By Elliot Lines August 15, 2024
It's one of the most iconic franchises in the world, and up to this point there has been varying levels of success. Alien released in 1979 and since then has provided five prequels/sequels, and on top of that a double collaboration with the Predator franchise. Ridley Scott started it off all those years ago, and still has an input, however Alien: Romulus is Fede Álvarez' passion project...and you can see why. Taking the franchise back towards its roots, Alien: Romulus is an ambitious and suspenseful Space-Horror that takes some wild swings along the way.
Synopsis
Space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life-form in the universe while scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station.
Review
After attending a Q&A with director Fede Álvarez, it was clear to see that Alien: Romulus was in good hands. Not only is he a massive fan of the franchise, but this was a dream project for him. The attention to detail within the Alien universe is there for all to see. The film looks great, and when it comes down to the Xenomorphs you can tell that getting that part right was important, but the use of practical effects made the moments we encounter them feel even more real.
Alien: Romulus goes back to what works in the originals so well, there is almost a simplicity about it, a small group in one location being hunted. There is great suspense built throughout, with each character getting their moment to shine or meet their fate. Other nods to the originals, subtle or not-so-subtle, are incorporated into the story, there maybe one characters return that gets a little grading, but I'm not sure the film works without them.
This young cast is outstanding. Archie Renaux (Upgraded), Spike Fearn (Aftersun), Isabela Merced (Transformers: The Last Knight) and newcomer Aileen Wu make up the majority of this group, and each one of them provides a different personality, which ultimately brings a great dynamic. Cailee Spaeny (Civil War) was the main focus as heroine Rain, who managed to portray and create suspense in the key moments, as well as nail the big action scenes, and really sell them. However, the star of the film has to be David Jonsson (Rye Lane). His role was that of an android, that had been programmed a certain way, however this changed throughout the film and Jonsson was able to convert from one personality to another with, what looked like, relative ease. He is certainly one to look out for.
It wouldn't be an Alien film without some ridiculous action scenes. Alien: Romulus has a variety of them, slathered throughout but in the right moments not to break the tension. The film goes big on the population of creatures on show, lets just say you'll never want to see another Facehugger ever again. There is a big finale, which was a big surprise, it'll be divisive and I'm not sure which side of the fence I quite sit yet, but Álvarez certainly hasn't held back here. There is one action scene that springs to mind, and it involves anti-gravity, no spoilers here but once you see it you'll be sure to know why it's living rent free in my head.
This is a film that I'm going to be thinking about for a while. The wild swings aside, Alien: Romulus is an absolute blast, with tense encounters with the scariest of space creatures. The cast do a great job to create the mood, and Fede Álvarez has proven that this franchise is in the right hands.
Star Rating
Alien: Romulus Releases in Cinemas August 16
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