“Enemy Mine” (1985) is a science fiction film directed by Wolfgang Petersen, adapted from the novella by Barry B. Longyear. The story is set in the late 21st century, during an ongoing war between humans and an alien race called the Dracs. The film explores themes of survival, cooperation, and the breaking down of prejudices.

The story begins with a fierce space battle between the human and Drac forces. During the skirmish, a human pilot named Willis Davidge (played by Dennis Quaid) and a Drac pilot named Jeriba “Jerry” Shigan (played by Louis Gossett Jr.) both crash-land on a barren, hostile planet. Stranded, they must put aside their deep-seated hatred for each other to survive.

At first, Davidge and Jerry are hostile, each seeing the other as the enemy. But as they face the planet’s harsh environment and the constant threat of dangerous wildlife, they begin to recognize the necessity of cooperation. Over time, their mutual distrust turns into understanding and eventually a deep bond. They share stories of their respective cultures, with Davidge learning about the Drac language, customs, and their unique method of reproduction.

Their friendship deepens when Jerry reveals that they are pregnant, as Dracs are a single-gender species capable of self-reproduction. Davidge promises to take care of the child if anything happens to Jerry. Tragically, Jerry dies during childbirth, leaving Davidge to raise the child, Zammis, alone. Davidge, now more father than soldier, becomes fiercely protective of Zammis and teaches them about both human and Drac ways.

Years pass, and Davidge and Zammis are eventually discovered by a human patrol. However, Davidge realizes that Zammis is in danger from the humans who see Dracs as enemies. He fights to protect Zammis, ultimately seeking to return them to the Drac homeworld.

The film concludes with Davidge fulfilling his promise to Jerry by bringing Zammis to the Drac planet and reciting Jerry’s lineage before the Drac elders, cementing his place within the Drac community. Through their journey, Davidge and Jerry’s story highlights the power of friendship and understanding in overcoming hatred and prejudice.