Alien: Romulus is a sci-fi horror that takes the beloved Alien franchise back to its roots with a direct and elegantly crafted story. The film, directed by Fede Alvarez and produced by Ridley Scott, presents a simple yet effective plot where a group of young space colonizers, scavenging the remnants of a derelict space station, inadvertently awakens the terrifying Xenomorphs. This straightforward narrative works brilliantly, allowing the tension and horror to build naturally, making viewers fully invest in the characters’ fates.
Visually Spectacular: A Return to Pandora’s Haunting Beauty
Visually, Alien: Romulus is a stunning achievement. The set design, costumes, and overall aesthetics blend homage to the original films with modern blockbuster grandeur. The derelict space station and colony settings are brought to life with meticulous detail, fully immersing the audience in the world of Pandora. The practical effects and visual style echo the original Alien films, creating a rich, textured experience that demands to be seen on the biggest and best screens possible.
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The sound design in Alien: Romulus is nothing short of brilliant, masterfully using both loud and quiet moments to ramp up tension. The eerie silence of space juxtaposed with the sudden, bone-chilling sounds of the Xenomorphs creates a nerve-wracking experience that will have audiences on edge. The creature noises are more distinct and horrifying than ever, and the soundscape elevates the terror to a new level.
They Maybe Gone, But They Will Be Sorely Missed
The performances in Alien: Romulus are one of the film’s standout elements, with each actor fully committing to the terrifying and excruciating violence that befalls their characters. Cailee Spaeny, as Rain, is the film’s anchor, delivering a performance that balances vulnerability and strength, much like Sigourney Weaver’s iconic portrayal of Ripley. Spaeny’s portrayal embodies the spirit of Ripley while making the character her own, displaying a quiet resilience that draws the audience into her harrowing journey. Her ability to command the screen, even in the most intense and chaotic moments, cements her as a worthy successor in the Alien franchise’s legacy of strong female leads.
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However, it is David Jonsson who truly steals the show as Andy, Rain’s synthetic brother. Jonsson’s portrayal is nothing short of genius, as he effortlessly flips between personalities and dialects, showcasing a full range of emotions, motivations, and physicalities. His performance adds layers to the character of Andy, making him both unsettling and deeply intriguing. Jonsson navigates the complexities of playing a synthetic with remarkable skill, bringing a depth and unpredictability to the role that makes Andy one of the film’s most memorable characters.
The rest of the cast, including the supporting roles, delivers solid performances that enhance the film’s atmosphere of dread and suspense, but it is Jonsson’s nuanced portrayal that stands out as a defining element of Alien: Romulus.
New Horror Same Threat, Essentially Perfect
Personally, I’m forcing any Alien: Romulus critique. I’m just trying to imagine the most cynical things I can. The story, while effective, can feel too straightforward and maybe lack the depth some may expect from a franchise with such a rich history. It plays it safe in terms of lore, never fully exploring the more intricate aspects of the Alien mythology.
But I think that’s for the better, as the main aspect of the film is the horrifying experience that befalls the characters, not the mythology or lore of these terrifying creatures. I guess the beginning can be seen as a bit long and slow. But again, this is stuff that people who look to have a bad time think of. So if that’s you, these are things you could expect to encounter.
Ultimately, Alien: Romulus is an incredible entry in the franchise that delivers horror, tension, and visuals that harkens the original terror felt in the original. The gorgeous practical effects and nostalgic echoes of earlier films will resonate with a dedicated audience. For fans of the franchise, it’s a must-watch, and for newcomers, it offers a thrilling ride, that will encourage a rewatch or deep dive into the franchise.
For a thrilling, chilling, and jaw-dropping theater experience, my Alien: Romulus review gets a
9/10
Alien: Romulus releases in theaters nationwide across the USA starting August 16, 2024.
About Alien: Romulus
U.S. debut: August 16, 2024
Directed by: Fede Alvarez
Written by: Fede Alvarez & Rodo Sayagues
Based on Characters Created by: Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett
Produced by: Ridley Scott, Michael Pruss, Walter Hill
Executive Producers: Fede Alvarez, Elizabeth Cantillon, Brent O’Connor, Tom Moran
Cast: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, Aileen Wu
Synopsis
A truly terrifying cinematic experience from producer Ridley Scott and director/writer Fede Alvarez, 20th Century Studios’ “Alien: Romulus” opens in theaters nationwide August 16, 2024. The sci-fi/horror-thriller takes the phenomenally successful “Alien” franchise back to its roots: While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.
The film stars Cailee Spaeny (“Priscilla”), David Jonsson (“Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy”), Archie Renaux (“Shadow and Bone”), Isabela Merced (“The Last of Us”), Spike Fearn (“Aftersun”), Aileen Wu. Fede Alvarez (“Evil Dead,” “Don’t Breathe”) directs from a screenplay he wrote with frequent collaborator Rodo Sayagues (“Don’t Breathe 2”) based on characters created by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett. “Alien: Romulus” is produced by Ridley Scott (“Napoleon”), who directed the original “Alien” and produced and directed the series’ entries “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant,” Michael Pruss (“Boston Strangler”), and Walter Hill (“Alien”), with Fede Alvarez, Elizabeth Cantillon (“Charlie’s Angels”), Brent O’Connor (“Bullet Train”), and Tom Moran (“Unstoppable”) serving as executive producers.
What did you think of Alien: Romulus? Did it live up to the original films for you, or did you find it lacking in depth? How did the performances resonate with you, especially David Jonsson’s portrayal of Andy? Share your experiences with us on social media.
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