Dir: Fede Álvarez
Studio: 20th Century Studios, Disney
Review by Robbie Fleming
Directed by Fede Álvarez, this 7th installment in the iconic Alien franchise has stirred up a lot of buzz—especially as it’s the first film in the series to be distributed by 20th Century Studios under Disney’s ownership. Set between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), Alien: Romulus introduces us to a group of young space colonists who stumble upon a derelict space station, only to find themselves face-to-face with a deadly xenomorph. The cast includes rising stars like Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.
The film has already garnered praise, with many calling it one of the best entries in the franchise. But does it truly live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and see if Alien: Romulus can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its legendary predecessors.
I appreciate how Alien: Romulus brings a refreshing twist to the franchise's formula. Instead of focusing on a mission-driven team like in previous films, this installment follows a band of misfits striving to escape their colony in search of a better life. For the first time since Aliens, all the main characters are interesting and distinct, thanks to their well-developed arcs and quirks. The references to both Prometheus (2012) and the original Alien further enrich the narrative, making it a strong continuation of the series.
The film's visuals are a major highlight, with phenomenal production design that makes Alien: Romulus visually stunning. The cinematography is exceptional, capturing eye-opening shots that elevate the film's aesthetic. I was particularly pleased to see that CGI was used sparingly and only when necessary, in contrast to many modern blockbusters that rely heavily on CGI and green screen backgrounds.
The sound design is also spectacular, effectively building tension throughout the film. Benjamin Wallfisch's score adds another layer of intensity, enhancing the overall tone and atmosphere.
I'm impressed with what Fede Álvarez achieved on a technical level, crafting a solid entry in the Alien franchise. However, I felt that the over-the-top gore and gross imagery were a bit excessive, giving the film more of an Evil Dead vibe. This element felt out of place for an Alien film and seemed to be included more for shock value than narrative necessity.
The cast of mostly unknown actors was well-suited to their roles, with Cailee Spaeny delivering a brilliant performance. After her standout roles in Priscilla (2024, UK) and Civil War (2024), Spaeny once again showcases her range, making her a compelling lead actress. However, it was David Jonsson who delivered the best performance of the film. As the android Andy, Jonsson channeled a similar energy to Michael Fassbender's David, giving a phenomenal performance that stands out as one of the best in the Alien franchise.
Overall, Alien: Romulus isn’t a perfect film, but it’s the saving grace this franchise has needed for a long time. Álvarez deserves credit for crafting an entertaining and thrilling adventure. While the overuse of gore slightly detracts from the experience, the screenplay, production design, cinematography, sound design, score, directing, and standout performances from Spaeny and Jonsson make it a fantastic entry in the Alien series.
I happily give Alien: Romulus a solid 9/10 and a 4.5 out of 5 stars, and I highly recommend it to all fans of the franchise.
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