The latest addition to the iconic Alien franchise, Alien: Romulus , has landed in theaters, and it's turning heads as a standout entry in the series. Directed by Fede Álvarez, known for Don’t Breathe and the 2013 Evil Dead remake, this film is generating buzz for its return to the franchise’s chilling origins. If you’re a fan of sci-fi horror, you’re in for a treat.
For decades, the Alien series has had its ups and downs. After the groundbreaking success of Ridley Scott's Alien and James Cameron's Aliens , the franchise struggled with inconsistent sequels and prequels. The last two films, Prometheus and Alien: Covenant , received mixed reviews, often criticized for being muddled and overly ambitious. However, Alien: Romulus appears to right the course, bringing the series back to what made it great in the first place.
Set between the events of Alien and Aliens , Romulus is a nostalgic trip to the franchise’s roots. Álvarez meticulously recreates the gritty, industrial atmosphere of the earlier films. The film’s aesthetic includes low lighting, steam-filled corridors, and scratched, dented machinery that harks back to the original’s tactile feel. This dedication to practical effects over CGI enhances the film's eerie atmosphere, making the xenomorphs as terrifying as ever.
The story follows a group of twentysomething colonists on a desolate planet who discover an abandoned spaceship in orbit. Desperate to escape their grim existence, they plan to salvage the ship and head to a more hospitable world. But, as you might expect in an Alien film, things quickly go awry. The spaceship turns out to be a space station overrun by the franchise's iconic xenomorphs. What follows is a suspenseful race against time as the characters face both alien threats and the looming danger of drifting into an asteroid belt.
Álvarez and co-writer Rodo Sayagues have crafted a narrative that avoids the pitfalls of the previous films. The plot is straightforward, avoiding convoluted twists and maintaining a sense of urgency. While some fans may miss the appearance of Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley, the film introduces fresh faces and focuses on new characters, particularly Rain and her adoptive brother Andy, who add depth to the story.
The film’s visuals are striking, with impressive set designs and a score by Benjamin Wallfisch that echoes the haunting themes of Jerry Goldsmith’s original compositions. The xenomorphs are portrayed with a blend of practical effects and minimal CGI, preserving the gritty, physical horror that made the original films so compelling.
Critics have praised Alien: Romulus for its suspense and nostalgic nods to earlier films. It’s described as a "clever, gripping, and sometimes awe-inspiring" entry that revitalizes the franchise with a mix of classic horror elements and modern filmmaking techniques. Although it might not achieve the perfection of the first film, it stands out as one of the best installments since Aliens .
So, if you’re a fan of the Alien series or just a lover of sci-fi horror, Alien: Romulus is definitely worth your time. It combines the franchise’s classic scares with new, thrilling twists, making it a memorable addition to the Alien legacy.
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