In this blog post, we’ll explore my thoughts on the possibility of alien existence and humanity’s perspective on the universe, as depicted in the movie ‘K-PAX.’
The appearance of aliens in science fiction movies is no longer an unfamiliar theme. In fact, there are now so many of these films that it’s often difficult to capture the audience’s interest without dazzling computer graphics (CG) or suspenseful action scenes. However, there is one film that kept me glued to the screen throughout—even without these elements—and I’d like to introduce it.
The title of the film is ‘K-PAX’. The movie begins at the always-crowded Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Amid the flow of ordinary people, a shabbily dressed man wearing sunglasses suddenly appears. He explains that he cannot remove his sunglasses because of a blinding light. Introducing himself to people as an alien named Prot, this man has no identification documents to prove his identity. Eventually, he is sent to a mental hospital in Manhattan, where he begins to share stories about his home planet with his psychiatrist, Mark.
To be honest, I ended up watching this movie because of its title. Back when I first came across this movie, I was really into thrillers, so just by seeing the title “K-PAX,” I assumed it was a thriller and started watching it without knowing anything about the plot. However, as soon as the movie began, I realized my expectations were completely off, and for a moment, I even wondered if I should keep watching. Nevertheless, I ended up watching it all the way through because of the fascinating discussions about the universe and the unique charm of the character Prot.
Prott claims that his home planet lies in the direction of the constellation Lyra, about 1,000 light-years from Earth, and that he is traveling to Earth at faster-than-light speeds. He explains that K-PAX has two suns and seven moons, and because the brightness there is only about half that of Earth, the light is always blinding on Earth, so he must wear sunglasses.
Mark, an ordinary psychiatrist, naturally concludes that Plot is mentally ill and ponders how to treat him. Although Plot displays profound knowledge when discussing his planet and the universe, it is difficult to accept his claims as fact based on this alone, as there are cases of mental illness where patients exhibit exceptional abilities in specific fields. In fact, Mark is unable to find any clear flaws in Plot’s story, and no matter what counterarguments he raises, Plot manages to explain them away within his own logic. As a result, Mark finds himself harboring a subtle doubt—he cannot fully believe what Plot says, yet he cannot easily dismiss it either.
I’ve been fascinated by space since I was a child. Even when I was a freshman in high school, whenever the school asked us to write down our future aspirations, I would always write “astronomer” as my dream. Of course, once I became a high school student, I began to consider more realistic career paths and eventually chose a different route, but even now, I still harbor a vague longing for the field of astronomy. That’s why I’ve always found stories about aliens—a classic theme in science fiction movies—fascinating.
If aliens actually existed and visited Earth, what would really happen? Setting aside religious perspectives, we currently have no scientific basis to categorically deny the existence of extraterrestrial life. Modern astronomy shows that the universe is vast beyond imagination, and much remains unknown about the structure of the universe beyond our observable horizon. The future of the universe—whether it will undergo eternal expansion or take on other forms of evolution—remains an actively researched topic.
However, one fact has become clear through research to date: Earth is merely a minuscule entity in the grand scheme of the universe. There are countless stars in the universe, and it is difficult to conclude with certainty that not a single planet among them possesses an environment similar to Earth’s. I believe we have now entered an era where, rather than assuming that extraterrestrials do not exist, we should seriously discuss the possibility that intelligent life similar to ours exists somewhere in this vast universe.
It is also known that life on Earth began in water. Although the conditions required for water to form are demanding, it is by no means the only environment of its kind in the universe. In fact, traces of water—either past or present—are continually being discovered on various celestial bodies, including Mars, and this research provides important clues for the search for extraterrestrial life.
The question of how many planets in the universe possess environments capable of supporting life remains an active area of research. Recently, over a thousand exoplanets have been discovered outside our solar system, and some of them are estimated to be located in the so-called “Goldilocks Zone,” where life could potentially exist. Furthermore, it is known that there are hundreds of billions of stars in our galaxy alone, and the observable universe contains far more galaxies than that. Given such vast numbers, it can be difficult to truly grasp the scale of this phenomenon. Let’s take a closer look at this issue.
An astronomer named Frank Drake proposed the “Drake Equation” to mathematically estimate the likelihood of intelligent life existing in the universe. This equation uses several variables to estimate the number (N) of civilizations within our galaxy capable of communicating with humans. Key variables include the number of stars formed over a given period, the fraction of stars that have planets, the fraction of planets with environments suitable for life, the probability of life actually arising, the probability of life evolving into intelligent life, the probability of developing an advanced civilization, and the duration for which such a civilization might persist. Of course, since the exact values of each variable remain unknown, it is difficult to calculate the actual number of extraterrestrial civilizations or accurately determine the likelihood of humanity encountering extraterrestrial life. Nevertheless, this scientific approach is significant in that it allows us to consider the existence of aliens—as depicted in movie plots—not merely as pure fantasy, but as a scientific possibility.
