Confession time: I haven’t been a fan of Fede Álvarez’s horror style for quite a while. His previous works, such as the gruesome Evil Dead reboot and the blood-soaked Texas Chainsaw Massacre, were just too intense for my taste. The bleakness and despair he portrays in his films, with little hope for the characters, really turned me off from his work. So, when I heard he was taking on the Alien franchise with Romulus, I was filled with dread, despite my love for the series.
However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Álvarez’s dark and violent approach actually suited the Alien universe quite well. His portrayal of the inhuman corporation exploiting human suffering for profit aligned perfectly with the franchise’s underlying message. While the film lacked the presence of Ripley, it featured a host of iconic extraterrestrial creatures that fans will appreciate.
The ensemble cast, led by Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, did a commendable job in bringing the characters to life. The setup of a heist gone wrong in deep space added an interesting twist to the familiar Alien formula. Despite some elements feeling like a nod to past films in the series, the first half of Romulus effectively blended Álvarez’s horror style with the established Alien lore.
The immersive sound design and stunning visuals made Romulus a truly terrifying experience, with the monsters rendered in exquisite detail. However, the film lost its momentum in the final act, succumbing to too many callbacks and fan service moments. Overall, Alien: Romulus is a solid addition to the franchise, with some standout performances and chilling moments, even if it falls short in its conclusion.