It’s Alive III: Island of the Alive Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dad fights in court for his mutant killer baby’s right to live, leading to a deserted island exile, only for the grown-up babies to escape, get measles, and drag said dad on a bizarre road trip to find their mom, plus a new grandchild.

🍿 It’s Alive III: Island of the Alive: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Shocking Rebirth and Its Aftermath

The film opens with a harrowing scene as a woman gives birth to a mutant baby in a taxi cab, a creature that immediately exhibits deadly aggression, killing its mother and a police officer. The following day, the creature’s corpse is discovered within a Roman Catholic church, a haunting symbol of its tragic existence. This incident sets the stage for a dramatic courtroom battle, where Stephen Jarvis, the father of another mutant child, passionately defends his son’s right to live. He argues that the babies’ violent reactions are a defensive response to human hostility and fear. His plea, along with a moment where his baby calms in his presence, sways the judge to grant the mutants a unique fate.

Exile to the Island of the Alive

The court orders Stephen’s baby and four other mutant infants to be quarantined on a remote, deserted island, far from human civilization. This decision is meant to protect humanity while allowing the creatures to live out their lives unmolested. Meanwhile, Stephen Jarvis finds himself ostracized by society; his acting career is ruined, and his ex-wife, Ellen, wants nothing to do with him or their shared past. Stephen struggles with social isolation and financial burdens, facing public fear that he might transmit the mutation through contact. Unbeknownst to the public, a pharmaceutical company, responsible for a drug that caused the mutations, dispatches a team to the island to eliminate the babies, hoping to cover up their culpability and re-release their drug. However, the grown mutants on the island prove to be formidable, wiping out the corporate hit squad.

Five Years Later: An Unexpected Expedition

Half a decade passes, and Stephen Jarvis is contacted by Lieutenant Perkins, who informs him of a scientific expedition to the island to study the mutants’ development. Stephen is asked to join the team due to his unique connection with the creatures. The expedition, however, quickly devolves into chaos and bloodshed. Only Jarvis and Perkins survive the mutants’ onslaught, with Perkins stranded on the island. Jarvis finds himself a captive aboard a boat, piloted by the now fully-grown and telepathic mutants. He discovers that one of the female mutants has given birth, implying his son is the father, and that the creatures are heading to Cape Vale, Florida, with a singular purpose: to find Ellen.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Stephen Jarvis (Michael Moriarty): The eccentric father of a mutant baby who passionately defends the creatures’ right to live and eventually accepts a mutant grandchild.
• Ellen Jarvis (Karen Black): The mother of a mutant baby, initially estranged, who is later sought out by the adult mutants and ultimately takes in their offspring.
• Lt. Perkins (James Dixon): A recurring police lieutenant who remains involved in the saga of the mutant babies, joining an expedition to their isolated island.
• Judge Watson (Macdonald Carey): The sympathetic judge who rules that the mutant babies should be quarantined on an island rather than destroyed.
• Cabot (William Watson): The head of a pharmaceutical company, determined to eliminate the mutant babies to cover up his company’s role in their creation.
• The Mutant Babies (N/A): The rapidly maturing and telepathic creatures, confined to an island, who embark on a journey to find their ‘mother’ and ensure their survival.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Stephen Jarvis: “You know, you’re very beautiful. Maybe it’s the environment, but you turn me on. And I could turn you on, too. You’ve seen my kid, haven’t you? That’s just a glimpse of the animal in me.” – Stephen Jarvis awkwardly flirts with a female scientist, revealing his bizarre and inappropriate personality.
• Stephen Jarvis: “These babies are not evil. They are only reacting to the hostility and chaos we impose upon them. My son deserves to live.” – Stephen Jarvis passionately argues in court for the rights of the mutant babies to be spared and allowed to exist.
• Lt. Perkins: “It took four bullets before it died. That’s some baby.” – A police officer remarks on the unnatural resilience and danger of a newly discovered mutant baby after its violent demise.
• Stephen Jarvis: “Plunk your magic twanger froggy.” – Stephen Jarvis bizarrely mutters this line in a shoe store, showcasing his increasingly eccentric and unhinged behavior.
• Stephen Jarvis: “They’ve grown… and they can communicate. They’re more than just monsters now.” – Stephen Jarvis realizes the startling development and newfound abilities of the mutant children during the expedition to the island.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 It’s Alive III: Island of the Alive Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so *It’s Alive III: Island of the Alive* is definitely not a prestige horror film, but man, did I have a blast with it! Michael Moriarty’s performance as Stephen Jarvis is just delightfully unhinged; he completely owns every scene he’s in, whether he’s singing to himself on a boat or delivering sarcastic one-liners. It’s truly a masterclass in ‘so bad it’s good’ acting. I loved how the movie leans into its own absurdity, especially with the whole concept of these grown-up mutant babies trying to find their mom and dealing with measles. It’s got a very distinct B-movie charm that just pulls you in. Plus, the social commentary, while sometimes delivered with a sledgehammer, is surprisingly relevant and adds a layer of unexpected depth to the creature chaos. If you’re a fan of quirky, off-the-wall horror that doesn’t take itself too seriously, you HAVE to check this out.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of cult classic B-movies and creature features”
  • “Viewers who appreciate horror films with satirical or dark comedic elements”
  • “Admirers of writer/director Larry Cohen’s unique filmmaking style”
  • “Those who enjoyed the previous ‘It’s Alive’ films and want to see the conclusion of the trilogy”
  • “Audiences interested in unconventional horror narratives and practical effects”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic Violence (including slasher-style attacks and gore)”
  • “Strong Language”
  • “Sexual Situations (implied, mild sex scene mentioned in reviews)”
  • “Attempted Rape (mentioned in one review)”
  • “Disturbing Creature Designs (mutant babies and their grown forms)”
  • “Thematic elements exploring societal rejection and exploitation”

