Alien Romulus Movie Review: Director Fede Álvarez’s latest Alien-themed film, Alien: Romulus, was released in the US last week, and the reviews, both from critics and audiences, have been overwhelmingly positive. The buzz and box office success in the West had me excited to see it for myself. After sitting through the 121-minute screening on a rainy Tuesday night, I walked out of the theatre feeling satisfied that the film lived up to the hype.
So, what is Alien: Romulus all about? As the seventh film in the Alien franchise, Alien: Romulus is set between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986). Director Fede Álvarez stays true to the essence of the original films while introducing a new generation of characters. Starring Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu, this 20th Century Fox film follows a group of teenagers who find themselves battling the parasitic alien.
The plot kicks off with the teenagers landing on an abandoned ship in search of cryostasis chambers that could help them escape their dying planet and head toward a better future. However, their mission inadvertently awakens the dormant aliens, and the group must fight for their lives as they try to avoid becoming the creatures’ next prey.
Álvarez maintains the familiar framework of the previous films, giving a respectful nod to the Alien franchise. The film is filled with metaphorical remnants of the old world, making it feel like a celebration of the series’ legacy. However, with the Ian Holm callback and the AI regeneration, Álvarez may have gone a bit overboard. While the AI regeneration was done “out of respect,” as the director noted, it didn’t have the intended impact.
Despite this, Álvarez delivers an engaging visual experience from the start. He wastes no time drawing viewers into the film, creating moments of suspense that leave you breathless, particularly in the second half. The writing, visual style, and video game-inspired elements turn the latter part of the film into a thrilling roller coaster.
Alien: Romulus offers not one but two climaxes—one set inside the alien-infested spaceship and the other aboard the escape ship. Both sequences are brilliantly executed, with special kudos to cinematographer Galo Olivares for his work during these intense moments. One standout scene features Rain (Cailee Spaeny) guiding Andy, an android reprogrammed by her father as her surrogate brother (David Jonsson), through an acidic rainstorm. The camera work and screenplay details in this sequence are particularly commendable.
In the second climax, a gruesome scene involving the birth of a new alien is so intense that it makes you want to look away, yet you’re compelled to watch to see just how brutal it gets.
However, I do have one criticism: the film could have spent more time on the alien in the spaceship. While we’ve seen it before, a few more scenes featuring the creature would have raised the stakes even higher.
On the acting front, Cailee Spaeny is on fire this year! After delivering a powerful performance in Civil War, she gives yet another memorable portrayal in Alien: Romulus, particularly shining in the fight scenes. David Jonsson is equally impressive as Andy, effortlessly switching between commanding the spotlight and blending into the background as required.
Bottom Line: Alien: Romulus is a refreshing take on the Alien franchise. It’s a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike.
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