining why two people from Piedmont - an old alcoholic and a six-month-old baby - survived. The scientists methodically study the alien life form unaware that it has already mutated and presents a far greater danger in the lab, which is equipped with a nuclear self-destruct device designed to prevent the escape of dangerous biological agents.
The film's central conflict revolves around a scientific crisis requiring rational problem-solving and expert collaboration, with its solution championing the scientific method over military force. This focus on apolitical scientific process and crisis management leads to a neutral rating.
The film features a predominantly white and mainstream cast, consistent with its production era, without intentional recasting of traditional roles for diversity. The narrative centers on scientific problem-solving, portraying traditional identities in a neutral to positive light, with no explicit critique or central DEI themes.
The character Dr. Peter Leavitt, who was male in Michael Crichton's source novel, is portrayed as Dr. Ruth Leavitt, a female character, in the 1971 film adaptation.
The Andromeda Strain is a science fiction thriller centered on a biological containment crisis. The film does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or themes, as its narrative is solely dedicated to the scientific and survival efforts of the protagonists against an alien pathogen.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The film adapts the novel without altering the established race of any major character. While one character's gender was changed from male to female, their race remained consistent with the source material.
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources