“Star Trek: First Contact” is a 1996 science fiction film directed by Jonathan Frakes, who also stars in the film as Commander William Riker. It is the eighth film in the “Star Trek” franchise and the second film featuring the cast of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”

The film follows the crew of the USS Enterprise-E, led by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), as they confront the Borg, a powerful and malevolent alien race. The Borg are known for their ability to assimilate other species and technologies, and they pose a significant threat to the Federation.

In “First Contact,” the Borg travel back in time to the year 2063, aiming to prevent Earth’s first contact with extraterrestrial life, which is a pivotal moment in human history. The Borg’s goal is to alter history so that humanity never advances into space, thereby eliminating the future threat to their collective.

Captain Picard and his crew must follow the Borg back in time to stop them from disrupting this critical event. As they attempt to prevent the Borg from sabotaging humanity’s first contact with the Vulcans, they encounter both historical figures and future challenges, blending elements of time travel with classic “Star Trek” themes of exploration and diplomacy

“Star Trek: First Contact” is praised for its exciting and action-packed storyline, impressive visual effects, and its exploration of themes related to humanity’s place in the universe and the nature of progress. The film also features strong performances from the main cast, including Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, and Alice Krige as the Borg Queen. It is considered one of the standout entries in the “Star Trek” film series, offering both thrilling science fiction adventure and meaningful reflection on the franchise’s core values.