In the end, though, the sci-fi that sticks out in popular consciousness is the stuff that deals with themes and issues anyone can relate to, not just the geeks writing 4,000-word theoretical treatises on fan forums. Sure, there may also be some convoluted time-travel involved, or fantastical technology, or odd creatures that are either benevolent or mean as hell. The only difference is that it might invent an entirely different world to do so. The best sci-fi films do what any good movie should do, and that’s tell us something about ourselves and the world around us. Science fiction isn’t just for nerds anymore.
