Alien: Romulus Review

Aug 21

REVIEW

✦

REVIEW ✦

For decades, Ridley Scott’s Alien franchise has maintained its status as the most influential sci-fi/horror creation in modern cinema — setting a bar that feels impossibly high. Fortunately, with a new director on board and a talented cast (including Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, and Isabela Merced) the newest entry titled Alien: Romulus feels like a memorable addition to the long-running property.

A Familiar Atmosphere

Alien: Romulus successfully captures the eerie and claustrophobic atmosphere that fans of the franchise have come to love. From the moment the Weyland-Yutani space probe investigates the wreckage of the USCSS Nostromo, the film immerses viewers in a world that feels both familiar and unsettling.

The dark, narrow corridors of the derelict spacecraft and the haunting silence punctuated by sudden, terrifying noises create a sense of dread that’s quintessential to the Alien series. From every visual and auditory angle, filmmaker Fede Álvarez has done an excellent job of maintaining the aesthetic continuity of the Alien universe, ensuring that long-time fans feel right at home while still being on the edge of their seats.

(L-R): Archie Renaux as Tyler and Cailee Spaeny as Rain Carradine in 20th Century Studios' ALIEN: ROMULUS. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2024 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Fun New Expansions to the Alien Mythos

One of the standout details of Alien: Romulus is its willingness to expand the Alien mythos in intriguing ways. The character of Andy, a reprogrammed synthetic human, brings a fresh dynamic to the plot. His ability to interface with the station’s computer system is crucial for the mission, and his evolving loyalty due to the installation of a chip from the damaged android Rook adds a compelling twist. As a result, this subplot explores themes of identity, autonomy, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, enriching the overall narrative that’s often central to the world of Alien.

More importantly, the concept of the “Prometheus fire,” a compound extracted from the Xenomorphs intended to “perfect” humans, is another fascinating takeaway from the film. This element ties back to the broader lore of the Alien universe, particularly the themes explored in Prometheus and Alien: Covenant while introducing new possibilities for future stories. And of course, there’s the nightmare-inducing creation that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Sticks to the Classic Alien Formula

While Alien: Romulus introduces new elements, it largely sticks to the tried-and-true formula (and as stated earlier, atmosphere) that has defined the franchise. The plot follows a familiar structure: a group of characters ventures into a dangerous, isolated environment, encounters the deadly Xenomorphs, and must fight for survival. This adherence to the classic Alien formula acts as both a strength and a weakness.

On one hand, it ensures that the film delivers the intense, horror-driven experience that fans expect. The scenes involving facehuggers, chestbursters, and fully grown Xenomorphs are executed with the same visceral impact that has made these creatures legendary in the horror genre. The tension is palpable as Rain and her companions navigate the perilous environment, trying to outsmart and outrun the relentless Xenomorphs.

(L-R): Xenomorph and Cailee Spaeny as Rain Carradine in 20th Century Studios' ALIEN: ROMULUS. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2024 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

On the other hand, this reliance on familiar tropes can make the film feel somewhat predictable. The character arcs and plot twists, while engaging, often follow well-worn paths. For instance, the revelation that Andy’s prime directive has been altered to serve Weyland-Yutani’s interests is a twist that echoes similar betrayals in previous films.

However, while it does prevent this film from standing out as something different (like the Predator universe received with the 2023 flick Prey), at least the franchise has a reliable formula.