Alien: Romulus (2024) Review

In 2013, the first feature film by director Fede Alvarez was released: ‘Evil Dead,’ a reboot of the gloriously gory Sam Raimi series. While some found it lacked the humour the franchise was known for- and most missed Bruce Campbell’s demon-killing badass Ash Williams- it was a bloody good film, paying homage to Raimi’s original three, while standing on its own two feet. It seemed Alvarez was a new master of the macabre; a notion his next film, the claustrophobic ‘Don’t Breathe,’ compounded.

Having helmed a great new addition to a beloved franchise, and having proved himself adept at making grisly, tense features, Alvarez is the perfect choice to direct an ‘Alien’ film. ‘Alien: Romulus,’ set between the events of Ridley Scott’s first ‘Alien’ and James Cameron’s ‘Aliens,’ centres on a group of space colonists who come upon a derelict space station languishing amidst the stars. Intending to scavenge, they board, only to realize the station isn’t really abandoned; and that which occupies it has murder on its xenomorphian mind.

It is a gripping horror, a worthy companion piece to Scott’s brilliant original. Whether or not you loved Cameron’s blockbuster ‘Aliens,’ its success ensured that all of the succeeding movies in the franchise have been focused more on action rather than dread, on spectacle rather than horror. Although Alvarez has time for action- the latter half of the picture contains some excellent fight scenes, especially one in zero gravity- ‘Alien: Romulus’ shares the same tone of foreboding menace as the original.

The xenomorphs are to be feared in Alvarez’s film. They are not easily annihilated by myriads of weapons or exosuits. Similarly, the main character, Rain Carradine, is not an alien-killing-machine like Cameron’s version of Ripley was. Rather, she is more like Ripley in her first cinematic outing: terrified, overwhelmed and in constant danger. She is a great conduit for the audience, as the film takes viewers on a journey into fear, in the confines of space; where no-one can hear you scream.

Alvarez and co-writer Rodo Sayagues craft a tale both engaging and frightening, though a cynical critic might suggest their characterisation is a bit cliched. The supporting characters are particularly ill-served; some are little more than cardboard cut-outs- especially Bjorn, a needlessly aggressive chap whose characterisation seems to have come straight from the pages of a Dummies Guidebook for Assholery. However, Rain and Andy- her synthetic companion- are compelling: one cares for them.

The production design- headed by Naaman Marshall- is immersive and atmospheric, while the efficacious use of both special and practical effects generates many chills and thrills. Alvarez cleverly hired various set designers and decorators, as well as model makers and special effects crew, who worked on previous films in the series. Every location looks like it could have been used in the first movie, while the xenomorphs and other creatures look like they came straight from a HR Giger nightmare.

Furthermore, director of photography Galo Olivares does sterling work under Alvarez’s direction. The cinematography is striking and headily evocative. Their use of light and shadow is particularly effective at generating tension and intrigue, while irregular angles are utilised to further the film’s suspenseful atmosphere. Further, they juxtapose the vastness of space with the cramped interiors of the station, generating the palpably anxious fear that made the franchise’s first entry so memorable.

In addition, they shoot the pulse-pounding action masterfully, leaving viewers on the edge of their seat throughout the film’s two-hour runtime- which goes by swiftly, thanks to the fastidious editing from Alvarez and Jake Roberts. Furthermore, Benjamin Wallfisch’s score is creepily unsettling, compounding the film’s horror and heightening its apprehensive, unpredictable mood.

Cailee Spaeny stars as Rain, delivering a sturdy performance that echoes Sigourney Weaver’s as Ripley, though is in no way derivative of Weaver’s work. She makes Rain compelling, and is difficult not to root for. As Andy, David Jonsson is brilliant, bringing a humanity to the role that is quite affecting- especially considering he isn’t technically human. His relationship with Spaeny is the heart of the film; the two demonstrate a fine chemistry.

Moreover, Archie Renaux does fine work as the leader of the boarding party, while Daniel Betts- with the help of CGI- is terrific, playing Rook, a science officer fans of the original will immediately recognise. Isabela Merced and Aileen Wu both also impress in smaller roles, though, conversely, Spike Fearn is incredibly irritating as Bjorn- although, since the character was surely written to be irritating, in a way, he fulfilled his brief more than adequately.

In summation, Fede Alvarez’s ‘Alien: Romulus’ is a fast-paced, frenetic entry in the ‘Alien’ franchise that acts as a homage to Ridley Scott’s original, while making its own mark cinematically. Boasting a gripping narrative filled with chills and thrills, as well as striking cinematography and a stirring score, it fires on all cylinders. Well-edited and strongly acted, it is a terrific film, that boldly goes in new directions, while honouring where it came from.