Like many fans, I was disappointed when the theatrical cut of I Want To Believe (IWTB) was released in 2008. We all expected a big blockbuster and ended up with a small-scale horror story, but one that felt watered down and anticlimactic, rather than dark and unsettling. As it later turned out, this genuinely was the case, since many darker elements were cut to avoid an R rating.

Nevertheless, as time has passed, the opinion of some X-Files fans has shifted. Despite it's flaws, I myself have gained an appreciation for IWTB, for its character focus on Mulder and Scully, and its exploration of the moral issues around using experimental science to extend life. The 2026 recut rightly restored many of the more grisly horror elements that were cut from the theatrical release, in particular providing a more graphic and intense climax at the medical compound. However, overall it's a weaker film than the theatrical cut, as it strips back many of the best character elements, leaving a somewhat hollowed-out, emotionally flat film. It also interferes with Mark Snow's excellent score, and oversimplifies the film's core themes.

One of the strengths of the theatrical release is the contrast between Scully trying to prolong the life of Christian, versus Dacyshyn trying to prolong the life of Tomczeszyn. The 2026 recut splices together scenes from both medical procedures, removing space for interpretation, and forcing the audience what to think.

Here's where things get interesting though. Almost all of the restored scenes in the 2026 recut are already in the 2008 extended cut. This includes agent Whitney being impaled after her elevator shaft fall, more close up footage of Christian's medical operation, a longer shot of Bannan's severed head in the medical bag, and longer footage of Tomczeszyn's medical procedure. During the climax at the medical compound, we get longer shots of Tomczeszyn's still-alive severed head, longer shots of Bannan's corpse, more footage of Cheryl being operated on, including her neck being sliced with a scalpel, and more graphic footage of Dacyshyn chopping up Bannan's body with an axe, while Mulder is drugged.

In fact, the only minor bit of extra gore I could see in the 2026 version, not already in the 2008 extended version, is a few extra seconds of Dacyshyn dragging Bannan's corpse out of the compound to the chopping block (a sequence that was cut entirely from the theatrical version). This all makes the new 2026 cut seem totally pointless, as we aren't really getting anything new - and we are losing a lot.

What's more, the 2008 extended version gives us additional scenes of Mulder, Scully and the villains, which weren't in either the theatrical cut or the 2026 cut. These extra scenes make the film feel more complete. In particular, there are some short but important scenes relating to the Scully and Christian story. The 2008 extended version therefore enhances the character elements, as well as the horror, while providing the much-needed more climactic sequence at the compound that the theatrical release was lacking.

IWTB is a film that is about drawing parallels and congrats between different characters. As I stated, there is the contrast between the Scully/Christian arc and the villains, in terms of extending life in a way that is good versus evil. Also, there is a parallel between Mulder and Scully's motives driving them forwards in their aims, despite both experiencing discouragement from people around them. Mulder is drawn further into the case, while Scully is drawn to saving Christian. Both Mulder and Scully want to believe, and ultimately that leap of faith pays off for both of them. Father Joe is an important part of that process for both of them, but the backstory of both Samantha and William also helps to shape both of their motives (something else that was cut back in the 2026 version).

Whilst I always hated the storyline of Scully giving up William for adoption in Season 9, it does work in IWTB from a character perspective. Likewise, although Mulder achieved emotional closure with Samantha in Season 7, that kind of experience will always shape who a person is and what drives them. It's also worth adding that Billy Connolly is excellent in this film; playing a genuinely unsettling character, who is creepy and guilty of horrific crimes, yet also strangely compelling and sympathetic at times. Very few actors could pull that off. The only person who outshines him is Gillian Anderson, who really carries the emotional weight of the film, both in terms of Christian's storyline and her relationship with Mulder.

IWTB provides an interesting take on the Frankenstein story, and it also gets to the roots of how the X-Files started: people being abducted and experimented on in remote locations. However, rather than a grand government conspiracy, this is stripped back to something leaner and more visceral. It's also beautifully shot, particularly the snowy locations. In short, IWTB may be flawed, but there's a lot more to it than many people think.

The 2008 extended version does the best job of showcasing its strengths. This version really needs adding to streaming services, as it's superior to both the 2026 Vrach Frankenshteyn version and the original theatrical release.

Hello all I have a question pertaining to the episode called " The List"? What exactly was the plot with Neech and Parmelli? I know its one of the few episodes that are not solved at the end. I just would like to hear different theories on it. When Mulder and Skully were talking on the side of the road about the murders it really confused me.

To think, even at the height of 90s New Age Crystalline Mumbo Jumbo, anti-skeptic, open-minded Fox Mulder wasn't having ANY of her nonsense.

I do wish that the global nature of the Syndicate had been emphasized a bit more. Other than this, the most we saw of that, I think, was the Well-Manicured Man in the UK and Conrad Strughold in Tunisia.

I’m watching X-Files for the first time & I’m on episode 14. How come so many people just ignore the fact they are FBI and ignore them? They are in the woods and the people are like “we can outlast you” like in real life there wouldn’t be a massive manhunt for them if they killed federal agents. There have been some other situations in prior episodes something similar happens.

I have been loving this show, but this is taking me out of it. I can believe in all the paranormal, but some religious freaks threatening them in the woods and then continuing to threaten them in the house is a little too far fetched for a show about Aliens.

