In the world of sci-fi, few themes hit closer to home than the unsettling idea of a hive mind. Apple TV’s new series, Pluribus, explores this concept through the lens of an alien virus that connects everyone on Earth. All humans, except for Carol (Rhea Seehorn) and a few others, become part of this singular collective. When Carol reaches out for help, she’s taken aback by the indifference of those who’ve succumbed to this more harmonious existence.
Carol’s hot-tempered, sarcastic nature resonates deeply with many viewers. She raises alarms about a world filled with “pod people,” insisting that the situation is more serious than a mere shift in consciousness. If you’ve ever felt like something was amiss amid a wave of toxic positivity, you might find yourself empathizing with her perspective.
What films and shows shaped Carol’s worldview? Here are 11 notable titles that capture the chilling realities of hive minds and speak to the potential consequences of losing individuality.
1. Invasion of the Body Snatchers
This classic 1956 film birthed the term “pod person,” referring to emotionless duplicates that replace humans. The 1978 remake intensifies the horror by showcasing shriek-emitting humanoids who confront those resisting conformity.
2. Invaders From Mars
In both the 1953 original and the 1986 remake, alien invaders resort to brain implants to control the planet’s inhabitants. While not a hive mind in the strictest sense, the goal remains: to eliminate independent thought.
3. The World’s End
Edgar Wright’s 2013 comedic take on an alien takeover features Gary (Simon Pegg) and his friends discovering their hometown is under siege by an alien hive mind. A story that starts as a nostalgia trip quickly spirals into chaos, leading to a surprisingly hopeful conclusion.
4. Cell
Basing his film on his own novel, Stephen King presents a chilling scenario where cellphone users become murderous zombies due to a mysterious signal. This 2016 adaptation showcases the destructive power of technology in a new terrifying way.
5. The Faculty
Directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Kevin Williamson, this 1998 film depicts high school students battling mind-controlling alien parasites. A twist-filled narrative keeps viewers guessing until the final act.
6. Star Trek: The Next Generation
If Carol ever indulged in Star Trek: The Next Generation, she would discover a wealth of knowledge about hive minds, notably in memorable episodes focused on assimilation and the ominous phrase, “resistance is futile.”
7. Rick and Morty
In the episode “Auto Erotic Assimilation,” Rick engages with a hive mind called Unity, exploring the complexities of intimate relationships in such a unique setting. Carol might find herself relating to the awkwardness of conversing with the collective.
8. Slither
James Gunn’s 2006 horror film features an alien parasite that infects a community through a single host, leading to blood-curdling screams and gore. It’s another take on the hive mind theme, where eliminating the main brain could solve the outbreak.
9. Starship Troopers
This cult classic showcases a grotesque “Brain Bug” that directs giant alien swarms against humans. Victory requires deciphering the knowledge it has absorbed, underscoring the terrifying basis of hive minds.
10. Phase IV
In Saul Bass’ 1974 film, ants evolve into a hive mind after cosmic interference. Their intent isn’t outright extinction, but rather a bid for total obedience, showcasing the dark side of coordinated behavior.
11. The Stuff
If there’s one wild ride you shouldn’t miss, it’s this 1985 sci-fi horror comedic gem. It warns against consuming a mysterious dessert that bubbles from the ground, as those affected become fixated on it, mimicking hive-like behavior.
New episodes of Pluribus land every Friday on Apple TV, keeping the conversation around hive minds alive.
Have you ever wondered why hive mind narratives captivate us? Perhaps it’s the primal fear of losing our individuality. These stories remind us to cherish our uniqueness and the critical role it plays in society.
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