2024-08-13 22:15:00
On hold since 2017, the iconic science fiction franchise was in urgent need of redemption. A rebirth that it has placed in the hands of director Fede Alvarez, at the helm of Alien: Romulus, in theaters this Wednesday, August 14.
A new installment that attempts to revitalize a moribund franchise by moving away from the excessive stakes of Prometheus and Covenant, in order to better recall its horrific and deeply human DNA. Here’s our review, guaranteed spoiler-free.
The Story of the Film
A team of young space colonists explores the depths of an abandoned space station. It is there that they are confronted with the most terrifying creatures of the universe.
Alien: Romulus releases on August 14 in theaters. © 20th Century Studios
Our Review
In 45 years of existence, the Alien franchise has demonstrated its versatility, moving from claustrophobic horror with Alien, the Eighth Passenger (1979) to war films with Aliens (James Cameron, 1986), through prison thrillers (Alien 3 in 1992), grotesque monster films (Alien: Resurrection in 1997), and biblical blockbusters (Prometheus, 2012).
Seven years after the disappointing Alien: Covenant, the saga has entrusted the reins of its future to Uruguayan director Fede Álvarez, known for clever productions (Don’t Breathe) and franchise resurrections (the 2013 remake of Evil Dead). And the gamble has paid off: with a sense of spectacle, renewed archetypes, and rediscovered horror, his proposal works wonderfully.
Cailee Spaeny in Alien: Romulus. © 20th Century Studios
Gone are the crews of scientists, the massive ships, and intergalactic travels: this Alien: Romulus chooses to scale down its drama and focus on a group of outcasts in search of freedom. A more modest starting point that takes the time to develop endearing heroes who would feel more at home in Blade Runner.
Fede Alvarez embraces his return to the roots by placing his story in the familiar setting of an abandoned space station, in order to develop a stifling claustrophobia akin to the original Alien. But far from offering an unacknowledged remake, he does not forget to enrich his reference with more contemporary inspirations.
Romulus thus adopts a more video game-like structure, heavily referencing the brilliant game Alien: Isolation (released in 2014) and its feverish exploration, where each room presents new challenges, brilliantly staged here. The film also digs into horror dimensions like never seen in the franchise before.
David Jonsson in Alien: Romulus. © 20th Century Studios
Alien: Romulus thus marks a true return to the spirit of the original designs by H.R. Giger (Swiss artist known for the biomechanical aesthetic of the saga). Organic, sexual, bloody, and disturbingly well done: the creatures in the film are particularly successful, revealing repulsive facets that we only imagined before.
From the slimy sets to the anxiety-inducing sound ambiance, through atmospheric photography and the very “Jerry Goldsmith”-like musical tones of Benjamin Wallfisch (Blade Runner 2049), Alien: Romulus is truly a feast for the senses. It has been a long time since the Xenomorph’s universe was this potent, vibrant, and distressing.
Isabela Merced in Alien: Romulus. © 20th Century Studios
It must be said that after several disappointing installments, it is pleasing to see the Alien saga back at this level of quality, even if the performance is far from perfect. While the film aims to be (relatively) detached from the other episodes of the franchise, it happily plays the fan-service card – from memorable characters to cult punchlines – sometimes a bit too gratuitously.
Alien: Romulus also does not avoid the very programmatic aspect of its narrative. Thus, the film remains a successful variation but does not break the tired mold of the franchise. In this regard, we regret a rather improbable final act, and a handful of themes sketched (maternity, free will…) that are unfortunately under-explored.
Regardless of these flaws, Alien: Romulus has won our hearts as fans through its crazy beauty, excellent ideas, and unbroken tension. The Xenomorph is indeed back, and it feels good.
Alien: Romulus releases in theaters on August 14, 2024.
- Watch the movie trailer:
The Future of Sci-Fi Franchises: Lessons from *Alien: Romulus*
The revival of iconic franchises like *Alien* highlights a growing trend in the film industry: the emphasis on smaller-scale, character-driven narratives rooted in horror and suspense. Following the lead of *Alien: Romulus*, filmmakers are increasingly sidestepping grandiose plots in favor of intimate settings that heighten tension and explore human resilience.
Shift Toward Character Depth
As demonstrated by Fede Alvarez’s direction, there’s a notable shift towards developing relatable characters who face personal struggles amidst extraterrestrial chaos. This focus on character-driven storytelling allows filmmakers to engage audiences on a more emotional level, fostering a deeper connection with the story. Future sci-fi films may embrace this framework, showcasing the vulnerability and humanity of characters as they navigate otherworldly challenges.
Return to Horror Roots
The horror elements in *Alien: Romulus* signify a trend that may become prevalent in upcoming sci-fi entries. By blending genres, filmmakers can create suspenseful atmospheres reminiscent of early horror classics while exploring new themes. This approach invites opportunities for innovative storytelling techniques, as creators experiment with the psychological facets of fear and survival in a sci-fi context.
Visual and Auditory Experience
The production values in *Romulus* set a new benchmark with its atmospheric visuals and sound design. This trend emphasizes the importance of immersive experiences, making the horror tangible through carefully crafted environments. It’s likely that future projects will focus on enhancing audience engagement through multi-sensory storytelling, thereby ensuring the emotional impacts resonate long after viewing.
Exploration of Contemporary Themes
Although *Alien: Romulus* touches on themes such as motherhood and free will, they could be explored more profoundly. Future sci-fi films may delve deeper into societal issues, using the genre as a lens to examine current human dilemmas. By integrating contemporary themes, creators can craft narratives that not only entertain but also provoke thoughtful discourse among audiences.
Franchise Revivals and Fan Service
The balance between nostalgia and fresh storytelling will remain critical. While allusions to previous installments can delight long-time fans, the challenge lies in innovating without relying solely on past successes. The future of franchise films may hinge on the ability to blend beloved legacy elements with new, original content that revitalizes the series for a modern audience.