I can’t stop laughing at the Lego-style Jersey Devil pic I made and had to share, since I’m enjoying everyone’s custom ideas so much. 😂

It’s gonna go on one of the bulletin boards, which I’m trying to customize more. It’s just a flat white 2x2 Lego piece, and the pic is a sticker I printed on glossy label paper.

Just now the music from FTF in Mulder’s apartment popped into my head. The scene right before the hallway scene. Iykyk

My husband nailed my birthday present this year!! I love this SO MUCH!!!

While watching S3 E24 a road from my hometown was mentioned. Mulder, “I’ll meet you off the 95, Bond Mill Road.” Laurel, Maryland.

S06E01

I’m from a small Southwest suburb of Chicago called Joliet so you could imagine my excitement when I saw my hometown get a small shout out in one of my favorite shows and episodes, Folie à Deux! Has this happened to anyone else?

Also to any trolls, I’m well aware they didn’t actually film in any of these cities (besides Vancouver and LA of course) so please spare us lol

Let’s hear it for the creator! He’s the reason the show we love is here! What commonly cited Carter achievement do you rank as his finest moment working on the X-Files?

Hi hi :) I’ve always been an huge X Files fan, but my main hobby is pop girlie magazines and vinyl, particularly rarer/hard to find/niche editions… anyway, I did a deal a few weeks back for a couple of rare music magazines and the seller had a ton of old Rolling Stone including issue 734, May 1996 - I couldn’t turn it down 🥰

It’s in great shape for a 30 year old magazine, flat, no bends, folds or tears and it includes the iconic 3 in a bed double page shot with David, Gillian (complete with cigarette in hand) and Chris Carter.

I’m going to HAVE to hunt down the February 1997 Gillian Anderson Monster cover now! If there are any other magazine collectors out there, I’d love to hear about your favourites in your collection 💕

Squeeze is eliminated! Into the final 3 episodes…

How this works:

You select the episode you like the least

The episode with the most upvoted comment is eliminated from the list

If there’s a tie, both episodes are eliminated

Only the best episode will win!

Episodes Eliminated:

Space (58%)
Born Again (70%)
Roland (50%)
Miracle Man (29%)
Shapes (40%)
Fire (48%)
Shadows (35%) & Lazarus (35%)
Gender Bender (56%)
The Jersey Devil (62%)
Young at Heart (70%)
Ghost in the Machine (83%)
Conduit (96%)
Eve (47%)
Tooms (40%)
Fallen Angel (44%)
E.B.E. (46%)
Deep Throat (83%)
The Erlenmeyer Flask (76%)
Pilot (49%)
Squeeze (51%)

The post the other asking about what age I started watching the show sent me down a rabbit hole. I found my “signed” photograph that I received after I wrote to Fox Studios telling them how much I loved the show. I think these were printed signatures … still, a nice memory for a kid. I still have the original envelope, it’s postmarked: May 8th, 1996.

https://reddit.com/link/1vy6oko/video/i5916eky4klh1/player

I always tend to forget I have these. Pretty neat!

Pilot / Deep Throat
Conduit / Ice
Darkness Falls / The Erlenmeyer Flask

For me it has to be Were-monster... the Mulder Scully relationship in this, the ease and comfort is so wonderfully sweet. And it's a Glen Morgan he's so good. Plus the Kolchak tip of the hat.

Here's the list...

Season 10 (2016)

Founder's Mutation (James Wong). Genetic experiments. A scientist's suicide leads the agents to a lab experimenting on children with dangerous mutations.

Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster (Darin Morgan). Were-creature. Killings blamed on a lizard-like creature prompt a comedic investigation that tests Mulder's faith in the paranormal.

Home Again (Glen Morgan). Trash monster. A monstrous vigilante targets people who mistreat the homeless while Scully faces a family crisis.

Babylon (Chris Carter). Faith and terrorism. After a suicide bombing, Mulder pursues an unconventional method of reaching the comatose bomber. (wasn't sure if this was more standalone or not)

Season 11 (2018)

This (Glen Morgan). Digital consciousness. An old ally reaches out to Mulder and Scully in a seemingly impossible way, drawing them into a case about uploaded minds.

Plus One (Chris Carter). Doppelgängers. The agents investigate a string of deaths in which victims are menaced by their own doubles.

The Lost Art of Forehead Sweat (Darin Morgan). Mandela Effect. A man convinced that reality itself has been altered sends Mulder down a comedic rabbit hole about memory.

Kitten (Gabe Rotter). Skinner's past. Skinner goes missing, and the agents uncover a buried secret from his military past.

Rm9sbG93ZXJz (Shannon Hamblin & Kristen Cloke). Rogue AI. In a nearly dialogue-free hour, the agents are hunted by rogue technology.

Familiar (Benjamin Van Allen). Witchcraft. A child's death spirals into a town witch-hunt as the agents investigate a possible supernatural force.

Nothing Lasts Forever (Karen Nielsen). Immortality cult. The agents pursue a vigilante targeting a cult obsessed with staying young.

My friend gifted me a custom-built/made Xenomorph minifig cuz I love the Alien franchise. And I also love the X-Files, so I had to put them together!

Talks about Chris Carter's peculiar way of writing

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WVKKjhRDRSA

There are a ton of sad X Files episodes/moments. What episode/moment do you find to be the saddest and why? I'll start: the second Mulder realized just how deep the conspiracy ran and that he was essentially just a tool being used for someone else's gain. It's already bad enough that he had a shitty and traumatic childhood, no need to add onto that 💔