Life (2017) is a gripping, claustrophobic sci-fi thriller that asks a terrifying question: What if the first proof of alien life is also our biggest threat? With a star-studded cast and a suspenseful atmosphere aboard the International Space Station, this film takes the alien horror genre to a new level — one nerve-wracking scene at a time.
Think you remember every shocking death, every desperate plan, and that chilling final twist? Take this 10-question trivia quiz and find out if you’d survive the mission… or end up Calvin’s next meal.
Life (2017) Trivia Questions & Answers
- What is the setting for most of the film Life (2017)?
Correct Answer: International Space Station (ISS)
The entire film takes place aboard the ISS, where a crew of international scientists and astronauts study a soil sample from Mars. The confined setting creates a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere — ideal for a slow-building space horror.
- What is the name given to the alien life form discovered in the film?
Correct Answer: Calvin
The organism is nicknamed “Calvin” by schoolchildren back on Earth, giving the creature an ironically innocent name that contrasts with its terrifying evolution. Calvin goes from microscopic cell to monstrous predator in a matter of days.
- Where does the alien organism originate from?
Correct Answer: Mars
The soil sample that contains Calvin comes from Mars. This discovery sparks excitement at first — the first proof of extraterrestrial life — until the team realizes just how dangerous and resilient Calvin is.
- What triggers the alien organism’s violent behavior?
Correct Answer: Loss of oxygen and stimulation
After Calvin enters a dormant state due to a lack of oxygen, the crew shocks it to revive cellular activity. Instead of reacting benignly, the creature becomes hostile — attacking its handlers and escaping containment.
- Who plays the role of Dr. David Jordan, the mission’s medical officer?
Correct Answer: Jake Gyllenhaal
Jake Gyllenhaal plays Dr. David Jordan, the quiet and emotionally guarded medical officer. He serves as a moral anchor and ultimately plays a critical role in the crew’s desperate attempt to prevent Calvin from reaching Earth.
- Which character is the first to be killed by the organism?
Correct Answer: Rory Adams
Rory, played by Ryan Reynolds, is the team’s systems engineer and the first to die. His death — as Calvin forces itself down his throat and consumes him from the inside — is one of the most gruesome and memorable scenes in the film.
- What is the creature’s notable characteristic as it grows?
Correct Answer: It’s all muscle and brain with no waste
Calvin is portrayed as a perfect organism — every cell is both muscle and brain, allowing it to be incredibly strong, fast, and smart. This evolution makes it nearly impossible to predict or contain as it adapts to each new threat.
- What is the crew’s plan to stop Calvin from reaching Earth?
Correct Answer: Lure it into an escape pod and jettison it into space
In a final desperate move, David plans to lure Calvin into one of the station’s two escape pods and manually pilot it away from Earth, while Miranda launches in the other pod to safely return home. It’s a heroic sacrifice — or at least it seems like one.
- How many escape pods are launched at the climax of the film?
Correct Answer: Two
Two pods are launched — but due to Calvin’s interference, they don’t go where they’re supposed to. This sets up the film’s shocking and horrifying twist.
- What is the twist ending of Life (2017)?
Correct Answer: Calvin ends up on Earth in the wrong pod
In the film’s final moments, the audience realizes that Calvin hijacked the pod piloted by David and crash-lands on Earth. Meanwhile, Miranda’s pod is shown helplessly drifting into deep space. Calvin survives — and now it’s on Earth, greeted by unsuspecting fishermen. The film ends on a chilling note, implying that humanity’s worst fears have just begun.
