Movie review: ‘Alien: Romulus,’ visually stunning
“Alien: Romulus” is a remarkable achievement for a franchise that seemingly had little to no life after the previous two entries. Though the story isn’t anything special, if you’re a fan of the originals, this film will surely entertain.
I wouldn’t say I am an “Alien” fan. Don’t get that misconstrued — I love the “Alien” films, especially the first two. I just wouldn’t say I am fully up-to-date and comprehend all the lore, especially after “Prometheus” (2012) and “Alien Covenant” (2017). That being said, just like everyone else, the marketing alone behind “Alien: Romulus” had my hype level through the roof. Between the fantastic trailers and the guerilla-style marketing, not only was I excited about the film, but I also expected it to be good. I am happy to report I left the theater very pleased.
The visuals of ‘Alien: Romulus’
I think the biggest takeaway people will have from “Alien: Romulus” is the visuals. A lot of people will talk about the animatronics used for the Xenomorphs and Face Huggers, and rightfully so. They are amazing, and the film would look incredibly different without them. But for me, it was the cinematography and the scale of the sets that had me locked in. From the Star Mining Colony at the start of the film to the Romulus Space Station, everything feels real, and from what I’ve seen from behind-the-scenes photos, it was.
Something also needs to be said about director Fede Álvarez. There was probably no better director to come in and remind everyone that the “Alien” franchise is still incredibly intense despite already having so many different iterations. Fede’s camera work plays a large part in the intensity of the film. In moments outside of the ship or in zero-gravity, we see a steady cam, and in moments inside the space station, we see mostly shot handheld/shaky cam. I noticed this early on and it added a layer of nervousness anytime the characters were in the space station.
Photo by Murray Close / 20th Century Studios
The story of ‘Alien: Romulus’
While the visual effects of “Alien: Romulus” might go down as some of the best of the year (yes, better than “Dune: Part Two” and “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”), I do have one gripe with “Alien: Romulus”: the story.
Truthfully, I am not asking for the greatest story of all time when watching an “Alien” film, and that’s part of the reason why I wasn’t a fan of “Prometheus” and “Alien Covenant.” Those films have way too much going on. “Alien: Romulus” is like a greatest hits of the “Alien” franchise, giving you exactly what you’d expect … until the third act.
The third act of “Alien: Romulus” is BONKERS and if I tried to explain it now, you likely would not believe me. I couldn’t help but feeling like it took me out of the film, though the filmmakers do a good job of not making it a throwaway moment. It’s wild and something you’ll have to experience to understand.
‘Alien: Romulus’ final thoughts
“Alien: Romulus” is by far one of the best-looking films of the year and I have a feeling most fans will have a great time with it. It’s a great way to transition from summer to Halloween.
SCORE: 3.5/5
“Alien: Romulus” is rated R and is in theaters on Aug. 16, 2024! There are no post-credit scenes.
‘Alien’ in theme parks (defunct)
“Alien” was featured for decades in The Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, complete with a Sigourney Weaver Audio-Animatronics figure. When you press “play” on the video below, it will begin at the “Alien” part of the ride.
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