Personally, even before I learned about these formulas or the results of astronomical research, I had already held a somewhat positive view regarding the existence of extraterrestrials. The main reason is that it feels somehow unsatisfying to think we are the only ones in such a vast universe. Rather, I tend to hope that somewhere out there in the universe, another intelligent life form is living, just like us, waiting for an encounter with another civilization.
In countless movies, aliens are portrayed as savage or as invaders of Earth. However, if aliens actually exist, from their perspective, we would also be aliens. That said, we cannot assume that humanity would act solely with the intent to conquer and destroy the moment we discover another civilization. For this reason, I believe it is more appropriate to keep an open mind about the possibility that advanced life forms exist beyond the scope of our current understanding, rather than denying the existence of the unknown without evidence. And if the day ever comes when we meet them, I believe it’s important to be prepared to communicate with them—if only to learn the countless things we don’t yet know. When encountering beings whose language, way of life, culture, and level of knowledge are completely different from ours for the first time, simply waving our hands without thinking wouldn’t make for a good first impression.
Let’s return to the movie. As he lives on Earth, Plot gradually convinces Mark that he is an alien. Most significantly, at an astronomical research institute he visits with Mark, he explains his knowledge of astronomy to the scientists—knowledge so specialized that, even at the time, only a very small number of experts were aware of it. Since it was hard to believe that an ordinary person with a mental illness would possess such knowledge, Mark and the researchers are deeply shocked. However, to Prott, this was simply common knowledge that anyone from his species would possess.
Afterward, Prott returns to the hospital and, despite being a patient himself, spends his days healing the hearts of those around him. Then one day, he announces that he will return to his home planet and take one of the hospital’s patients with him. Since he specified the exact date and time of his departure, Mark—who had come to trust Prott to a considerable extent—is left feeling both confused and anxious.
Ultimately, Prott disappears with one patient, leaving behind Mark—who had come to regard him as a friend—the people around him, and other patients who had been eager to leave the hospital. Although his physical body remains, the Prott of before no longer exists. Since his spirit has completely changed while his body remains the same, he is left in the hospital once again as a patient with a mental illness. Because of this ending, various interpretations still exist to this day.
Personally, however, I find it more natural to interpret the ending as Plot actually returning to K-PAX through the body of another patient. Considering the message and contemplative atmosphere the film conveys from beginning to end, the questions raised by the entire work are too profound and meaningful for the final twist to simply boil down to the conclusion that “Plot was mentally ill.”
About a month after writing this, I watched another movie, ‘Prometheus’. As is well known, Prometheus is the name of the figure from Greek mythology who brought fire to humanity. In the same vein, this film uses human DNA as its central theme instead of fire. The story unfolds with the premise that highly technologically advanced aliens visit Earth and create humans using their own DNA. What struck me most about this film was how effectively it conveyed the profound sense of emptiness humans feel when, after searching for their origins, they are ultimately confronted with the possibility that they might have been created by an extraterrestrial being. Although this film approaches the subject of extraterrestrials in a completely different way than ‘K-PAX’, it ultimately provided a valuable opportunity to once again deeply reflect on and imagine the existence of extraterrestrials.
It’s been quite a while since I first saw ‘K-PAX’, but I still vividly remember the moment I was lost in deep thought as the end credits rolled. Perhaps this film was the first work to bring about a shift in my values regarding my existence and life.
Caught up in our busy daily lives, we often forget just how small we truly are. Sometimes, we need to take a moment to let go of what we’re holding onto, reflect on ourselves, and contemplate the meaning of our own lives. Just because we’re small beings in the universe doesn’t mean the value of our lives is diminished. On the contrary, simply realizing how vast the universe is allows us to view life with greater humility and makes us appreciate the preciousness of this very moment once again.
“K-PAX” is not a film that seeks to prove the existence of aliens, nor does it claim that humans will inevitably encounter extraterrestrial life. Rather, the film leaves the identity of one character open-ended, prompting the audience to ask questions and find their own answers. Was the character truly an alien, or was he simply a human being with deep emotional wounds? The film does not present either option as the definitive answer.
I believe it is precisely this open ending that explains why “K-PAX” continues to be talked about even now, long after its release. Rather than focusing on the existence of extraterrestrials per se, the film constantly asks how humans should accept the unknown and what attitude we should adopt toward things we cannot be certain of.
There is still far more we do not know about the universe than what we do. Therefore, it is difficult to definitively affirm or deny the existence of extraterrestrial life. However, through this film, at least one thing becomes clear: curiosity about the unknown and an open mind are vital driving forces that advance science and enable humanity to understand a broader world.
Perhaps this is why, among the countless science fiction films I’ve seen, I still remember ‘K-PAX’ as one of the most memorable works. It’s rare to find a film that, without flashy action or overwhelming visual effects, compels viewers to reflect deeply and for a long time on human existence, the universe, and the meaning of life. That’s why I believe that even if I watch this film again years from now, I will still find myself lost in deep contemplation once more as I face the questions left by the plot.
