21/08/2024
"Alien: Romulus" marks its return to form for the iconic franchise, directed by Fede Álvarez. The film is set between the events of "Alien" and "Aliens," if you played Alien Isolation, then a couple of years before, Romulus ( Alien Isolation is Cannon). The film strives to recapture the tension and atmosphere that made the original films classics to this day.
The movie is visually stunning, with a blend of practical effects and CGI that brings the terrifying Xenomorphs to life. The production design, echoing the gritty, industrial aesthetic of the original, effectively sets the mood on the bleak, rain-soaked mining colony of Jackson’s Star, where the story unfolds. Side note, it is said that the reason why Romulus technology looks so different to Prometheus. This is due to the characters of that story having unlimited funding, while the blue-collar workers have to do with whatever they have.
The narrative, a double-edged sword, its a unique blend of horror and suspense, effectively evokes the fear of being trapped with a deadly alien threat. However, it also treads on familiar ground. Álvarez heavily relies on the franchise's legacy, incorporating numerous callbacks and iconic moments from previous films, which, let's be honest...derivative.
Despite these criticisms, "Alien: Romulus should be praised for its intense, stressful sequences and strong performances, particularly from Cailee Spaeny as the protagonist Rain and David Jonsson as Andy. Some will say the film will not reach the heights of the original "Alien" or "Aliens," but it is a solid addition to the series. Its ability to resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers makes it a must-watch. Especially for certain scenes that alien fans love and want to see.
