The Relic (1997)
A creature lurks in the shadows of a Chicago museum in this tense sci-fi horror thriller from director Peter Hyams.
The Relic - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Relic
- Release Year: 1997
- Directed by: Peter Hyams
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Sci-Fi
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 10, 1997 (United States - R), May 16, 1997 (United Kingdom - 15), May 1, 1997 (Germany - 16), January 29, 1997 (France), August 21, 1997 (New Zealand), May 8, 1997 (Australia - MA 15+), July 25, 1997 (Mexico), May 2, 1997 (Italy), April 2, 1997 (Spain), May 31, 1997 (South Korea)
- Alternative Titles: Das Relikt - Museum der Angst (DE), Skrikene i Chicago (NO), La reliquia (ES), La reliquia (MX), Реликвата (BG), Relikvija (SI), Forbandelsen (DK), To apolithoma (GR)
- Production Companies: Mutual Film Company, Paramount Pictures, TOHO-TOWA, Pacific Western, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Marubeni, BBC, Tele München
- Production Countries: Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, United States of America
The Relic - Plot
A homicide detective teams up with an evolutionary biologist to hunt a giant creature that is killing people in a Chicago museum.
The Relic - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the terror that stalks the halls of the museum:
They did the unthinkable. They brought it back.
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The Relic - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Peter Hyams
Main Cast
- Penelope Ann Miller
- Tom Sizemore
- Linda Hunt
- James Whitmore
- Clayton Rohner
- Chi Muoi Lo
- Thomas Ryan
- Robert Lesser
- Diane Robin
- Lewis van Bergen
Writers
- Amy Holden Jones
- John Raffo
- Rick Jaffa
- Amanda Silver
Producers
- Gale Anne Hurd
- Sam Mercer
The Relic - FAQs
What is The Relic about?
The Relic follows a Chicago homicide detective and an evolutionary biologist racing to stop a terrifying creature that has been slaughtering people inside a natural history museum. Blending monster-movie thrills with a whodunit mystery, the film builds tension through its claustrophobic museum setting and escalating body count.
What creature is the monster in The Relic?
The creature, known as the Kothoga, is a genetically mutated beast that requires a specific hormone found in human hypothalami to survive. It originated from a South American tribe's mythology and was accidentally brought back to Chicago, giving the film its tagline: "They did the unthinkable. They brought it back."
Where can you stream or rent The Relic?
The Relic is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It isn't currently on a major subscription streaming service, but digital rental is quick and affordable across all those platforms.
Is The Relic based on a book?
Yes! The Relic is adapted from the 1995 novel of the same name by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. It was the first book in their popular Pendergast series, though the film notably omits the series' iconic FBI agent Aloysius Pendergast, a change that disappointed many fans of the source material.
Who are the main actors in The Relic?
The film stars Penelope Ann Miller as evolutionary biologist Dr. Margo Green and Tom Sizemore as the gruff but determined Lt. Vincent D'Agosta. Linda Hunt and James Whitmore round out the cast in strong supporting roles, lending the film considerable dramatic credibility alongside its creature-feature thrills.
Why is The Relic rated R?
The Relic earned its R rating for graphic creature violence, gory imagery, and strong language. The monster's attacks are visceral and bloody, with decapitations and mutilated bodies shown on screen. It's firmly in adult horror territory, so younger or squeamish viewers should be forewarned before sitting down to watch.
Did The Relic perform well at the box office?
The Relic struggled commercially, earning roughly $34 million worldwide against a $60 million production budget, making it a notable box office disappointment. Critics were mixed, praising the creature design and atmosphere but finding the characters thin. Over the years it has gained a cult following among fans of 1990s creature features.
Where was The Relic filmed?
Principal photography took place largely in Chicago and Los Angeles. The natural history museum sequences were shot at the Field Museum in Chicago as well as on elaborate studio sets built to replicate its grand halls and dark corridors, giving the film an authentic institutional atmosphere that heightens the creature's menace.
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