Rated: MA15+
My Rating: 8/10
The Alien franchise is a staple of modern science fiction
and horror cinema, with its dark, atmospheric storytelling and unsettling
exploration of human survival in the face of extraterrestrial threats. Over the
years, the series has evolved yet has always maintained a core identity rooted
in suspense, horror, and the primal fear of the unknown. With the release of
Alien: Romulus, a fresh entry into this iconic universe, director Fede Álvarez
has delivered a film that captures the essence of the early Alien films, while
also pushing the franchise forward in a bold and exciting way.
This latest addition to the Alien universe is not only a
thrilling ride but a testament to the power of craftsmanship in filmmaking.
From its sound design to its performances, Alien: Romulus is a standout entry
in the series that blends modern sensibilities with a deep respect for the
roots of the franchise. The film’s careful use of practical effects and
puppetry evokes the classic feel of the early Alien films, making it a truly
immersive experience that both Honors the past and paves the way for future
Alien stories. Let’s dive into the film’s core elements and explore why this
film is an exhilarating return to form.
One of the most striking elements of Alien: Romulus is its
sound design. Sound has always been a crucial part of the Alien franchise, with
the original 1979 film using minimalism and subtlety to build tension. Here,
Álvarez and his team have carried on this legacy, creating a world where every
creak of a ship, every distant rumble, and every alien noise is amplified to
put the viewer on edge. This is a film that knows how to use sound to evoke
fear. The use of silence is just as effective as the loud, jarring noises of an
alien encounter. There’s a constant sense of anticipation, as if the creatures
lurking in the shadows could strike at any moment, and it’s through sound that
this tension is built and maintained.
Everything in Alien: Romulus makes a sound, and that detail
is not only crucial in creating an immersive experience, but it’s also
essential in crafting the atmosphere of dread that pervades the film. From the
metallic hum of the ship to the sound of the alien’s footsteps echoing through
darkened hallways, each noise serves to heighten the film’s visceral
experience. The sound design is flawless in its execution, and it plays a huge
role in pulling the audience into the world of Alien: Romulus. The decision to
focus on the minute details, the smaller creaks, whispers, and mechanical
noises, grounds the film in a reality that feels all too familiar, while also
heightening the surreal and terrifying nature of the film’s events.
Another standout element of Alien: Romulus is its use of
old-school techniques to bring the creatures and environments to life. In an
era where CGI often dominates the visual landscape of blockbusters, it’s
refreshing to see Alien: Romulus return to practical effects and puppeteering.
The decision to use practical effects for the aliens and other elements of the
film adds a tactile, physical presence to the creatures that is sorely missing
in many modern films. There’s something uniquely terrifying about seeing a
creature that has been meticulously crafted and manipulated by skilled
puppeteers, as it creates a sense of weight and realism that CGI often
struggles to capture.
The aliens in Alien: Romulus feel real, tangible, and
frightening in a way that reminds audiences of the first few Alien films, where
the creatures were menacing in part because they were so physically present.
The haunting sound of the xenomorph’s hiss and the ominous clicking of its
claws on the floor are paired with a creature that feels real enough to reach
out and grab you. The film’s commitment to practical effects adds a certain
rawness to the creature design that enhances the tension and terror.
This return to practical effects doesn’t just extend to the
alien creatures, but also to the film's set design and atmosphere. The
dilapidated space stations, claustrophobic corridors, and dark, dreary
landscapes all contribute to the feeling that the crew is trapped in a hostile
environment. It’s a tactile world, where the walls feel real and the danger
feels imminent. By using practical effects, Alien: Romulus achieves a sense of
physicality that heightens the film’s horror.
At the heart of Alien: Romulus is a cast of characters whose
performances elevate the material, giving the film emotional depth amidst the
chaos. Leading the way is Cailee Spaeny, who plays the central protagonist of
the story. Spaeny brings a youthful energy and vitality to the film, imbuing
her character with a sense of urgency and fear that feels both genuine and
relatable. Her performance is an anchor in the midst of the tension and terror,
and she does an excellent job of portraying a character who is thrust into a
nightmarish situation without the experience or tools to handle it. Spaeny’s
ability to bring energy and emotion to her character adds a layer of depth to
the film that might otherwise have been missing. Her performance is key to the
success of the film and provides a refreshing contrast to the darker, more
cynical moments of the story.
Alongside Spaeny is David Jonsson, who plays a character
whose quiet empathy becomes one of the film’s most powerful aspects. Jonsson’s
portrayal of his character is subtle yet deeply moving. His character is not
just a passive bystander in the story, but someone who, through small gestures
and moments of kindness, becomes someone the audience roots for. Jonsson excels
in his ability to convey deep emotions through minimal dialogue, allowing his
empathy and connection with the other characters to shine through in his
performance. His character’s growth throughout the film is one of the film’s
most satisfying narrative arcs. He’s a beacon of humanity amidst the horror,
and his presence is vital to the emotional core of the story.
The chemistry between Spaeny and Jonsson is palpable, and
their performances elevate the stakes of the film. They bring an emotional
resonance to the story that adds weight to the moments of terror. In a
franchise often defined by its larger-than-life threats, it’s refreshing to see
characters who feel grounded, making the stakes all the more dire.
While Alien: Romulus is firmly rooted in the established
lore of the Alien franchise, it manages to carve out its own unique space
within the universe. The film’s visual style evokes the early Alien films, with
dark, industrial settings and a focus on the claustrophobic horror of being
trapped in an isolated environment. The slow-burn tension, punctuated by
moments of intense violence, is reminiscent of Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic, but
Álvarez injects the film with his own sensibilities, creating a fresh take on
the material while respecting its legacy.
The film also explores themes of survival, human
vulnerability, and the psychological toll of facing an unimaginable threat.
These are ideas that have always been at the heart of the Alien franchise, and
Alien: Romulus tackles them with the same intensity and gravitas. The horrors
the characters face are not just physical, but psychological, as the film
delves into the emotional and mental toll of being hunted by a creature that is
both relentless and intelligent.
The pacing of the film is carefully measured, with moments
of tension building into full-blown horror, and the action scenes are tightly
choreographed and visceral. The combination of old-school practical effects and
modern filmmaking techniques creates a movie that feels both familiar and new.
It’s a love letter to the Alien films of old, while also a bold step forward
for the franchise.
Alien: Romulus is a fantastic film that successfully blends
the best elements of the franchise’s past with fresh, modern filmmaking
techniques. The performances are strong, particularly from Cailee Spaeny and
David Jonsson, whose chemistry brings a human heart to the otherwise terrifying
narrative. The sound design is impeccable, drawing the viewer into the film’s
immersive world, while the practical effects and puppetry give the aliens a
physicality that modern CGI often lacks.
This is a film that does justice to the legacy of Alien
while also charting a new path for the series, and it’s a must-see for fans of
the franchise. I wholeheartedly recommend seeing Alien: Romulus in theaters to
experience its true immersive qualities—both the sound and visual elements are
designed to be experienced on the big screen. With a solid performance, a
commitment to practical effects, and a gripping story, Alien: Romulus stands as
one of the strongest entries in the Alien series. That’s why I rate this film an
8/10
All images and videos are owned by 20th Century Studios and Walt Disney Pictures
In Cinemas 16th of August 2024