Contact

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2:12

Contact

PG

1997

2h 30m

Sci-Fi

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

69%

Tomatometer

68 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

In this Zemeckis-directed adaptation of the Carl Sagan novel, Dr. Ellie Arroway races to interpret a possible message originating from the Vega star system. Once first contact with an extraterrestrial intelligence is proven, Arroway contends with restrictive National Security Advisor Kitz and religious fanatics bent on containing the implications of such an event. An incredible message is found hidden in the signal, but will Arroway be the one to answer its call?

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Critics Consensus

Contact elucidates stirring scientific concepts and theological inquiry at the expense of satisfying storytelling, making for a brainy blockbuster that engages with its ideas, if not its characters.

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Duane Byrge

The Hollywood Reporter

Jul 18, 2018

Despite its lineage and some impressive special effects, Contact is a disappointingly earthbound production, weighed down by the ballast of talking-heads dramaturgy and bloated storytelling.

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David Ansen

Newsweek

Feb 28, 2018

If Contact is disappointingly soft in the head, it can also enthrall. Zemeckis is such a potent imagemaker that he is capable, for long stretches at a time, of sweeping you up in his vision.

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Richard Schickel

TIME Magazine

Feb 16, 2011

Something like one of those mysterious asteroids that get the astronomers all worked up: a large body of gaseous matter surrounding a relatively small core of solid substance.

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Matthew Rozsa

Democracy at Work (Substack)

Jan 31, 2026

4/4

"Contact" rewards subsequent viewings precisely because it allows viewers to contemplate nuances in both story and philosophy that may have previously eluded them.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Jun 7, 2023

4/4

The ruminative approach and final resolution that there are no certainties in the universe, however honest, left audiences unsatisfied. But the film remains a daring work, among the most cerebral and emotional motion pictures on this subject ever released

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James Croot

The Post NZ

Jul 14, 2022

4/5

If you’ve ever gazed at the sky in wonder and wondered “what if”, are a fan of the magnificent Foster (and who isn’t), or simply like first-rate storytelling, then seek Contact out.

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 6, 2026

Contact = a *4* star movie

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Sarah S

@RT61748701 Jun 26, 2026

Contact is a thoughtful sci-fi film that focuses on big ideas rather than action. Jodie Foster gives a great performance, and the story explores science, faith, and humanity in a fascinating way. Despite some scenes with impressive special effects, it can feel slow at times; but it's worth watching if you enjoy intelligent movies that leave you thinking long after they end.

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Mark R.

@rhodesmark Jun 5, 2026

One of greatest SF movies ever made. Stunningly realistic. Great characters. Smart move by screenplay writer, narrowing down the focus to just the Jodie Foster character.

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Tsaki M

@tsaki May 6, 2026

One of my favorite sci-fi movies ever, it holds a special place in my heart, as well as I assume in anyone else's who grew up watching what I can only describe as a beautifully insightful film. IMO "Contact" is a masterpiece of its time and it was only made better by Jodie's stellar performance and unique character

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Leaburn O

@RT35452347 Apr 6, 2026

A very solid entry into the space film catalog. Foster was really well cast and is excellent throughout. The special effects are outstanding and it is imaginatively conceived and visualised. The plot builds through tension and politics. It’s a really solid film that I enjoyed. Watched on Amazon Prime.

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Rosie D.

@Rosieeeee Apr 5, 2026

A beautiful tribute to Carl Sagan. I truly believe that anyone who looks at the stars and keeps faith in the universe is a romantic at heart. The opening and ending are both absolutely stunning, though the middle act sags a bit too much for my liking. Still a solid 3.5/5.

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Robert Zemeckis

Director

Jodie Foster

Eleanor Ann 'Ellie' Arroway

Matthew McConaughey

Palmer Joss

James Woods

Michael Kitz

John Hurt

S.R. Hadden

Tom Skerritt

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Synopsis

In this Zemeckis-directed adaptation of the Carl Sagan novel, Dr. Ellie Arroway races to interpret a possible message originating from the Vega star system. Once first contact with an extraterrestrial intelligence is proven, Arroway contends with restrictive National Security Advisor Kitz and religious fanatics bent on containing the implications of such an event. An incredible message is found hidden in the signal, but will Arroway be the one to answer its call?

Director: Robert Zemeckis
Producer: Steve Starkey, Robert Zemeckis
Screenwriter: Carl Sagan, James V. Hart, Michael Goldenberg
Distributor: Warner Home Vídeo
Production Co: Warner Brothers
Rating: PG
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 11, 1997, Original
Release Date (Streaming): May 1, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $100.9M
Runtime: 2h 30m
Sound Mix: SDDS, DTS, Surround, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: 35mm, Scope (2.35:1)

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