Contact

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2:12

Contact

PG

1997

2h 30m

Sci-Fi

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

69%

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67 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

In this Zemeckis-directed adaptation of the Carl Sagan novel, Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster) 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 (James Woods) 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

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.

Jul 18, 2018

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David Ansen

Newsweek

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.

Feb 28, 2018

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Richard Schickel

TIME Magazine

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.

Feb 16, 2011

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

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

Rated: 4/4

Jun 7, 2023

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James Croot

The Post NZ

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.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 14, 2022

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Andrea Thompson

Inverse

Sagan's spirit certainly comes through in the film, which makes a point of valuing scientific exploration for its own sake rather than a means to an end.

Nov 1, 2021

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Ian R

The high minded idea behind the movie tends to become a bit sanctimonious. I found that Jodie Foster and Mathew McCanaughey were really awkward together. 20 minutes into the movie and she has already succumbed to his charm. The pace of the movie is sodden and the plot heavy handed. Okay if you like stories of odd relationships, but not for traditional science fiction fans. Apologies to Carl Sagan, his idea of the mathematical inevitability of us not being alone in the Universe is the basis of the whole film. It's a shame we don't get to meet any aliens.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

10/30/25

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Osamah S

Smart and complex plot and great sci fi drama, written by one of humanity's most ambitious physicists.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/14/25

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Uliana I

I recently rewatched Contact, having first watched it as a teenager back in the late 1990s. This movie impressed me back then, as it did now. Both as a kid and as an adult, I connected with Ellie. As a human, I connected with her principled honesty. Jody Foster became Ellie. She embodied Ellie better than anyone did in similar movies. Her acting was more believable than Murph in Interstellar. Mathew McChonaughey was brilliant in both. All the supporting actors were also great. Overall, this movie did justice to Carl Sagan, who wrote the novel, which the movie is based on. It's critical to watch this movie from Carl Sagan's perspective, otherwise, it will fly over your head, as it has for the critics posting here.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/11/25

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Brian S

A wonderful concept where science and faith hold hands, stare at the stars, and dare to admit they’re searching for the same thing, but told in a very obtuse way.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/27/25

Full Review

Mark W

An interesting premise but the pacing is very slow. Jodie Foster lacks likeability and charisma, and is clearly outshined by some of her co-stars. As expected, the ending is vague. Hard Sci fi fans will probably enjoy but unlikely to return again.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

09/03/25

Full Review

Andrew P.

I absolutely love this movie. I love the story about her family. I love the story about humanity looking farther into the sky. I love our interpretation of an alien life. This movie never gets old. The reviews should be higher. I will always love this movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/20/25

Full Review

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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

David Drumlin

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Contact: Trailer 1

2:12

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Synopsis

In this Zemeckis-directed adaptation of the Carl Sagan novel, Dr. Ellie Arroway (Jodie Foster) 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 (James Woods) 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
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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