Seven years after Covenant, Alien is finally back with Alien: Romulus, a new main series entry that promises to be a return to form for the beloved horror franchise.
This is a much-needed film for many Alien fans, especially as Prometheus and Alien: Covenant got some mixed responses. Sure, they offer some interesting world-building and memorable moments, but for many fans, they weren’t able to reach the same heights as the first two movies in the series.
Enter Alien: Romulus, a new movie that’s not directed by Ridley Scott (who now serves as a Producer). Instead, at the helm of Romulus is Fede Alvarez, the notable horror director behind movies like the Evil Dead 2013 remake and Don’t Breathe.
For this film, Alvarez’s goal is to take the series back to its horror roots. In fact, the film is even set between the first two movies.
[Note: This is a non-spoiler review, though the movie’s premise will be discussed.]
A Fusion of the Original Alien and Aliens
The movie happens sometime after Alien, and it follows a group of space colonists as they attempt to scavenge an abandoned space station. As shown in the film’s trailers, they are greeted by terrifying Facehuggers and the dangerous Xenomorph.
Aside from its intro scenes, most of the film is set in the derelict space station, echoing the first Alien movie which is set mostly in the Nostromo. As such, Romulus takes many cues from the original film in how it sets up the terrifying life forms that the crew will face.
One of the things that make the original Alien movie so effective is its deliberate pace. Especially when viewed in the context of contemporary horror films, the first Alien is slow, but this is essential in ratcheting up the tension. As for Romulus though, this new Alien movie moves at a faster pace, though its first third is a bit reminiscent of the original in that it takes some time to set things up.
As the movie progresses though, its pace picks up, and so does its action, to the point that it can be described as a cross between the first Alien and James Cameron’s more action-heavy Aliens. For slow-burn horror purists, the more in-your-face nature of this film’s scares may not be to their preference. Still, the film balances the horror and action well for the most part.
While the balance of action and horror is there, some parts of the story are a bit questionable, specifically when it comes to some character decisions (which we can’t exactly say for spoiler reasons). Still, these are fairly minor issues as, storytelling-wise, this film is solid. Important events are built up properly, and at no point was there a major “plot hole” during its two-hour run.
Speaking of character decisions, the film’s main cast does well in their roles, though the stand-out is no doubt David Jonsson as Andy. Jonsson is no doubt the scene-stealer of this movie, and his character is the key to the film’s connection to the Alien universe.
While this film doesn’t expand the universe as much as Prometheus or Covenant, Alien: Romulus still has some interesting developments that long-time Alien fans will appreciate. Even though it’s a standalone movie, it’s a particular treat for those who love the first movie given how it connects to it.
On the flip side, the film’s story treads on well-worn ground. As such, this film isn’t for a fan who wants something completely fresh and new for the Alien franchise. It also doesn’t reach the same heights as the first two movies, though that’s a bit of an unfair comparison given that Alien and Aliens are sci-fi classics.
Still, what’s undeniable about Alien: Romulus is that the film’s set and effects offer a compelling reason to watch this film, especially on the big screen.
Impressive Practical Effects Steal the Show
As shown in the various featurettes that were released to promote the film, Alien: Romulus was made with an emphasis on using as much practical effects as possible. Thanks to this, the film looks space station setting looks real, adding to the impact of what’s unfolding on-screen.
For fans of sci-fi, the film’s impressive sets and practical effects should be a delight, especially when watching the movie in cinemas. More than just the setting though, the film’s monsters share the same approach.
Sure, there is CGI here (good CGI, I might add), but many scenes make heavy use of practical effects for the Facehuggers and Xenomorphs. What makes it even more impressive is that scenes show these aliens in their full glory, all while maintaining the tension.
The aliens aren’t here to just be menacing though as Romulus has an array of creative action-horror set-pieces. For instance, there’s a part that’s straight out of another Fede Alvarez movie, while another scene makes use of a plot device established in the film’s earlier parts.
Viewers who are easily terrified may need to psyche themselves up before watching this film given how intense some of the scenes are. For those who aren’t easily scared, Romulus still offers lots of exciting moments.
Alien: Romulus Review – Final Verdict
This film set out to be a return to the roots of the franchise, and it succeeds in this regard. Alien: Romulus is a thoroughly entertaining sci-fi horror experience that should delight most Alien fans. This is thanks in large part to its excellent practical effects and creative action-horror set pieces.
Sure, its story may not really bring anything new to the table. Plus, some parts of the story are a bit questionable, but its strong points outweigh its shortcomings, making it worth seeing on the big screen.