As a long-time gamer and movie enthusiast who has survived countless horror games and films, I can confidently say that Fede Álvarez’s “Alien: Romulus” is a thrilling, terrifying, and exhilarating ride that will make you wish for a bigger bucket of popcorn. The film masterfully blends elements from both “Alien” and “Aliens,” creating an experience that feels fresh yet familiar.
Fede Álvarez approaches filmmaking with unrelenting intensity. Known for his chilling contemporary horror films such as “Evil Dead” and “Don’t Breathe”, this director never holds back, pushes everything to its maximum, and stands firmly behind a vision that is frequently both breathlessly fast-paced and stomach-churning. This unwavering dedication, combined with his fierce visual flair, results in films that are either adored or despised by viewers.
Romulus,” directed by a newcomer, continues the classic science fiction-horror franchise started 45 years ago by Ridley Scott (who is also a producer for this film). This movie takes place between the original “Alien” from 1979 and “Aliens” from 1986. Fede Álvarez, the director, plans to use the gritty space aesthetic established by Scott’s first film and amp it up in his own style. However, he isn’t just rebooting “Alien” with fresh characters. Instead, he aims to intertwine the entire franchise into his high-octane thriller ride. Consequently, while “Romulus” might seem a bit crowded, it never gets dull, and at its peak, it offers one of the scariest cinematic experiences this summer.
Another haunted house in space
In the vein of “Alien,” “Alien: Resurrection at Romulus” follows a team of employees grappling to secure their own fates amidst the dominating influence of Weyland-Yutani Corporation, which has effectively dictated their futures. The group consists of Rain (Cailee Spaeny), her synthetic sibling Andy (David Jonsson), along with Tyler (Archie Renaux), Kay (Isabela Merced), Bjorn (Spike Fearn), and Navarro (Aileen Wu). They all labor on the same dismal space mining facility, a realm where sunlight is scarce, and lung disease claims numerous lives.
Everyone is eagerly yearning for freedom from the company and a chance to embark on an autonomous journey where they can shape their own lives. However, corporate obligations and agreements keep them bound, at least until Tyler discovers a possible escape route. Above them floats a spacecraft, equipped with cryo-pods that would enable them to enter a state of suspended animation while the autopilot guides them to their new destination. All they need to do is board it, gather what they require, and depart.
If you’re a fan of “Alien”, you can likely anticipate the direction of this story. The seemingly deserted spacecraft turns out to be a covert research station, where scientists were unsuccessfully trying to capture the power of extraterrestrial beings. Leaving their lab adrift like a spooky space mansion, they failed disastrously. Now, Rain, Andy, Tyler, and their team find themselves in a precarious situation, facing the deadliest alien weapon, and in a desperate rush to escape the ship before it collides with the planet below, against the ticking clock of impending doom.
The movie, much like fans of the franchise will recognize, sees director Fede Álvarez eagerly diving into the chilling universe of horror that “Alien” is known for. In its initial moments, the film mirrors the pacing of “Alien,” gradually revealing its unique fears as we become acquainted with the characters and their individual struggles. Cinematographer Galo Olivarez, production designer Naaman Marshall, costume designer Carlos Rosario, composer Benjamin Wallfisch, and the rest of the crew deliver a world that echoes “Alien” without being a carbon copy. As the story unfolds and expands, it becomes evident that Álvarez is constructing a bridge of tone, theme, and visuals linking “Alien” with “Aliens,” a film set five decades later in the series’ timeline. This delicate balance is challenging to achieve but the movie manages it impressively, especially when the genuine terror sets in.
The Xenomorph is terrifying
As a gaming enthusiast delving into the intriguing gap between “Alien” and “Aliens,” I find myself captivated by the diverse narrative possibilities that Fede Álvarez has laid out. With two prequels adding depth to the franchise’s lore, it’s an exciting playground for experimentation.
When “Alien: Romulus” delves into pure horror, it becomes one of the most thrilling and impactful movie experiences this year. The assortment of monsters, ranging from Facehugger swarms to the main antagonist, along with some quite unusual variations in between, will have you covering your eyes occasionally. Notably, the director skillfully integrates these creatures into the story, not only using them effectively and frequently but also inventively showing how they engage with the human characters. The cinematic scenes in this film become breathtaking instances of staging and tension, pushing the franchise’s inherent perils to new heights we’ve never witnessed before, making “Romulus” an unmissable adventure.
The cast, with Cailee Spaeny at its helm, delivering yet another outstanding performance that solidifies her as one of her generation’s finest, eagerly dives into this journey alongside Álvarez. They masterfully adapt to the unique tone of this movie while smoothly blending into the broader Alien series. Much like many characters in the Alien franchise, these actors portray desperate individuals ready to endure hell for survival. As a result, each young ensemble member gets their moment to excel and instill fear, ensuring a captivating performance overall.
However, Álvarez’s aggressive style presents some drawbacks. The movie’s finale appears to be wrapping up smoothly, but it introduces a surprising and disquieting twist at the last minute. Moreover, the plot is dense and may leave you breathless, making you yearn for some respite to allow the characters to live naturally. There are also visual effects, predominantly practical, that generally function well… until one specific decision in character design and direction comes into play, which almost causes the film to veer off course and caters too much to franchise enthusiasts. This flaw is noticeable, but it doesn’t ruin the overall enjoyable experience.
Despite a few flaws, “Romulus” is an incredibly thrilling ride. It’s the scariest “Alien” film in almost four decades, demonstrating the potential of this franchise when it’s in capable hands, and serving as a promising foundation for future tales within its universe. In the vast expanse of space, no one can hear your screams, but “Alien: Romulus” shows that won’t stop us from screaming out loud!
“Alien: Romulus” arrives in theaters on August 16.
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2024-08-14 22:30