In They Live (1988), John Carpenter takes you on a wild ride through a dystopian world where the truth is hidden in plain sight. When drifter John Nada (Roddy Piper) discovers a pair of sunglasses that reveal a hidden reality, his life changes forever. The world around him isn’t as it seems: advertisements are covert commands, and influential figures are aliens in disguise, manipulating humanity for their own gain.
As Nada uncovers the shocking conspiracy, he joins forces with a reluctant ally, Frank (Keith David), to fight back against the alien invaders and expose the truth to the world. With its sharp social commentary, brutal action scenes, and unforgettable lines, They Live is a clever mix of horror, sci-fi, and anti-establishment rebellion.
This cult classic explores themes of control, conformity, and the struggle for freedom, asking: what if everything we see, hear, and believe is a lie? Will we dare to look beyond the surface?