True Adaptation Checklist

How faithful is your favorite adaptation of The War of the Worlds? This checklist breaks down key elements from H.G. Wells’ original novel, helping you determine which versions stay true to the source material—and which take creative liberties. From the red weed to the Martian tripods, see how well each adaptation captures the essence of Wells’ vision!

Core Story Elements

  1. Tripods: Are the Martian machines depicted as towering, three-legged structures?
  2. Tentacled Martians: Are the Martians described as tentacled beings, as in the original story?
  3. Red Weed: Does the adaptation feature the alien plant spreading across the land?
  4. Black Smoke: Is the Martians’ chemical weapon included?
  5. Heat Ray: Does the adaptation showcase the Martians’ devastating energy weapon?
  6. Snatching and Feeding on Humans: Are the Martians shown harvesting humans for sustenance?
  7. Martians Destroyed by Microorganisms: Is the climax true to the book, where the Martians succumb to Earth’s microbes?

Key Characters

  1. The Narrator: Does the story include a central character observing and recounting the invasion?
  2. The Curate: Is there a religious or fanatical figure whose breakdown contrasts with the narrator’s survival instinct?
  3. The Artilleryman: Is there a character with grand survivalist dreams, symbolizing human delusion and hope?
  4. The Astronomer (e.g., Ogilvy): Is there a character representing the initial scientific curiosity about the Martians?

Setting and Themes

  1. Historical Setting: Does the adaptation retain the Victorian-era England setting, or appropriately adapt it to another era?
  2. Societal Collapse: Are there scenes of mass panic, migration, or humanity’s futile resistance?
  3. No Human Victory: Does the story stay true to the theme that humanity does not defeat the Martians by its own means?
  4. Atmosphere of Horror and Helplessness: Does the adaptation capture the dread and inevitability of the invasion?

Sensory Elements

  1. Humming Sound: Does the adaptation include the eerie sound associated with the tripods or Martians?
  2. Martian Noises: Are the Martians’ alien screeches or sounds featured?
  3. Visuals of Red Weed and Black Smoke: Are these alien elements portrayed effectively to emphasize the Martian threat?
  4. Heat Ray Effects: Is the heat ray visually or audibly impactful?
  5. Desolate Landscapes: Are there haunting scenes of destruction, such as ruined towns, scorched earth, or abandoned homes?
  6. Lighting Effects: Do glowing cylinders, beams, or tripods add to the sense of alien terror?
  7. Decay and Rot: Is the aftermath of the invasion depicted with rotting remains, dying red weed, or other signs of desolation?
  8. Ground Tremors or Vibrations: Are the movements of the tripods felt through sound or visuals?

Bonus Features

  1. The Thunder Child (Naval Resistance): Is there a depiction of a heroic military or naval last stand?
  2. Adaptation-Specific Creativity: Does the adaptation introduce unique, original elements while remaining faithful to the spirit of the story?

Let’s see how these popular adaptations stack up to the original!