A Thrilling Blend of Sci-Fi and Horror in the Alien Franchise
From the moment the opening credits roll, Alien Romulus draws you in with its masterful storytelling and atmospheric tension. As the latest installment in the Alien franchise, this film does more than just pay homage to its predecessors—it adds something fresh and exciting to the mix.
The movie introduces us to Rain, the main character, who dreams of escaping her bleak existence on a mining colony controlled by the nefarious Weyland-Yutani Corporation. Alongside her is Andy, an Android/Synth who serves as her AI “brother.” The duo, driven by the desire to find a planet with actual sunshine, hatches a plan to leave their grim surroundings. They gather a small group of friends and hijack a ship, aiming to reach another vessel that can take them to their promised land. What follows is a blend of horror and dark comedy as their journey spirals into chaos.
One of the standout aspects of Alien Romulus is its commitment to practical effects. In an era where CGI often dominates, the use of real puppets for the Xenomorphs and facehuggers adds a tangible sense of dread and realism to the film. The creatures are as unsettling and terrifying as ever, with the facehuggers creating a creeping tension that permeates the movie. The Xenomorphs, lurking in the shadows, are a constant reminder of the imminent danger, making the audience play a game of “spot the alien” before it’s too late.
The film also impresses with its attention to detail in the set design. The use of CRT screens and tactile, clicky-buttons gives a nostalgic nod to the original Alien movies, grounding the story in the gritty, lived-in universe fans have come to love. The blend of practical effects and selective CGI enhances the visual experience without overwhelming it, striking a perfect balance that keeps viewers engaged.
What makes Alien Romulus truly stand out is its ability to capture the essence of both Alien and Aliens. It’s a perfect “in-between” movie that merges the tension of Ridley Scott’s original with the action-packed thrills of James Cameron’s sequel. Fans of the franchise, including those who loved the Alien: Isolation game, will find plenty of callbacks and references that hit just the right notes.
The creatures, particularly the facehuggers, deliver on the horror front, ensuring the audience is kept on edge throughout. And yes, there’s even a scene involving the birth of a Xenomorph that might leave some viewers feeling a bit queasy—just as it should in a proper Alien film.
Overall, Alien Romulus is a movie that demands to be seen in the theater. It’s a thrilling, well-crafted addition to the franchise that respects its roots while bringing something new to the table. Whether you’re a die-hard Alien fan or just love a good sci-fi horror, this film has something to offer.