It’s been a long time since an Alien movie was met with widespread acclaim – a full 38 years, to be precise, since James Cameron’s Aliens reimagined Ridley Scott’s original masterpiece. The franchise has since released a number of divisive sequels, with fans grappling with the merits of David Fincher’s Alien 3 and Scott’s prequel entries, Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. Heading into this summer’s Alien: Romulus, there was a palpable sense that the series needed a revitalization.
On paper, Alien: Romulus seemed poised to deliver just that. Directed by Fede Álvarez, known for his chilling work on Don’t Breathe, the film promised a return to the series’ roots, focusing on a single setting and the raw terror of body horror. However, while the film delivers on its promise of a thrilling, back-to-basics experience, it’s not without its flaws.
Alien: Romulus satisfies core fan desires, offering a stripped-down thriller that avoids the complex mythology of its predecessors. The film prioritizes practical effects, creating a palpable sense of realism that sets it apart from the CGI-heavy entries of the past. The sets, creatures, and characters feel tangible and grounded, contributing to the film’s genuinely terrifying atmosphere. Álvarez and his team have gone to great lengths to create a visually captivating and unsettling world, and their efforts are evident in every scene.
The film’s simplicity allows its stellar performances to shine. Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson deliver two of the most memorable performances in the franchise’s history as Rain, a young woman trapped in a deadly contract, and Andy, her surrogate brother and protector. The film’s pacing is deliberate, building tension gradually until it reaches a heart-stopping climax.
However, Alien: Romulus’s strengths are marred by its missteps. The film’s reliance on fan service feels unnecessary and detracts from the power of its own narrative. The clunky reuse of Sigourney Weaver’s iconic line from Aliens, along with the inclusion of the digitally recreated Ian Holm, stand out as jarring and ultimately pointless additions. While the film is not the first to utilize such technology, the use of CGI to bring back deceased actors remains a contentious issue in Hollywood. In Alien: Romulus, the recreation of Holm is unconvincing and jarring, clashing with the film’s otherwise exceptional practical effects.
Despite its flaws, Alien: Romulus manages to deliver a captivating and terrifying experience. Its homage to Alien Resurrection’s iconic climax is particularly effective, pushing the film to new levels of suspense and horror. The film also establishes a compelling connection between its own story, Resurrection, and Prometheus, culminating in a surprising and satisfying climax.
Ultimately, Alien: Romulus is a flawed but entertaining legacy sequel. While it delivers a thrilling and atmospheric experience, its missteps prevent it from achieving true greatness. Its reliance on fan service and questionable CGI choices detract from its otherwise strong narrative and masterful direction. However, the film’s flaws are ultimately avoidable, highlighting the pitfalls of modern franchise filmmaking. Alien: Romulus is likely to experience the same cycle of initial controversy and later appreciation that has befallen previous Alien entries, ultimately finding its place as a worthy addition to the franchise, even if not a perfect one.
