Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5 Stars)
Released 08-16-2024
Watched 08-17-2024
Reviewed 08-20-2024
Watched in the theater Using Cinemark Movie Club
"The solution for a claustrophobic astronaut is to give him more space."
Fede Álvarez’s Alien: Romulus is a commendable attempt to breathe new life into a storied franchise. As the seventh installment in the Alien saga, this film takes on the daunting task of weaving a story that fits between Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979) and James Cameron’s Aliens (1986), two of the most iconic films in science fiction horror history. With such high expectations, Romulus delivers a satisfying, albeit imperfect, experience.
The film follows a group of young space colonists who, in their quest for a better life, stumble upon a derelict space station harboring the deadly Xenomorphs. Led by Rain Carradine (Cailee Spaeny) and her reprogrammed android brother Andy (David Jonsson), the crew’s descent into chaos is as thrilling as it is gruesome. Álvarez skillfully creates a claustrophobic atmosphere, reminiscent of the original Alien, with dark corridors and tense encounters that keep viewers on edge.
Romulus shines in its visual storytelling. The practical effects and Álvarez’s direction create a visceral experience that harkens back to the franchise’s roots. The Xenomorphs are as terrifying as ever, and the film’s darker tone and increased gore set it apart from recent installments. The set design and cinematography effectively bridge the aesthetic gap between the earlier films, making Romulus feel like a genuine part of the Alien universe.
However, Romulus is not without its flaws. The plot, while engaging, suffers from pacing issues, particularly in the first act, which drags as it establishes the characters and their motivations. Some of the supporting characters, despite solid performances, lack depth, making it difficult to fully invest in their fates. Additionally, the film’s attempt to tie into the broader Alien mythology sometimes feels forced, with certain references feeling more like fan service than integral story elements.
Romulus doesn’t quite reach the same heights compared to the original Alien and Aliens. However, it stands firm against other entries in the franchise, notably the less successful Alien: Resurrection (1997) and Alien: Covenant (2017). For die-hard fans of the series, Romulus is a must-see on the big screen, offering a darker, more intense experience. Casual viewers might find more enjoyment in waiting for its home release. Overall, Alien: Romulus earns a solid 3.5 stars for its effort to revive the franchise with a fresh, albeit flawed, vision.
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