@celeste_writes
A patient, formally daring work — the cinematography lingers on empty rooms longer than most audiences will tolerate, but those who stay are rewarded with the most haunting final act of the year.
Thomas Jerome Newton is an alien who has come to Earth in search of water to save his home planet. Aided by lawyer Oliver Farnsworth, Thomas uses his knowledge of advanced technology to create profitable inventions. While developing a method to transport water, Thomas meets Mary-Lou, a quiet hotel clerk, and begins to fall in love with her. Just as he is ready to leave Earth, Thomas is intercepted by the U.S. government, and his entire plan is threatened.
Quick Stats
6.5
TMDB Rating
611
Votes
2h 19m
Runtime
$1.5M
Budget
—
Box Office
—
Return
Key Crew
DirectorNicolas Roeg
WriterPaul Mayersberg
CinematographyAnthony B. Richmond
ComposerJohn Phillips
EditorGraeme Clifford
Production DesignBrian Eatwell
Produced by
British Lion FilmsHoutsnede Maatschappij
Where to Watch
Streaming
Philo
Criterion Channel
BFI Player Amazon Channel
MovieSphere+ Amazon ChannelFree
Kanopy
FawesomeFree with Ads
The Roku Channel
Plex
Tubi TVRent
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeBuy
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeSee more on TMDB → JustWatch
Critics & Reviews
3 featured@jhalberg
I walked in expecting another genre exercise and walked out feeling like I'd been eavesdropping on a confession. The lead performance is genuinely singular — a career-defining turn.
@priya_a
A few too many scenes feel borrowed from a better film, but the soundtrack and the production design carry the rest. Solid recommendation for fans of slow-burn European thrillers.
Cast
David Bowie
Thomas Jerome Newton
Rip Torn
Nathan Bryce
Candy Clark
Mary-Lou
Tony Mascia
Arthur
Buck Henry
Oliver Farnsworth
Bernie Casey
Peters
Adrienne La Russa
Helen
Claudia Jennings
Peters' Wife (uncredited)
Rick Riccardo
Trevor
Jim Lovell
James Lovell
H
Hilary Holland
Jill
L
Linda Hutton
Elaine
J
Jackson D. Kane
Professor Canutti
L
Lilybelle Crawford
Jewelery Store Owner
R
Richard Breeding
Receptionist
