Alien: Romulus Review: A Scream-Worthy Horror Nightmare

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As a gamer who grew up watching Alien movies since I was just a little Fede Álvarez, it’s safe to say that Alien: Romulus has been a long-awaited addition to my sci-fi horror collection. The movie beautifully captures the essence of the original Alien while blending in its unique style, much like how I blend strategy and action in my favorite video games.

Fede Álvarez was just a toddler when the terrifying Xenomorph made its big-screen debut in Ridley Scott’s horror classic. Since then, the Alien franchise has cycled through directors like James Cameron, David Fincher, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Meanwhile, Álvarez honed his craft, directing notable projects such as the successful Evil Dead remake in 2013, the hit thriller Don’t Breathe, and The Girl in the Spider’s Web. Now, this talented director is getting the opportunity of a lifetime, joining this enduring franchise that has captivated audiences for 45 years. The upcoming film, Alien: Romulus, promises to be as exciting and immersive as Aliens, a fact that has fans of the series eagerly anticipating its release.

Right from the get-go, Álvarez’s movie plunges us into its timeframe, bridging the gap between Scott’s 1979 original and Cameron’s 1986 sequel in the Alien series. A notable aspect of this film is its strong link to the original, as its technology and screens evoke a 1979 feel, distinctly different from Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017), which, although prequels, seemed more like modern-day productions with tech that didn’t align with the timeline.

But this movie is trying to be a standalone sequel to the original Alien movie, and it captures that tone brilliantly. The film introduces our characters on a planet that aesthetically feels like Ridley Scott’s work in Blade Runner. Everything feels gritty and realistic, with practical sets that make us feel part of this dystopian futuristic society. The film then takes Rain Carradine, played by Cailee Spaeny, on a spaceship with a few others, setting the stage for their mission to steal some equipment. While the film’s technical brilliance is evident throughout, it takes a while to build momentum.

In terms of storytelling, the opening act of this film fails to match the lofty peaks achieved by its predecessors. The characters introduced could be more impactful. The struggle that Rain encounters at first appears minor when viewed from a broader perspective, and their mission to acquire equipment seems unclear. It’s hard to feel invested in the characters and their objectives until the aliens attack. However, once act two commences and our group finds themselves amidst chaos, all order is certain to be shattered.

Starting from there, Alien: Romulus transforms into a gruesome, gory terror that spares no one. Álvarez’s shots seem intentionally chaotic. His camera work is fluid and consistently keeps us on edge, immersing us in the heart-pounding scenario. He skillfully builds tension using the environment, maintaining an unrelenting atmosphere of dread. This film masterfully denies us any respite. With its relentless pace, this movie hurls us into the farthest reaches of space, delivering a terrifying experience that leaves us empathizing with every character on screen.

Despite the characters’ development falling short in some aspects, the movie skillfully generates tension among specific personalities. Viewers can empathize with reasons for distrust among characters, yet feel exasperated by their illogical actions. However, it wouldn’t be an Alien film without casualties, keeping us on edge about which character could meet their end next. Every scene delivers something fresh and unpredictable. The movie shines particularly in quiet stealth scenes as well as when characters are fleeing for survival. It serves as a seamless transition from the suspenseful horror of Alien to the adrenaline-pumping action of Aliens.

In the movie, the dedication to using practical effects sets it apart from many recent blockbusters, giving the aliens a tangible feel. The director, Álvarez, aimed for realism by incorporating physical face huggers and impressive practical special effects. Regrettably, one scene necessitates computer-generated imagery (CGI), making it noticeable whenever reappearing in the film. This CGI element is the most aggravating part of the movie, as everything else flows seamlessly.

The final act features a devilishly disturbing idea that takes a big swing but may not work for everyone. It worked for me. Álvarez proves once again that he never holds back during the final act, taking concepts to their full potential and blowing our minds one step at a time. Alien: Romulus is a deliciously crafted horror film where each scene gets better than the last. The characters are always facing tough decisions and fighting like hell to survive. The performances across the board are appropriately panicked, with Rain feeling like Álvarez’s take on Ellen Ripley.

Instead of relying heavily on familiar elements like fan service and nostalgia, which other movies often do, this film thrives when it introduces innovative, fresh concepts. In essence, Alien: Romulus demonstrates yet again that in the vastness of space, there’s no escape from terror.

SCORE: 8/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 8 signifies “Great.” Although there are a couple of small problems, this rating implies that the artwork accomplishes its objective effectively and makes a lasting impression.

Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our Alien: Romulus review.

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2024-08-14 22:10