Alien: Romulus First Reactions: 'A Bonkers Roller Coaster' That Pays Homage to the Franchise
Alien: Romulus First Reactions: 'A Bonkers Roller Coaster' That Pays Homage to the Franchise
The highly anticipated "Alien: Romulus" held its world premiere on Monday night, and the first reactions from critics are overwhelmingly positive. Directed by Fede Álvarez, this latest entry in the long-running sci-fi horror franchise is set between the events of Ridley Scott's 1979 "Alien" and James Cameron's 1986 "Aliens."
A Return to Horror Roots
Many critics are praising "Alien: Romulus" for its return to the franchise's horror roots. Gizmodo's Germain Lussier described the film as "a bonkers roller coaster ride through the previous six 'Alien' movies, using bits of all them, to tell a focused, mostly standalone story filled with glorious gore & scares."
Variety's Jazz Tangcay echoed this sentiment, stating, "This is easily one of the better films in the franchise. Fede Álvarez doesn't disappoint. Awesome sound design and world-building. The practical effects are so good that the film gave me nightmares."
Explore the complete chronological order of the Alien franchise, from Prometheus to Alien: Resurrection.
Standout Performances
The cast, particularly leads Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, are receiving high praise for their performances. Courtney Howard described the film as "gnarly, gripping & gorgeously bleak," highlighting the strong performances of the lead actors.
"Cailee Spaeny & David Jonsson dominate. This rules!" - Courtney Howard, Film Critic
Practical Effects and Visuals
A common thread among the reactions is the appreciation for the film's use of practical effects. Tessa Smith, owner of Mama's Geeky, noted that "'Alien: Romulus' pays perfect homage to the original, using practical effects whenever possible. This works so well that the CGI stands out when used."
A Divisive Third Act
While the overall reception is positive, some critics have pointed out that the film's third act might be polarizing. MovieWeb editor Richard Fink said the third act "had me gasping in horror," while others suggested it might not land for everyone.
Looking Ahead to Release
With "Alien: Romulus" set to hit theaters this Friday, August 16, these early reactions are likely to build even more anticipation among fans of the franchise. The film's blend of horror, practical effects, and strong performances seems to have struck a chord with many critics.
As audiences prepare for the latest chapter in the Alien saga, it appears that Fede Álvarez may have successfully breathed new life into the franchise while paying homage to what made the original films so iconic.
Will you be catching "Alien: Romulus" in theaters this weekend? Share your excitement and predictions in the comments below!
Sources:
- Germain Lussier, Gizmodo
- Jazz Tangcay, Variety
- Courtney Howard, Film Critic
- Tessa Smith, Mama's Geeky
- Richard Fink, MovieWeb