1. The Dangers of Playing God: The film depicts a scientist who creates a cure for cancer, but inadvertently unleashes a deadly virus that transforms humanity into monstrous creatures. This highlights the potential consequences of tampering with nature and the importance of considering the unintended ramifications of scientific advancement.
2. The Importance of Empathy and Connection: Robert Neville, the protagonist, is initially driven by a sense of isolation and despair, fueled by his loneliness and the loss of his wife and daughter. He learns to value human connection and empathy through his relationship with the surviving humans and the dog, Sam. This underscores the fundamental need for human connection and understanding, even in the face of adversity.
3. The Need for Hope and Resilience: Despite facing overwhelming odds, Neville perseveres in his fight for survival and humanity. His determination to find a cure and his willingness to risk everything to help others demonstrate the power of hope and resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
4. The Value of Life, Even in Different Forms: The film portrays the "infected" as monstrous creatures, but also emphasizes their capacity for intelligence and communication. Ultimately, Neville comes to realize that they are not simply "monsters," but beings struggling to survive in a changed world. This challenges the audience's perception of "otherness" and highlights the inherent value of all life, even in its most unexpected forms.
5. The Importance of Sacrifice and Selflessness: Neville sacrifices his own well-being and even his life in an effort to help the surviving humans and potentially create a cure for the virus. His selflessness underscores the importance of putting the needs of others before one's own and the potential for heroism in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The film's ambiguity in its ending allows viewers to draw their own conclusions about the ultimate moral message. However, the themes explored within "I Am Legend" offer a powerful reflection on the human condition, the importance of connection, and the enduring power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.