Alien: Romulus has been highly praised by many review platforms as one of the most significant blockbuster releases of this summer.
This work marks the return of the iconic horror film franchise Alien after the absence since Alien: Covenant (2017). Under the direction of Fede Álvarez and a talented cast, it promises a thrilling experience that fans of the genre have been eagerly awaiting.
The film has received excellent reviews and is considered an upgrade in terms of visuals and action compared to its predecessors.
Survival Journey on a Spaceship
Alien: Romulus features a completely independent storyline from the previous films. The narrative takes place following the events of the first Alien (1979) but before the timeline of Aliens (1986).
The story follows a group of young people, led by a girl named Rain (Cailee Spaeny) and her adoptive brother, Andy (David Jonsson). They embark on a mission to an abandoned planet far from Earth to escape their mundane lives.
Rain and her friends arrive at a deserted spaceship to search for resources and equipment. Unfortunately, they inadvertently encounter the deadly Xenomorph aliens, which pose a threat to their survival. From that point on, they must find ways to survive against the terrifying monstrosities that hunt them down.
The film’s pacing is straightforward, featuring motifs reminiscent of the original and borrowing numerous concepts from the 2014 game Alien: Isolation.
The director, Fede Álvarez, known for Evil Dead (2013) and Don’t Breathe (2016), has not directed many films, but each project has garnered significant attention and high acclaim.
Like its predecessors, Alien: Romulus impresses with its intense horror elements and blood-soaked violence. Under the direction of Fede Álvarez, the gripping scenes enhance the film’s tension and drama.
With a budget of $80 million, the film was primarily allocated to the production phase. The spaceship and outer space environments have been meticulously crafted, contributing significantly to the film’s chilling atmosphere.
The set design and alien visual effects are particularly impressive, elevating the film’s visual storytelling compared to previous installments.
Álvarez has adeptly utilized practical effects to bring a sense of realism to the project. As a result, audiences are left breathless by the terrifying appearances of the Xenomorphs as they stalk their prey.
A Tribute to the Franchise
It has been 45 years since the first Alien film premiered. To this day, the franchise remains a “golden goose” for Hollywood, continuously directed by Ridley Scott to keep its legacy alive.
However, recent installments have been criticized as “far removed” from the original concepts. The convoluted timelines have made it challenging for audiences to follow the story.
This time, director Fede Álvarez enjoyed creative freedom without any pressure from the studio. The screenplay, co-written by him and Rodo Sayagues, includes numerous details that pay homage to the first three Alien films.
Despite its straightforward content, the film still explores philosophical themes that echo Ridley Scott’s touch in earlier entries.
Fede Álvarez also sought out the VFX (visual effects) team from the original film to work on the project. Additionally, he utilized technology to help veteran actor Ian Holm reprise his role in a special cameo.
As a result, many details in the film evoke nostalgia and resonate with longtime fans.
The director also entrusted the lead role to Cailee Spaeny, who won the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival for her role in Priscilla (2023). She impresses with her youthful charm and grace. As the film progresses, the 1998-born actress portrays Rain as a resilient and determined young woman.
Alien: Romulus was initially produced for streaming on Hulu. However, Disney decided to change its strategy at the last minute. Upon release, the film received positive feedback from the audience, achieving a “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes with 81% positive reviews, and an IMDb score of 7.5/10.
This success positions the film as the third highest-rated entry in the franchise, only behind the original two films.
Most critics have praised director Fede Álvarez’s work. However, some noted that the plot remains somewhat straightforward and predictable. Some viewers feel the film contains moments that are too dark and challenging to follow.
The box office performance of the film is quite promising, having earned over $40 million just in its opening week across the US and Canada.
Overall, Alien: Romulus features a storyline that is not overly groundbreaking but still captivates audiences due to Fede Álvarez’s compelling direction. Cailee Spaeny’s portrayal adds depth to the film, enhancing its overall impact.
It is truly a work that should not be overlooked by fans of horror, action, and suspense genres.
