Alien: Romulus Review: A Thrilling Return to Franchise Roots

Fede Álvarez's "Alien: Romulus" arrives with the unenviable task of satisfying longtime fans while attracting new audiences to the iconic sci-fi horror franchise. Set between the events of 1979's "Alien" and 1986's "Aliens," this latest entry aims to recapture the claustrophobic terror of Ridley Scott's original while carving out its own identity. Does it succeed? Let's dive in.

Back to Basics

"Alien: Romulus" feels like a deliberate course correction after the divisive philosophical musings of "Prometheus" and "Alien: Covenant." Álvarez strips the concept down to its essentials: a group of working-class space travelers, a derelict station, and the universe's most perfect killing machine.

The story follows Rain Carradine (Cailee Spaeny), a young colonist desperate to escape her sunless mining planet. Along with her friends and her synthetic "brother" Andy (David Jonsson), Rain embarks on a dangerous mission to scavenge an abandoned space station. Unsurprisingly, they encounter much more than they bargained for.

Atmosphere and Tension

One of the film's greatest strengths is its production design. The space station Romulus feels lived-in and haunted, with every corridor and chamber dripping with potential danger. Álvarez and his team have crafted a setting that pays homage to the original while feeling fresh and terrifying in its own right.

The director's skill with pacing is evident, as he ratchets up the tension gradually before unleashing the full horror of the Xenomorph. While some may find the first act a bit slow, it allows for necessary character development and world-building.

Performances and Characters

Cailee Spaeny shines as Rain, bringing a raw vulnerability and determination to the role that echoes Sigourney Weaver's iconic Ripley without feeling like a mere imitation. David Jonsson's Andy is equally compelling, offering a fresh take on the franchise's android archetype.

The supporting cast, unfortunately, isn't given as much time to develop, which may leave some viewers less invested in their fates. This is a shame, as the original "Alien" proved how effective well-rounded characters can be in amplifying the horror.

Practical Effects and Nostalgia

Fans of practical effects will find much to love in "Alien: Romulus." The Xenomorph, Facehuggers, and various grotesque set pieces are brought to life with impressive practical work, lending a tangible quality to the horror that CGI often struggles to match.

However, the film occasionally leans too heavily on nostalgia and callbacks to previous entries. While some references work well, others feel forced and may pull viewers out of the experience.

The Verdict

"Alien: Romulus" is a tense, visceral return to form for the franchise. Álvarez successfully recaptures the claustrophobic horror of the original while injecting enough fresh ideas to keep things interesting. The film's strengths lie in its atmosphere, practical effects, and strong lead performances.

However, it's not without flaws. Some character development is sacrificed for pacing, and the reliance on franchise callbacks occasionally feels heavy-handed. Additionally, a controversial third-act choice may divide audiences.

Despite its shortcomings, "Alien: Romulus" delivers the intense, nail-biting experience fans have been craving. It may not reach the heights of the franchise's best entries, but it's a worthy addition that proves there's still life in this enduring sci-fi horror saga.

Have you seen "Alien: Romulus"? What did you think of Fede Álvarez's take on the franchise? Share your thoughts in the comments below!