Picture: WigTea’s pixel art concept for Alien: Romulus captures the intense confrontation between Rain and a lurking Xenomorph, emphasizing the film’s dark, claustrophobic atmosphere.
Alien: Romulus – Reviving a classic franchise with thrills and nostalgia
Alien: Romulus, the latest addition to the iconic Alien franchise, has sparked considerable excitement and debate among both fans and critics. Directed by Fede Álvarez, known for his work on Evil Dead and Don’t Breathe 2, this film ambitiously blends the horror and suspense of Ridley Scott’s original with the action-packed intensity of James Cameron’s Aliens.
A return to the franchise’s roots
Set between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), Alien: Romulus takes a back-to-basics approach, returning the franchise to its roots while introducing a new generation of characters. The story revolves around a group of young space colonists who encounter the terrifying Xenomorphs while scavenging on a derelict space station. The setting, heavily reminiscent of the original’s claustrophobic atmosphere, effectively invokes the series’ earlier sense of dread and tension.
Practical effects and performance highlights
Álvarez’s decision to use practical effects to depict the Xenomorphs is one of the film’s standout features. By shrouding the creatures in shadows and revealing them in close-up shots, Álvarez evokes a more tactile and physical terror, a stark contrast to the CGI-heavy representations seen in recent films. This choice has been widely praised by fans and critics alike, who commend the film’s commitment to practical effects and traditional horror techniques.
Cailee Spaeny, who plays the protagonist Rain, has received acclaim for her performance. Her portrayal of a young woman thrust into the role of a reluctant hero echoes Sigourney Weaver’s iconic Ellen Ripley, yet she brings a fresh, youthful energy to the character. David Jonsson’s performance as Andy also stands out, with his complex portrayal of a character who keeps the audience guessing whether he is friend or foe.
Criticisms: Audio issues and familiar tropes
However, Alien: Romulus is not without its flaws. Some critics have noted that the film struggles with its audio mixing, particularly in the first act, making it difficult for audiences to catch crucial pieces of dialogue. This issue, combined with the characters’ accents, has led to some confusion regarding the initial exposition. Additionally, while the film excels in paying homage to its predecessors, some feel it lacks originality, relying too heavily on familiar tropes from the earlier films.
Positive reception and future prospects
Despite these criticisms, Alien: Romulus has been generally well-received. Many see it as a significant improvement over the recent prequels, Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017), which, while ambitious, were divisive among fans. Álvarez’s film has been described as a “gloriously fun mashup” of the franchise’s best elements. It balances horror and action in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshing, creating a thrilling and terrifying experience that appeals to both new and old fans.
The official trailer
Alien: Romulus’ official trailer. A terrifying journey back to the roots of sci-fi horror.
A step forward for the Alien franchise
The film’s reception has also sparked discussions about the future of the Alien franchise. With its strong box office performance and positive reviews, Alien: Romulus could potentially pave the way for more entries in the series. Whether these future films will continue in the same vein or explore new directions remains to be seen, but for now, Alien: Romulus has successfully reignited interest in a franchise that many feared had lost its way.
Alien: Romulus serves as both a love letter to the franchise’s storied past and a potential blueprint for its future. While it may not reach the heights of the original classics, it carves out its own space in the Alien canon, offering a thrilling experience that honours its roots while paving the way for future entries. Álvarez’s contribution stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of this cinematic universe, marking a significant step forward for the franchise.
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