While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station on a distant planet, a group of young space colonists come fact to face with the most terrifying life form in the entire universe, turning their initial mission into a race for survival. With limited resources and rising tensions, the group must outsmart the deadly life form before they become victims. Alien Romulus is a fairly entertaining and visually pleasing flick, but ultimately the limited character development may hold it back from being award worthy. It’s worth noting that Alien Romulus is currently streaming on Disney+.

Director: Fede Alvarez
Writers: Fede Alvarez, Dan O’Bannon, Ronald Shusett
Starring: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Spike Fearn, Isabela Merced, Aileen Wu

Directed by Fede Alvarez and released in the summer of 2024, Alien Romulus is set in the year 2142, positioning it twenty years after the events of the original Alien 1 (1979) picture, and thirty-seven years before Aliens (1986). This places Alien Romulus somewhere in between the first and second instalments of the infamous Alien franchise, bridging the gap between the prequel and sequel films.

One of the primary strengths of Alien Rolulus would have to be the cinematography on display. Aesthetically, the filmmakers manage to use some amazing special effects and extremely detailed costume and set designs to create an authentic feel. As well as this, the mixture of dark, atmospheric lighting and sounds, realistic props, and smooth effects make everything feel real and intense.

With the strengths, however, come some weaknesses. The flick throws several key characters into the mix, with none of which managing to connect correctly with the audience due to extremely limited development and a lack of emotional depth. There overall decision-making skills also came across as frustrating and illogical, making it hard to gain any form of emotional attachment throughout the almost one-hundred and twenty minute runtime.

In terms of the cast, Cailee Spaeny spearheaded the majority of scenes, portraying Rain Carradine, while support spawned in from various angles, with David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Spike Fearn, Isabela Merced and Aileen Wu adopting key support roles. There was also an appearance from the character Rook, who appeared in Alien 1 (1979) – this was done by using advanced technology such as CGI to recreate his appearance and voice, as the actor that played Rook, Ian Holm, passed away in 2020.

Ultimately, Alien Romulus may not have been the perfect Sci-Fi flick and certainly not one of the finest in the Alien franchise, but it’s easy on the eye visuals and somewhat engaging action sequences make for an entertaining viewing. It’s also worth noting that Alien 1 (1979), Prometheus (2012) and Alien Covenant (2017) have been reviewed on the website, with Aliens (1986), Alien 3 (1992) and Alien Resurrection to follow in the coming months.

“I can’t lie about your chances. But you have my sympathies.”

Rook – Alien Romulus