Alien: Romulus – Review

Alien: Romulus is the latest installment in the Alien franchise, diving back into the chilling world of xenomorphs, distant planets, and corporate conspiracies. Directed by Fede Álvarez, this film aims to capture the tension and terror that made the original Alien a classic, while also adding new elements to the well-trodden universe.

After a series of mixed reactions to the recent films in the series, Alien: Romulus does manage to impress in parts. The film succeeds in creating an atmosphere of dread and suspense, reminiscent of the earlier entries. It’s dark, claustrophobic, and unsettling, with a few genuinely frightening moments that keep you on edge. The setting – a desolate, abandoned colony on a remote planet – works well to evoke a sense of isolation and impending doom.

However, despite these strengths, the film does not always maintain its grip. The plot is as predictable as it can get, with a straightforward narrative that lacks the twists and turns fans might hope for. The characters, while engaging at times, suffer from weak development. They’re often reduced to mere archetypes, which can make it hard to invest in their fates. The corporate conspiracy angle feels a bit overdone, without bringing anything fresh to the table.

What works for Alien: Romulus is its commitment to the horror roots of the franchise. The practical effects and creature design are impressive, and the use of shadows and sound heightens the tension. The film doesn’t shy away from gore and violence, delivering the visceral shocks fans expect. Yet, it’s the quieter, more suspenseful moments that truly shine, even if they don’t always lead to satisfying payoffs.

The cast delivers solid performances, with the lead actors managing to convey fear and desperation effectively. However, they are often let down by a script that fails to delve deeper into their characters’ motivations and backgrounds. The cinematography by Sean Bobbit captures the bleakness of the setting effectively, while the score by Laura Karpman is haunting and atmospheric, adding to the overall sense of unease.

In the end, Alien: Romulus is an average entry in the Alien franchise. It offers some thrills and chills, and if you’re a fan of the series, you might find enough here to enjoy. However, it lacks the innovation and depth that made the original film a classic, and its predictability may leave some viewers feeling unfulfilled.

ALIEN: ROMULUS – A SHADOW OF ITS FORMER SELF

2.5/5

B.U.Shreesha