Ripley was the bully

The 1986 science fiction film "Aliens" directed by James Cameron, presents the audience with a complex and nuanced representation of the alien creature, often referred to as the xenomorph. This creature has been traditionally portrayed as a villainous entity, hellbent on destruction and domination. However, upon closer examination, it can be argued that the alien in "Aliens" is actually the hero of the story, while the character of Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, can be seen as the villain.

First and foremost, it's important to understand the context of the story, The film follows Ripley, the sole survivor of the first film, as she joins a team of Marines sent to investigate a colony on LV-426, where the alien species was first encountered. Once they arrive, they find that the colony has been devastated, and the inhabitants are missing, with the exception of a single survivor, a young girl named Newt. Ripley takes on a maternal role towards Newt and becomes the leader of the group, however, her leadership and decisions put the lives of her team in danger.

It's clear that the aliens are portrayed as creatures of their environment, they are not evil by nature, they are simply trying to survive and protect their colony, just like the humans are trying to survive and protect themselves. The aliens in the film can be seen as a metaphor for nature, they are a force that cannot be controlled or tamed, and they will do whatever it takes to survive.

Ripley, on the other hand, is driven by her own personal demons and her need for revenge, she is willing to sacrifice the lives of her team in order to destroy the aliens, her actions can be seen as reckless and selfish. The climax of the film shows Ripley fighting the Alien Queen in a one-on-one battle, while her team is fighting for survival against the other aliens. This scene highlights Ripley's lack of leadership and her willingness to put her own needs before the needs of her team.

In conclusion, "Aliens" is a film that challenges traditional notions of good and evil, and presents the audience with a complex and nuanced representation of the alien creature. The alien in the film can be seen as a hero, simply trying to survive and protect its colony, while the character of Ellen Ripley can be seen as the villain, driven by her own personal demons and her need for revenge. The film is a masterpiece of science fiction, a thrilling action and horror movie that also makes you think.

In addition to the main alien creature being portrayed as the hero of the story, the specific alien that bursts from the stomach of one of the characters, Kane, in the beginning of the film can also be considered a protagonist in its own right. This particular alien, known as the "Chestburster," is the first instance of the alien species that the audience sees in the film and serves as the catalyst for the events that unfold.

Firstly, it's important to understand the Chestburster's situation: It is a newborn, It has no control over where it was born or how it came to be, it is simply trying to survive and find a new home, just like any other living creature. Its actions are a direct result of its environment, it is not inherently evil, it is simply trying to survive.

Furthermore, the Chestburster serves as a symbol of the consequences of humanity's actions, specifically their disregard for the potential dangers of their actions and the unknown. In the film, the humans ignored the warning signs and the potential dangers of the alien species, they were more interested in exploiting the resources of the planet and disregarding the alien's existence. The Chestburster serves as a reminder of the repercussions of such actions, and it serves as a warning to the audience about the dangers of ignoring the unknown.

Additionally, the Chestburster's emergence from Kane's stomach serves as a metaphor for the consequences of human hubris. Kane's death serves as a reminder that humans are not invincible, and that their actions have consequences. The Chestburster's emergence also serves as a reminder that nature cannot be controlled or tamed, and that it will always find a way to survive.

In conclusion, the Chestburster can also be considered a protagonist in the film "Aliens." Its situation and actions serve as a reminder of the consequences of human actions and hubris, and it serves as a symbol of the power and resilience of nature. The Chestburster adds another layer of complexity to the film, and highlights the theme that in the face of the unknown, it's important to approach with caution and respect.