“Alien: Romulus” (2024)

Horror

Running time: 119 minutes

Written by: Fede Álvarez and Rodo Sayagues

Directed by: Fede Álvarez

Featuring: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn and Aileen Wu

Andy: “The solution for a claustrophobic astronaut is to give him more space.”

“Alien: Romulus” marks a triumphant return to the horror and sci-fi roots of the iconic Alien franchise. Director Fede Álvarez has crafted a thrilling and suspenseful film that manages to both pay homage to the series’ legacy while also carving out its own unique identity.

The film’s narrative, set between the events of the original Alien and Aliens, follows a group of young survivors from a desolate mining colony who embark on a perilous journey to a derelict space station. Their hopes of finding a better life quickly turn into a nightmare as they encounter a horrifying new Xenomorph variant.

Romulus excels in its atmosphere and tension. The desolate, claustrophobic setting of the space station is brilliantly realized, creating a constant sense of dread and unease. The Xenomorph design is both familiar and terrifying, with the creature’s predatory nature and grotesque appearance evoking a visceral sense of fear.

The performances are uniformly strong. Cailee Spaeny delivers a compelling performance as Rain, a resilient young woman who must overcome her fears to protect her friends. David Jonsson is equally impressive as Andy, a loyal android with a complex relationship to his human companions.

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to balance horror and character development. While the Xenomorph threat is always present, the film also takes the time to explore the relationships between the characters, giving them depth and humanity. This ensures that the audience is invested in their survival and the stakes feel genuinely high.

“Alien: Romulus”is a must-see for fans of the Alien franchise and horror fans in general. It’s a film that delivers on every level, offering a thrilling, suspenseful, and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

While the film’s surface-level appeal lies in its horror and action elements, ”Alien: Romulus”also offers a rich tapestry of themes that delve into the nature of humanity, technology, and the dangers of unchecked corporate greed.

Humanity and Survival: The film’s central conflict revolves around the survivors’ struggle to stay alive in a hostile environment. This theme echoes the original Alien, where the crew of the Nostromo were forced to confront their own mortality and the fragility of human existence. However, Romulus takes this theme a step further by exploring the psychological toll of isolation and the lengths to which humans will go to protect themselves.

Technology and Alienation: The film also examines the relationship between humans and technology. The androids in Romulus, particularly Andy, serve as a constant reminder of the limitations of human ingenuity and the potential dangers of artificial intelligence. This theme is particularly relevant in today’s world, where technology is becoming increasingly integrated into our lives.

Corporate Greed and Exploitation: The film’s setting, a derelict space station, is a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked corporate greed. The mining colony that the survivors came from was likely exploited by a powerful corporation, leaving them vulnerable to the dangers of the alien world. This theme is a timely one, as it reflects the real-world issues of corporate accountability and environmental exploitation.

“Alien: Romulus”is a worthy addition to the Alien franchise, offering a fresh take on the series’ classic themes while remaining true to its roots. Here’s a comparative analysis of the two films:

Similarities:

• Xenomorph Threat: Both films center around the terrifying threat posed by the Xenomorph. The creature’s design and behavior remain consistent, ensuring a sense of familiarity for fans of the series.
• Isolation and Survival: The characters in both films are trapped in isolated environments and must fight for their survival against overwhelming odds. This creates a sense of tension and dread that is central to the Alien franchise.
• Themes of Humanity and Technology: Both films explore the relationship between humans and technology, with the androids serving as a constant reminder of the limitations of human ingenuity.

Differences:

• Time Period: Romulus is set between the events of the original Alien and Aliens, allowing for a more expansive exploration of the franchise’s universe.
• Character Dynamics: While the original Alien focused on a crew of seasoned professionals, Romulus features a group of young survivors. This shift in perspective offers a different take on the human response to the Xenomorph threat.
• Tone: Romulus leans more heavily into the horror elements, with a darker and more atmospheric tone than the original film.

“Alien: Romulus”is a successful sequel that manages to both honor the legacy of the original Alien and carve out its own unique identity. By exploring familiar themes in new and exciting ways, the film delivers a thrilling and thought-provoking cinematic experience that will satisfy both long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise.