E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) – the magical story of Elliott and his alien friend speaks to the child in all of us.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial reflects the dreams and fears of us all, regardless of age or difference, through wonder, fantasy and imagination.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind may have announced Steven Spielberg’s arrival as a filmmaking genius, but E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial cemented his place as a silver screen legend. No film before or since has matched Steven Spielberg’s 1982 family picture in either charm, power, or beauty. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial transcends the year of its birth as it enthrals and inspires new generations over forty years after its release. Here, the emotional, funny, and magical story of Elliott and his vulnerable alien friend from a distant star speaks to the child in every one of us.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was born from Steven Spielberg’s childhood experiences of divorce and the memories of insecurity and separation that followed. In E.T., Elliott (Henry Thomas) grapples with his parents’ breakup while feeling disconnected from his older brother, Michael (Robert MacNaughton), who loves Dungeons & Dragons, and his younger sister, Gertie (Drew Barrymore), who does not fully understand the ramifications of the family breakdown. These human emotions and fears surround the arrival of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as we explore love, friendship and separation through the eyes of a ten-year-old boy. Every camera movement and angle reflects Elliot’s perspective of the world around him as an alien (who feels like him) enters his life.

We all have magical friends during childhood, especially during times of stress, when the world feels scary or dark. These friends often take the form of soft toys, figures or pets, who provide security and listen without prejudice. Even as we enter adulthood, we find ourselves wishing on a star or looking to the heavens for answers to our troubles, fears or apprehensions; E.T. is the physical embodiment of that act.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial reminds us of a child’s need to find meaning in the confusing actions of adults and of all children’s ability to see beyond the physical differences and cultural barriers that often separate us. It offers us hope and speaks directly to our fear of loss, reminding us that our journey with others remains in our hearts no matter the distance between us.

The film’s final farewell, “I’ll be right here,” sees E.T. point his finger towards Elliott’s chest, indicating that no matter the distance or the loss, memories, experiences and love last forever in our hearts. Spielberg’s film is about the power of recovery, unity and love, even when it may feel like our world is falling apart. It is unquestionably one of the most beautiful films ever made; it transcends time, allowing our inner child to break free while comforting every new child who finds its magic. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial reflects the dreams and fears of us all, regardless of age or difference, through wonder, fantasy and imagination.