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Contact (film)

Contact is a 1997 American science fiction drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on Carl Sagan’s 1985 novel of the same name.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Contact is a 1997 American science fiction drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on Carl Sagan’s 1985 novel of the same name. It stars Jodie Foster as Dr. Eleanor “Ellie” Arroway, a SETI scientist who discovers evidence of extraterrestrial life and is selected to make first contact. The film was released in the United States and Canada on July 11, 1997.

Plot

The story centres on Ellie Arroway’s discovery of a signal from the Vega star system and the international response to the possibility of alien contact. The narrative explores scientific investigation, public scrutiny, and the tension between science and faith.

Production

Contact was directed by Robert Zemeckis and adapted from Carl Sagan’s novel, with the screenplay developed from material associated with Sagan and Ann Druyan. The film uses real-world scientific locations and imagery, including the Very Large Array and the Arecibo Observatory.

Cast

The ensemble cast includes Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, James Woods, Tom Skerritt, William Fichtner, John Hurt, Angela Bassett, Rob Lowe, Jake Busey, and David Morse.

Release and reception

The film opened in the United States and Canada on July 11, 1997. It was positively received, earned about $171 million worldwide, and was recognised with major genre awards, including the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation and two Saturn Awards.

Key facts

  • Contact (1997) is a science fiction drama directed by Robert Zemeckis, based on Carl Sagan’s 1985 novel.
  • Jodie Foster stars as SETI scientist Dr. Eleanor Arroway, who discovers evidence of extraterrestrial life.
  • The film was released on July 11, 1997, in the United States and Canada.
  • It received positive reviews and won the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation and two Saturn Awards.
  • The film earned about $171 million worldwide.
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Canadian context

Contact was released in Canada on July 11, 1997, the same day as its U.S. release, and Canadian audiences were part of its initial North American rollout.

Frequently asked questions

What is Contact about?
It follows scientist Ellie Arroway after she detects evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence and becomes involved in humanity’s first contact with it.
Who directed Contact?
Robert Zemeckis directed the film.
What is Contact based on?
It is based on Carl Sagan’s 1985 novel Contact.
When was Contact released?
It was released in the United States and Canada on July 11, 1997.
Who stars in Contact?
Jodie Foster stars as Ellie Arroway, with Matthew McConaughey, James Woods, Tom Skerritt, William Fichtner, John Hurt, Angela Bassett, Rob Lowe, Jake Busey, and David Morse in supporting roles.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contact_(1997_American_film)
    Supports: Directed by Robert Zemeckis, based on Carl Sagan’s novel, cast, release date, awards, and box office.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Contact-film-by-Zemeckis
    Supports: Film identification and adaptation of Sagan’s novel with Ellie Arroway receiving the first message from extraterrestrial intelligence.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1078021-contact
    Supports: Synopsis, director, genre, release date, and production details.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118884/
    Supports: Runtime, director, writers, main cast, and release date.