Alien: Romulus is the latest instalment in the iconic Alien franchise, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride that’s as thrilling as a rollercoaster at a theme park designed by H.R. Giger. Directed by Fede Álvarez, known for his knack for horror, this film tries to blend the classic Alien terror with a fresh, youthful cast. But does it succeed? Well, grab your popcorn and buckle up, because we’re diving into the cosmos of Alien: Romulus, where the stakes are high, the aliens are slimy, and the plot is… well, let’s just say it’s a bit of a spacewalk.
The Setup: Mining for Gold (or Just Mining)
The film kicks off on a gloomy mining planet, a place that looks like it was designed by someone who really hates sunlight. Our hero, Rain (played by Cailee Spaeny), is stuck in this dreary place, dreaming of escaping to a brighter world. It’s like the worst vacation ever, except instead of a beach, she’s surrounded by the kind of corporate drudgery that makes you want to scream into the void. The Weyland-Yutani Corporation, the villainous overlord of the Alien universe, is up to its usual tricks, making life miserable for everyone. Rain’s plan to escape involves a heist on an abandoned space station, which sounds like a great idea until you remember that this is the Alien universe, where every abandoned space station is basically a buffet for Xenomorphs.
Characters: A Mixed Bag of Space Fodder
Rain is joined by a ragtag crew that includes her boyfriend Tyler (Archie Renaux), her android brother Andy (David Jonsson), and a bunch of other characters who might as well be wearing red shirts. The crew dynamic is about as stable as a Jenga tower in a windstorm. Each character has their own quirks, but let’s be honest: they’re mostly there to serve as alien snacks. The film tries to inject some personality into them, but it often feels like they’re just ticking off boxes on the “clichéd space crew” checklist.
Andy, the android, is particularly interesting. He’s like a puppy that can hack into computers and also might eat your face off. David Jonsson does a fantastic job bringing this character to life, and his performance adds a layer of emotional depth that the script sometimes lacks. Meanwhile, Spaeny’s Rain is the classic reluctant hero, but she’s got enough grit to keep you rooting for her, even when the plot starts to wobble like a drunken astronaut.
Plot: A Space Heist Gone Wrong
The plot unfolds like a video game where the characters must navigate a series of increasingly ridiculous challenges. They board the space station, which is divided into two sections named Romulus and Remus—because why not? It’s like the filmmakers thought, “Let’s throw in some mythology while we’re at it!”
Once aboard, they quickly discover that the station is home to some very angry Xenomorphs, which is about as surprising as finding out that a horror movie has a killer in it. The film’s pacing is a bit uneven; it starts strong with a sense of impending doom, but as the crew splits up and starts getting picked off one by one, it sometimes feels like it’s dragging its feet. You can practically hear the audience collectively sighing, “Oh no, not another ‘let’s split up’ moment!”
Visuals: A Feast for the Eyes
One thing Alien: Romulus absolutely nails is its visual design. The cinematography is stunning, with a dark, atmospheric aesthetic that perfectly captures the dread of being trapped in space. The special effects are a mix of practical and CGI, and Álvarez’s commitment to using real sets and animatronics pays off. The Xenomorphs look fantastic, and the tension builds beautifully as the crew navigates the creepy corridors of the space station. You’ll find yourself gripping your seat during the jump scares, even if you can predict when they’re coming.
The film also features some jaw-dropping set pieces, like a zero-g scene that showcases the classic “acid blood” horror we’ve come to expect from the franchise. It’s a visual treat that reminds you why you fell in love with the Alien series in the first place.
Themes: Space Capitalism and Youthful Rebellion
At its core, Alien: Romulus tackles themes of space capitalism and the struggles of youth. The characters are second-generation miners, trapped in a cycle of exploitation by the Weyland-Yutani Corporation. It’s a commentary on the darker side of corporate greed, wrapped in a sci-fi horror package. The film tries to explore the desperation of its young characters, who are willing to risk everything for a chance at freedom. However, the execution sometimes feels shallow, as the film leans heavily on nostalgia rather than forging its own identity.
The Verdict: A Fun, If Flawed, Adventure
So, is Alien: Romulus a worthy addition to the franchise? It’s a mixed bag. On one hand, it delivers the thrills and chills you expect from an Alien film, with some genuinely scary moments and impressive visuals. On the other hand, it struggles with pacing and character development, often relying too much on references to its predecessors rather than carving out its own path.
If you’re a fan of the Alien franchise, you’ll likely find something to enjoy in Romulus. It’s not going to dethrone the original films, but it’s a fun ride that pays homage to the series while trying to introduce a new generation of fans to the terror of the Xenomorphs. Just don’t go in expecting a groundbreaking narrative; sometimes, it’s enough to just enjoy the ride—preferably with a large bucket of popcorn and a friend to scream with.
In conclusion, Alien: Romulus is like that friend who shows up to the party late but still manages to bring the snacks. It’s not perfect, but it’s entertaining enough to keep you engaged, and it might even make you laugh at the absurdity of it all. So, grab your space suits and prepare for a journey that’s equal parts thrilling and ridiculous—because in the world of Alien, you never know when a Xenomorph might pop out to say hello!
Rating – 7.5
Further Reading
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/scifi/comments/1eze7j6/review_alien_romulus_is_both_a_great_scifi_horror/
[2] https://www.slashfilm.com/1641960/alien-romulus-review/
[3] https://rendyreviews.com/movie-reviews/alien-romulus-review
[4] https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/aug/18/alien-romulus-review-thrillingly-gruesome-new-instalment-gets-a-shot-of-young-blood
[5] https://outlawvern.com/2024/08/19/alien-romulus/
[6] https://mashable.com/article/alien-romulus-review
[7] http://www.cineoutsider.com/reviews/films/a/alien_romulus.html
[8] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18412256/reviews