Fede Álvarez was one year old when the Xenomorph first appeared on the big screen with Ridley Scott’s iconic horror movie. Since then, the Alien movies have gone through directors like James Cameron, David Fincher, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Meanwhile, Álvarez grew up to take on some considerable directing gigs, including an excellent Evil Dead reboot in 2013, the smash-hit thriller Don’t Breathe, and The Girl in the Spider’s Web. Now, it’s time for this acclaimed director to get the gig of a lifetime, joining this franchise that has been running strong for 45 years. Alien: Romulus is the best Alien movie since Aliens, offering white-knuckled thrills and a phenomenal experience.
From the start, this movie immerses us in its era, between the events of Scott’s 1979 original film and Cameron’s 1986 sequel. One of the standout features of Álvarez’s movie is its connection to the original, with the technology and screens reminiscent of 1979. This is a stark contrast to 2012’s Prometheus and 2017’s Alien: Covenant, which, despite being prequels, feel more like 21st-century productions with advanced technology that doesn’t fit the timeline.
But this movie is trying to be a standalone sequel to the original Alien movie, and it captures that tone brilliantly. The film introduces our characters on a planet that aesthetically feels like Ridley Scott’s work in Blade Runner. Everything feels gritty and realistic, with practical sets that make us feel part of this dystopian futuristic society. The film then takes Rain Carradine, played by Cailee Spaeny, on a spaceship with a few others, setting the stage for their mission to steal some equipment. While the film’s technical brilliance is evident throughout, it takes a while to build momentum.
From a writing perspective, the setup in the first act keeps the entire movie from reaching the unreachable heights of the first two movies. The characters we meet could be more memorable. The conflict Rain initially faces feels insignificant in the long run, and their goal to steal equipment feels vague. We don’t understand why we should care about the characters and their goals before the aliens attack. But once the second act begins and our ensemble finds themselves in the thick of it, all hell must break loose.
From there, Alien: Romulus Xeno-morphs into a twisted, bloody nightmare that pulls no punches. Álvarez’s shots feel designed to be chaotic. His camera movements are dynamic and always allow us to feel the thrills of the situation. He uses the atmosphere to craft a palpable tension that never lets up. This film does a phenomenal job of never letting us breathe. With its impeccable sense of momentum, this movie launches us into the far reaches of space into an experience so horrifying you can’t help but feel bad for every character in the film.
Although the characterization could have been more robust, the film does just enough to create tension between certain characters. We understand why some characters would not trust others, but we also get frustrated when they act irrationally. But it wouldn’t be an Alien movie if everyone made it to the end of the movie alive, so we get the experience of wondering which character will go next. Every moment manages to offer something surprising and unexpected. The film excels in its moments where the characters must sneak around as quietly as possible, just as much as when they’re running for their lives. It’s the perfect bridge between the suspense horror of Alien and the action-packed thrills of Aliens.
The movie also works better than many blockbusters of late due to its commitment to practical effects. You can tell Álvarez wanted the aliens to feel as tangible as possible, which is why so much of the film features practical face huggers and other excellent special effects. The issue is that one element in the movie requires CGI. Everything is done so practically that this piece of CGI sticks out like a sore thumb every time they return to it. It’s the most frustrating aspect of the film, primarily because everything else works so well.
The final act features a devilishly disturbing idea that takes a big swing but may not work for everyone. It worked for me. Álvarez proves once again that he never holds back during the final act, taking concepts to their full potential and blowing our minds one step at a time. Alien: Romulus is a deliciously crafted horror film where each scene gets better than the last. The characters are always facing tough decisions and fighting like hell to survive. The performances across the board are appropriately panicked, with Rain feeling like Álvarez’s take on Ellen Ripley.
Unlike other movies, this film works least when it relies on fan service and nostalgia and works most when it offers new, fresh ideas. Offering an unforgettable experience, Alien: Romulus proves once again that in space, no one can hear you scream.
SCORE: 8/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.
Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our Alien: Romulus review.
