While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.
The ALIEN franchise, with its blend of sci-fi and horror, has captivated audiences for decades. From Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic “Alien” to Fede Alvarez’s 2024 installment, “Alien: Romulus,” the series has delivered some of the most iconic moments in cinema history. While opinions on the best films in the franchise vary, most fans hold the first two — “Alien” and James Cameron’s “Aliens” — in high regard. David Fincher’s “Alien³,” released in 1992, was divisive but has developed a cult following over time.
For many, Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s “Alien Resurrection” (1997) remains the weakest link. The decision to bring back Ripley via cloning raised numerous questions and felt like a narrative cop-out. The “Alien vs. Predator” spin-offs and even Ridley Scott’s return with “Prometheus” (2012) and “Alien: Covenant” (2017) failed to recapture the magic of the earlier films. The franchise seemed adrift until the announcement of “Alien: Romulus,” a standalone film set between the events of “Alien” and “Aliens,” helmed by Fede Alvarez, the director behind “Don’t Breathe” and the “Evil Dead” remake. This news reignited fans’ excitement, and rightfully so.
“Alien: Romulus” is a triumphant return to form. Alvarez pays homage to the first three films while carving out a unique, terrifying narrative. The story takes place in 2142 on a remote mining planet. A group of desperate colonists, led by the determined Rain (Cailee Spaeny), seize an opportunity to escape their dangerous livelihood. They join an expedition to salvage a derelict space station, unaware that it was a bio-lab where deadly experiments were conducted. As the station reactivates, so does the horror that was meant to be left behind.
Alvarez masterfully taps into the atmosphere that made “Alien” a classic. The film opens with a salvage ship emerging from hypersleep, much like the Nostromo’s crew in the original. The ship’s destination? The final resting place of the Nostromo, complete with a haunting shot of the ship’s debris. Seeing the word NOSTROMO emblazoned on a piece of wreckage sent chills down my spine and brought a smile to my face. This is the first time we’ve seen remnants of the Nostromo, adding a sense of continuity and history to the film.
The 20th Century Studios logo is also altered, its usual fanfare turning ominous at the end, mirroring David Fincher’s approach with “Alien³.” The technology on the salvage ship feels appropriate for the 20-year gap since the original, with a retro-futuristic aesthetic that contrasts with sleek, modern sci-fi. Alvarez perfectly sets the tone for a film that feels both a part of the ALIEN legacy and a fresh take.
The young cast delivers standout performances, avoiding the trap of simply aping beloved characters. Rain is a compelling protagonist in her own right, only tapping into a Ripley-esque resolve as the story unfolds. The film also incorporates a familiar face from “Alien” in a respectful, surprising manner, enhancing the narrative rather than feeling like a cheap trick.
Alvarez’s direction is a perfect blend of homage and innovation. He brings back the series’ horror roots, focusing on in-your-face scares, claustrophobia, and inescapable dread. “Alien: Romulus” is the film fans have been patiently waiting for, a testament to the enduring power of the franchise. With an FX series, “Alien: Earth,” on the horizon, this could be the start of an ALIEN renaissance. For fans of the series, “Alien: Romulus” is an absolute must-see.
In Theaters Friday, August 16th