Alien: Romulus (2024) spoiler free review
In space, no one can hear you. Alien: Romulus is a 2024 American science fiction horror film directed by Fede Álvarez and co-written by Álvarez and Rodo Sayagues. It’s the seventh installment in the Alien franchise set between the events of ‘Alien (1979)‘ and ‘Aliens (1986)‘ serving as a standalone interquel. The film was released in the United States by 20th Century Studios in theatres on August 16, 2024.
Space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life-form in the universe while scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station.
Film synopsis
The cast includes Cailee Spaeny as Rain, David Jonsson as Andy, Archie Renaux as Tyler, Isabela Merced as Kay, Spike Fearn as Bjorn, Aileen Wu as Navarro, and Daniel Betts as Rook.
My Opinion
When an abandoned spacecraft appears in the orbit of their planet, Rain and her friends see the possibility of a new life far from the mining colony they find themselves in. The plan is simple: enter and take out the cryogenic chambers they need to make the trip and leave. But, they didn’t count on the dangerous creatures hiding in the station that can ruin their plans.
With a simple story that does not require having seen all the movies of the franchise Alien: Romulus is an addition that respects the legacy but does not take the risk of being unique. The desire to tie this story with the original film causes the creative potential to be limited. Those connections or ‘easter eggs’ are details that can be overlooked by those who have never seen a movie in the franchise. Alien: Romulus gives the necessary context to understand what is important instead of making you feel that you need to watch 20 movies and series to understand a 5-second reference.
Álvarez once again does an exceptional job on a new installment of a well-established horror franchise. His work in Evil Dead (2013) will never be forgotten and this one, even with small flaws, lives up to the franchise that began in 1979 thanks to Ridley Scott. The use of practical effects, prosthetic makeup and sets instead of CGI work effectively creating a terrifying and distinctive atmosphere of an Alien movie.
The cast’s performance is satisfactory providing moments of terror, tension, friendship and a little humor. The development of the characters allows you to connect with them, provoking interest in their outcome. Unlike other films in the franchise, Alien: Romulus has a faster plot pace, taking us straight to the action after a short and precise introduction. The final act satisfactorily closes the story and movie, leaving you on the edge of the seat.
Alien: Romulus is a good return of the franchise to the big screen. And even though it can generate divided opinions among fans, it is still an enjoyable and entertaining science fiction horror movie. The ‘fan service’ can be annoying for some, and yes it could have been reduced, but in the end it’s a personal decision whether or not that ruins the movie. Alien: Romulus has become one of my favorites of the year and I can’t wait to see it again.