Alien Romulus: Movie Review

Written By: John Darius

Forty-five years ago, legendary director Ridley Scott introduced us to a film that would quickly go on in becoming one of the most iconic science fiction thrillers to ever hit the screens in the title known as Alien! Audiences everywhere were in awe of just how dark and grim this original tale was at its core. Back in the 70s, when this film had first been released, theaters and the world were taken by storm. Director Ridley Scott never once missed a beat, and in all honesty truly redefined what rated R films were meant to be. While creating one of the most mysterious yet terrifying monsters on camera. It is without question the best work Ridley Scott has done throughout his whole career, and in every essence still stands as an incredible gem to us moviegoers.

Over the past few decades, the Alien Saga continued to evolve, and would go on in branching out to other sequels and even prequels with various titles in the mix such as: Aliens, Alien 3, Alien: Resurrection, Prometheus, Alien Covenant, and of course the long awaited spin-off, Alien vs Predator. Each film within the franchise in one way or another stands as a favorite amongst fans, and has gone on making its own mark within this well-known universe. While ultimately delving into the unknown. Full of endless possibilities…. Who are we as people? Why do we exist? Who created us? Are we truly alone in the universe? And lastly what is the meaning of life itself. Each theme brings a level of importance into to the truth of what makes us human beings and reasoning for living.

Years later, Disney acquired the rights to 20th Century Fox in a multi-billion dollar deal. This acquisition had not only brought many of Fox’s successful IPs, including Alien, Predator, and Planet Of The Apes, but later went on in changing how we viewed the industry as a whole. In 2022, it was breaking news that Disney had greenlit a new sequel for the alien franchise titled Alien: Romulus, with Don’t Breathe’s director Fede Alvarez headlining the project. Originally the film was announced as a Hulu exclusive, but as times changed, Disney eventually decided to make it into a theatrical release. Speaking with Digital Spy, Alvarez talks about what the original plan was for the film:

“The only reason why it started there, I think, is because we started working on this in 2021. There’s no theatre business at that time. It was just like a year or so after COVID and there’s no hope at that point for theatres,”

“A lot of the things that the studio was doing, and a lot everybody was doing at the time, seemed to be heading to streaming. Even Dune came out and streamed. So it was the only reason.

“The studio were confident that if we could pivot, we were going to pivot. And very soon after we, I think at the time we had a script, everybody knew that it was not going to be on streaming. I’m glad that it’s not something people will only watch on their phones.”

Despite all the odds, Disney continued in pursuing their vision to help bring the newly awaited sequel to the big screen, and with that also came an entirely new cast as well. Leading this story, is rising star Caliee Spaeny who’s best known for her role as journalist/photographer Jessie in one of this year’s most highly praised films Civil War. Alongside her comes other young names in Aileen Wu, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Spike Fearn, and lastly Isabela Merced who will be playing Hawkgirl in the upcoming James Gunn feature Superman! All in all, every name mentioned brings a level of incredible talent to this film, that just shines on screen.

It’s no secret that the Alien franchise has been struggling in gaining enough traction amongst audiences and critics since the release of Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, and while those two films are indeed greatly appreciated by fans, they still haven’t unfortunately quite hit the mark that people were quite expecting them to from the start. Fast forward to present day, and it’s now safe to say that Disney has finally gotten the trust of the fanbase back! Thanks to Director Alvarez and his amazingly well-crafted vision that has won over the hearts of so many.

I am happy to confirm that Alien: Romulus is a massive win on everyone’s end. Delivering what many have been wanting from the beginning. To go back to the basics of what made this franchise so great in the first place. While entering the space of horror once again that the original 1979 film did so many decades ago. Consisted with an incredibly well-written story and a well talented cast to top it off, Romulus stands as one of the better sequels to come since James Cameron’s 1986’s Aliens. This new chapter within the Alien saga brings upon so many beloved elements from past iterations, and enters a whole new set of ideas that only help amplify the larger story as a whole.

Caliee Spaeny who’s been knocking outta the park as of late, brings a whole new meaning to the title FINAL GIRL, and easily provides the best performance to this film alongside her co-star David Jonsson. Spaeny is an absolute titan in this movie, and in many ways rivals out our first led female in Sigourney Weaver. There’s a level of both beauty and intelligence bought to her character Rain that is outright inspiring to watch. A TRUE star in every way possible, and one of the best heroines Director Alvarez has ever written and produced in cinema. Actor David Jonsson who acts as yet another shinning light within this story, adds so much layers into the character Andy who in many ways could have easily been one dimensional. The amount of chemistry these two actors showcase is downright amazing, and in the end stands as the heart of the film.

Alien Romulus is a treat for both returning audiences of the franchise, and newer viewers alike. While easily being not only one of the best summer blockbusters to be released in years, but also one of the best films to come in 2024 to date! Trust when I say that this is a MUST-SEE for sci-fi fans and moviegoers in general. It is a massive crowd pleaser, and delivers on showcasing practical effects at its best! That’s right, no CGI this time. Instead the sets and even the Xenomorphs themselves are all made totally from scratch, and look absolutely incredible when put on screen. Creating an ominous atmosphere and feeling that keeps you in total shock from start to finish.

For those not aware, director Alvarez also takes some inspiration from two well-known amazing video games in both Dead Space and of course the long forgotten, Alien: Isolation. Speaking with Inside Total Film Podcast and GamesRadar+, Alvarez mentions his love for the game Alien: Isolation and even talks about being inspired by it enough which then bought about his passion in making the film stating:

“I played a few years after it came out. Don’t Breathe was coming out. Or was I waiting for Don’t Breathe to come out, and I was playing the game. That’s why, at the time, I was like, ‘Fuck, if I could do anything, I would love to do Alien and scare the audience again with that creature and those environments.’ I was playing, and realizing how terrifying Alien could be if you take it back to that tone.”

It’s safe to say that Alvarez definitely had the right idea in mind and captured the tone perfectly. Alien: Romulus is an exhilarating experience that will have you on the edge of your seat, and in many ways goes far beyond one’s expectations of what’s to come. While managing to even lay the ground work for what’s to come next. Many times when we get sequels, directors don’t always capture the same energy and vibe from the past. Now it’s safe to say that the tide has officially changed with Alien: Romulus giving birth to a whole new insight into the word Science-Fiction. An EPIC entry to an already amazing franchise that is just bound to get better over time.

Without question, Alien: Romulus is a masterpiece and deserves all the praise it gets. If you haven’t yet, run to the theater and see it as soon as possible. Hope you all enjoyed this review, and comment below telling us your thoughts as a whole. What did you think of the film? Did you enjoy it? Let us know. We’d love to hear from you.

ALIEN: ROMULUS – TRAILER:

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