Professional Reviews

• Cult Cinema Quarterly: “Larry Cohen swings for the fences with ‘It’s Alive III,’ embracing a gleefully absurd black comedy that revels in its own low-budget charm. Michael Moriarty delivers a truly unhinged, captivating performance as the bewildered father, making every scene a wild ride. While the mutant effects might not win awards, the film’s sharp social commentary and witty dialogue elevate it beyond mere B-movie schlock, offering a surprisingly intelligent horror-satire.
• Horror Digest: “‘Island of the Alive’ might be the oddball of the ‘It’s Alive’ trilogy, but its shift into an overt horror-comedy is its greatest strength. Cohen fearlessly tackles themes of societal fear, media exploitation, and even US-Cuba relations with a satirical bite. Despite some undeniably goofy practical effects, the film maintains an engaging pace, largely thanks to Moriarty’s charismatic lunacy. It’s a testament to Cohen’s unique vision that even a film about island-dwelling killer babies can be thought-provoking.

Audience Reactions

Michael Moriarty’s wild and unforgettable performance, which makes the film highly rewatchable.: Many viewers appreciate the film’s unexpected turn into black comedy and its willingness to embrace its outlandish premise, often citing its unique blend of humor and social satire as its most compelling aspects. The over-the-top special effects, while technically ‘bad,’ are often seen as part of its charm.

Overall Consensus: A divisive but beloved cult classic, ‘It’s Alive III’ is praised by fans for its eccentric humor, social commentary, and Michael Moriarty’s unhinged performance, even as it’s critiqued for its low-budget effects and uneven tone.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Larry Cohen reportedly wrote much of the script on the fly during production, allowing for improvisation, particularly from lead actor Michael Moriarty, who even spontaneously broke into song during filming.”
• “The film was shot back-to-back with Larry Cohen’s other horror film, ‘A Return to Salem’s Lot’ (1987), with both films sharing many cast and crew members, including James Dixon, who appears in all three ‘It’s Alive’ films.”
• “Despite being intended for direct-to-home video release, both ‘It’s Alive III: Island of the Alive’ and ‘A Return to Salem’s Lot’ received a limited theatrical run first.”
• “The film’s opening scene, featuring a mutant baby being born in a taxi cab, was famously reused as stock footage in Clint Eastwood’s ‘The Dead Pool’ (1988).”
• “Larry Cohen was known for his resourceful filmmaking; for instance, the film reportedly incorporated recycled footage from other productions, such as shark and ocean shots from ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ or ‘The Sea Chase’.”

🖥️ How to Watch It’s Alive III: Island of the Alive?

While ‘It’s Alive III: Island of the Alive’ might not be readily available on major subscription streaming services, you can typically find it for rent or purchase. Check platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube for digital options. Physical media such as DVD or Blu-ray may also be available for purchase through online retailers like Amazon or specialty horror film distributors, often as part of a collection with the other ‘It’s Alive’ films.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed It’s Alive III: Island of the Alive, you might like these similar films:

• It’s Alive (1974): The original film that started the mutant baby trilogy, establishing the core concept of monstrous newborns reacting to societal fear and the struggle of their parents.
• Q: The Winged Serpent (1982): Directed by Larry Cohen and starring Michael Moriarty, this film shares the unique blend of creature horror, urban chaos, and Cohen’s signature social commentary and black humor.
• Basket Case (1982): Another low-budget, quirky horror film from the same era featuring a deformed, murderous sibling, known for its cult following and unique, practical creature effects.
• The Brood (1979): David Cronenberg’s film also explores themes of monstrous, rage-filled children born from human psychological trauma, offering a more disturbing but conceptually similar take on killer offspring.
• Malignant (2021): For fans of ‘It’s Alive III’s embrace of B-movie absurdity and over-the-top horror, ‘Malignant’ offers a modern take on outrageous creature features with a similar blend of horror, action, and dark humor.

🛒 It’s Alive III: Island of the Alive Related Products

• It’s Alive! Trilogy Collection [Blu-ray]: Own the complete original It’s Alive trilogy in stunning high-definition. This collection includes ‘It’s Alive’, ‘It Lives Again’, and ‘It’s Alive III: Island of the Alive’, allowing fans to experience the full evolution of Larry Cohen’s mutant baby saga.
• King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry Cohen (Documentary DVD/Blu-ray): A fascinating documentary exploring the maverick career of writer-director Larry Cohen, featuring interviews with cast and crew from his most iconic films, including the ‘It’s Alive’ series. Dive deep into his unique filmmaking process and unconventional genius.
• Classic Horror Movie Monster Action Figure Set: A set of highly detailed action figures inspired by iconic creatures from classic horror films, perfect for display or imaginative play. While not directly ‘It’s Alive’ monsters, they capture the spirit of classic creature features.
• Cult Classic Horror Movie Poster Art Book: A lavishly illustrated book showcasing the captivating and often bizarre poster art from cult horror films of the 70s and 80s. Features rare and iconic designs that defined the genre’s visual style.

🎧 Soundtrack

It’s Alive III: Island of the Alive features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “If I Told You” – performed by David Shapiro

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Instant Regret 😂

Ever watched a kid try something risky and immediately regret it? This super short clip captures that priceless moment perfectly – you won’t believe how quickly things change!

What If Earth Was Shaped Like a Donut? #Shorts

Ever wondered about some wild ‘what if’ scenarios? This quick dive into what Earth would be like as a donut is surprisingly thought-provoking and definitely a fun watch!

Everyone was made fool in this zoo 😱 #shorts

Prepare to be amazed (and maybe a little fooled!) by this short clip. It shows how easily everyone in this zoo was tricked – it’s a surprising turn that you might not see coming!

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