Alien: Romulus (2024) – A Franchise Reborn with Fresh Direction and Stellar Execution
I don’t know how to start this review off, but I will say with full honesty: Alien: Romulus is the best Alien movie we’ve gotten in a while. As someone who grew up watching the classics like Alien and Aliens, the bar was set incredibly high. The subsequent films—while enjoyable to some extent—never quite managed to capture the same magic. Prometheus was intriguing, yes, but it had its flaws, and Covenant—well, let’s just say it wasn’t everything fans hoped for. However, with Romulus, I believe the franchise has made a monumental leap forward, setting a new standard for what Alien movies can be.
Alien: Romulus Explained – A Love Letter to the Franchise
Alien: Romulus isn’t just another entry in the series; it’s a love letter to the franchise’s origins while pushing the boundaries of what we expect from a modern sci-fi horror film. Directed by Fede Alvarez and backed by the legendary Ridley Scott, Romulus pays homage to the classic elements that made the first two films iconic. From the meticulous attention to detail in the set design to the practical effects that bring the Xenomorphs to life, every frame of this film feels like it was crafted with care and reverence for the source material.
The story is set within the established timeline, carefully avoiding any plot holes that could disrupt the lore. One of the standout features of Romulus is how it weaves its narrative into the broader Alien universe without feeling forced or contrived. The film successfully ties into the timeline, bridging gaps and enhancing the overall lore, which is no small feat given the complexity of the Alien franchise.
A Cast That Delivers – Alien: Romulus Cast
When it comes to the cast, Alien: Romulus shines brightly. Leading the charge is Cailee Spaeny, who plays the main character with depth and nuance. While it’s impossible to replace Sigourney Weaver’s iconic Ripley, Spaeny steps into her role with a fresh take that feels both respectful of the past and innovative for the future. Her character is complex, layered, and relatable, making her a compelling protagonist in this new chapter of the Alien saga.
The ensemble cast surrounding Spaeny also delivers strong performances. Unlike Covenant, where the characters often made frustratingly poor decisions, the crew in Romulus feels more grounded and intelligent. They’re not just cannon fodder for the Xenomorphs; they’re well-rounded individuals with their own arcs and motivations, which adds to the tension and emotional stakes of the film. Special mention must be made of the young actor playing Andy, who brings a disconcertingly detached presence to the screen, adding a layer of psychological horror that elevates the film’s intensity.
Practical Effects and World-Building – A Visual Feast
One of the most remarkable aspects of Alien: Romulus is its use of practical effects. In an era dominated by CGI, the decision to rely heavily on practical effects is a bold and welcome choice. The Xenomorphs are terrifyingly real, their presence on screen palpable in a way that CGI often fails to achieve. The creature effects, puppeteers, model makers, and CG artists have outdone themselves, creating a film that looks and feels authentic to the timeline of the original Alien and Aliens films.
The world-building in Romulus is another triumph. The film takes inspiration from the Alien: Isolation video game, capturing the claustrophobic atmosphere and sense of dread that made the game so successful. The visual backdrop is stunning, with every detail contributing to the film’s overall sense of immersion. The settings are meticulously designed, and the cinematography captures the eerie, otherworldly beauty of the Alien universe.
The film’s score and sound design also deserve praise. The music is haunting, perfectly complementing the tension and horror unfolding on screen. The sound design, from the subtle creaks and groans of the ship to the bone-chilling screeches of the Xenomorphs, adds an additional layer of terror that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Balancing Nostalgia and Innovation – A New Direction
Alien: Romulus strikes a delicate balance between nostalgia and innovation. There are plenty of nods to the original films, from visual cues to thematic echoes, but Romulus never feels like a rehash. Instead, it takes familiar elements and recontextualizes them, crafting a story that feels both fresh and true to the spirit of the franchise.
Some fans might argue that Romulus leans too heavily on nostalgia, recycling moments from previous films with a new cast. It’s true that there are similarities, but these moments are executed with such skill and intention that they enhance the film rather than detract from it. For longtime fans, these callbacks will feel like a warm embrace, while new viewers will find themselves drawn into the rich, complex world of Alien.
Alien: Romulus Reviews – What the Critics Are Saying
The response to Alien: Romulus has been largely positive, with many praising the film for its return to form and its ability to breathe new life into the franchise. Critics have lauded Alvarez’s direction, the strong performances from the cast, and the film’s technical achievements, particularly the use of practical effects and the atmospheric world-building. Some have noted that the film doesn’t quite reach the heights of the original Alien and Aliens, but it’s undoubtedly the best entry in the series since those early classics.
There are, of course, dissenting opinions. Some viewers feel that Romulus is too derivative, relying too much on the formula established by the first two films. Others have expressed disappointment that the film doesn’t take more risks or push the boundaries of the franchise in new directions. However, even these critics often acknowledge that Romulus is a solid, well-crafted film that stands head and shoulders above its predecessors in the post-Aliens era.
While Alien: Romulus has been hailed as a return to form for the franchise, it’s not without its detractors. Some fans argue that the film relies too much on the nostalgia of the original Alien films, recycling familiar plot elements and character dynamics rather than introducing fresh ideas. Critics also point out that despite its stunning visuals and faithful adherence to the original atmosphere, Romulus lacks the innovation that could elevate it beyond a well-crafted homage.
The Future of the Franchise – A Bright Horizon
With Alien: Romulus, the Alien franchise is back on the map in the world of cinema. The film sets the stage for future entries in the series, and with the strong foundation it has laid, there’s a good chance that we’ll see more from this team in the years to come. Cailee Spaeny has proven herself as a worthy successor to Ripley, and the direction taken by Alvarez and Scott suggests that the franchise is in good hands.
Alien: Romulus is a must-watch for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. It’s a film that respects its roots while daring to explore new territory, and it does so with style, intelligence, and heart. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original films or someone who’s just discovering the Alien universe, Romulus offers something special. So, grab some popcorn, find the biggest screen you can, and immerse yourself in the terrifying, exhilarating world of Alien: Romulus. You won’t be disappointed.