Alien: Romulus Review: A Return to the Terrifying Roots of the Franchise
(Originally written on cafecrashdown.com)
The latest installment in the Alien franchise, Alien: Romulus, delivers a heart-pounding return to the horror roots that made the series iconic. Directed by the master of tension, Fede Álvarez, this film reintroduces the sheer terror that fans of the original Alien have been craving. With its spine-chilling atmosphere, unrelenting suspense, and an ensemble cast that brings the nightmare to life, Alien: Romulus is a thrilling ride for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Fede Álvarez: The Right Director for the Job
When it was announced that Fede Álvarez would be directing Alien: Romulus, horror aficionados rejoiced. Known for his visceral, no-holds-barred approach in the Evil Dead remake, Álvarez has a reputation for creating films that leave audiences on the edge of their seats. In Alien: Romulus, he brings his signature style to the Alien universe, crafting a film that is as terrifying as it is visually stunning.
Álvarez doesn’t just rely on jump scares; he builds an atmosphere so thick with dread that you can almost feel it in the air. His ability to evoke primal fear is unmatched, making Alien: Romulus one of the most intense entries in the franchise. The Xenomorphs, once again, are creatures of pure nightmare fuel, reminiscent of their terrifying debut in 1979 but with a modern twist that makes them even more horrifying.
A Critique of Capitalism Amidst the Horror
Beyond the blood and gore, Alien: Romulus delves into deeper themes, much like its predecessors. The true antagonist isn’t just the Xenomorphs, but the Weyland-Yutani Corporation—a faceless, profit-driven entity that sacrifices human lives for its own gain. Álvarez amplifies this critique of capitalism, highlighting the corporation’s cold indifference to human suffering. This thematic layer adds a chilling realism to the film, reminding us that the real monsters may not be extraterrestrial after all.
Stellar Performances: A Cast That Shines
The cast of Alien: Romulus brings both depth and relatability to their roles, making the horror all the more impactful. Cailee Spaeny takes on the lead role as Rain, an indentured worker struggling to survive on a Weyland-Yutani colony. Her character is tough, resourceful, and evokes memories of Ellen Ripley, the iconic heroine of the original series. However, it’s David Jonsson who truly steals the show as Andy, Rain’s synthetic ‘brother.’
Andy is unlike any android we’ve seen in the Alien franchise. Programmed to care for Rain, he provides moments of levity through his endearing, cheesy dad jokes—adding a surprising warmth to the otherwise grim narrative. But don’t be fooled; Jonsson’s portrayal of Andy is layered, revealing a darker side as the story unfolds, which adds a fascinating complexity to his character.
Sound Design That Immerses You in Terror
One of the standout aspects of Alien: Romulus is its impeccable sound design. The team behind the audio deserves high praise for creating an auditory experience that enhances the film’s terror. The screeches of the Xenomorphs, the unsettling silence before an attack, and the visceral sounds of the creature’s acid blood cutting through metal are all masterfully crafted to keep you on edge. Complementing this is Benjamin Wallfisch’s score, which pays homage to the original Alien while introducing fresh elements that keep your heart racing throughout the film.
Watching Alien: Romulus in a theater is an experience in itself. The sound design is so immersive that you feel like you’re part of the doomed crew, trapped in a cold, metallic nightmare. Every sound, every note, is designed to pull you deeper into the terror, making it one of the most memorable horror experiences in recent years.
Characters That Feel Real
What sets Alien: Romulus apart from many modern horror films is its character development. Álvarez and co-writer Rodo Sayagues have crafted a cast of characters that feel real, relatable, and vulnerable. Rain and her crew aren’t soldiers or heroes—they’re ordinary people trying to make a living, caught in a situation far beyond their control. This focus on blue-collar workers echoes the original Alien and heightens the stakes, making the horror all the more personal.
As the film progresses, you can’t help but care for these characters, which makes their inevitable encounters with the Xenomorphs even more harrowing. The first act of the movie is dedicated to building this connection, allowing the audience to invest emotionally before the terror truly begins.
A Climax That Almost Delivers
While Alien: Romulus excels in many areas, its climax leaves something to be desired. The final act of the film leans heavily on fan service, with several scenes that feel like direct callbacks to earlier entries in the franchise. While these moments may delight longtime fans, they also detract from the originality that the first half of the film so brilliantly establishes. The ending, while satisfying in its own right, feels a bit too familiar, as if the film is trying to remind us of past glories rather than forging its own path.
Despite this slight misstep, Alien: Romulus is a must-see for fans of the franchise. Álvarez has successfully resurrected the horror elements that made Alien a classic, while also introducing new characters and themes that breathe fresh life into the series.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch for Horror Fans
Alien: Romulus is a thrilling return to form for the Alien franchise. With its intense atmosphere, stellar performances, and a director who understands how to evoke true terror, this film is a worthy addition to the series. While it may stumble slightly in its final act, the journey there is more than worth it. If you’re a fan of sci-fi horror, Alien: Romulus is a film you won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re watching it for the terrifying Xenomorphs, the critique of corporate greed, or the brilliant sound design, Alien: Romulus offers something for every horror enthusiast. Grab your popcorn, turn off the lights, and prepare for a ride that will leave you sleeping with the lights on.
