4.0 out of 5 star rating
As a movie buff with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that Alien: Romulus has certainly managed to carve out its own niche among the pantheon of Alien films. With its gritty realism and well-crafted characters, it’s reminiscent of the original two masterpieces but with a fresh, modern twist. Cailee Spaeny’s performance as Rain is simply outstanding, and her chemistry with David Jonsson’s Andy is palpable.
Opening a film franchise with two true masterpieces right off the bat can set an extremely high standard, making it challenging for future installments to maintain the same level of impact and originality.
As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, there’s no debate when it comes to the Alien films – while some of the later installments in the series have their loyal supporters (I must confess I hold a soft spot for Alien: Covenant), none have received the widespread praise that Ridley Scott’s Alien and James Cameron’s Aliens enjoy.
As a die-hard horror fan who grew up watching classic films like “Evil Dead” and “Don’t Breathe,” I can confidently say that Fede Álvarez has once again proven his prowess in reimagining iconic horror properties. With his latest film hitting cinemas this week, I’m eager to see if the curse of remakes has finally been broken. After all, as a moviegoer who has seen numerous failed attempts at updating horror classics, it’s refreshing to have someone like Álvarez bring new life to these beloved stories. Fingers crossed that this film is another success for him!
Without a doubt, Alien: Romulus stands out as one of the most remarkable new additions to the franchise since Aliens from 1986. It’s a skillfully directed movie that delivers thrills, has the right amount of gruesome moments, and is supported by excellent performances from its young actors. Cailee Spaeny’s captivating portrayal in the lead role, reminiscent of Sigourney Weaver, steals the show, while David Jonsson from Industry impresses as her adopted brother, a synthetic human named Andy.
Our primary characters are initially introduced on Jackson’s Star, a bustling and densely populated mining colony shrouded in smog. Here, they all work in physically demanding roles. At the point when we encounter them (falling between the happenings of the two initial movies), Rain (Spaeny) is readying to celebrate her release from the colony. However, right as she submits her application for departure, she receives a harsh notification that her time there has been unexpectedly prolonged.
And so, suddenly, a plan proposed by her more rebellious colleagues – to steal cryo-chambers from an abandoned space station so they can mount an escape to a distant planet – feels like an irresistible proposition.
Of course, such a mission is hardly likely to be plain-sailing, and the problems pile up almost instantly. An early cause of conflict is the tension between Andy and one of the group, Bjorn (Spike Fearn), due to the latter’s vocal distaste for synthetics. Then we learn that another of the crew, Kay (Isabela Merced), is pregnant (you don’t need to be a scholar of Chekhov to work out that that will come into play later on). And then, of course, there are the xenomorphs – facehuggers, chestbursters and all the rest of it – who don’t take long to make their presence known.
Álvarez has skillfully constructed a movie that echoes the traditional imagery of the franchise and incorporates some of the most memorable elements from past installments, resulting in a film that at times feels like an affectionate homage to the series. Familiar deaths resurface, classic lines are humorously reimagined, and the storyline references and expands upon earlier mythology. The film’s retro-futuristic style, vividly realized with attention to detail, is evidently influenced by the first two films in the franchise.
Alverez’s evident respect for the past is both a virtue and potentially Alien: Covenant’s major weakness, as its constant efforts to honor the original films prevent it from truly rivaling them in terms of innovation or originality.
The affection for reminiscing about past times is also responsible for what could be considered the movie’s most questionable decision: the somewhat eerie resurrection of an actor who passed away from one of the earlier films, whose image is utilized to create a significant new character. The ethical implications of this choice will likely spark debates, and it’s difficult to ignore the slightly uncomfortable feeling it leaves behind.
Though Alien: Romulus undeniably carries a strong resemblance to its predecessors, it’s important not to dismiss the fact that it harbors original thoughts of its own. Granted, they might not reach the grandeur of the philosophical quandaries Ridley Scott tackled in his thought-provoking prequels, Prometheus and Covenant.
As a longtime fan of science fiction who has spent countless hours immersed in tales of futuristic societies and artificial intelligences, I find the upcoming film that explores the unique dynamic between humans and synthetics particularly intriguing. Not only does it introduce a fraternal bond between the two species, but it also delves into thought-provoking themes concerning the potential for humanity to be enhanced through biohacking.
In addition to numerous skillfully performed action scenes primarily utilizing practical effects, there’s a particularly impressive zero-gravity set piece that stands out. For those who might find traditional elements like face-hugging and chest-bursting less thrilling, the director has prepared an extraordinary, terrifying twist for the climax – a scary moment in an Alien film not seen for quite a while.
In essence, this production largely adopts a fundamental strategy, with some minor flaws, yet effectively creates a suspenseful and captivating show that appeals to both longtime fans and fresh audience members of the series. At the moment, it appears challenging for any future installment to achieve the revolutionary status of Alien and Aliens; however, this is an above-average attempt.
Alien: Romulus is releases in UK cinemas on Friday 16th August 2024.
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2024-08-14 22:34