Destined initially to a debut on Hulu (or the Disney-owned equivalent internationally), “Alien: Romulus” was switched to theatrical before it went into production.
In a time where Hollywood is making questionable decision after questionable decision, the powers that be made the right one here. Kudos to the shot callers at Disney’s 20th Century Studios for realizing what a home run “Alien: Romulus” is, and audiences need to experience it at least once in its natural environment. Allowing one of the best entries in the series to be the only “Alien” movie not to get a theatrical debut would have been unjust. It’s also a testimony to exactly how well director Fede Álvarez, who has previously helmed “Don’t Breathe” and “Evil Dead,” understood the assignment.
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Arriving on the big screen with the fanfare and support that the franchise crossover bedfellow and “Predator” prequel “Prey” deserved, when it comes to the timeline, “Alien: Romulus” sits between Ridley Scott’s original “Alien” and James Cameron’s “Aliens.” Delivering more of the core DNA of what made both those movies tick, a group of young space colonists comes face to face with the xenomorph when they leave to head into space to scavenge the contents of a derelict space station. Before too long, they are locked in a fight for survival and find themselves as bait. While “Alien: Romulus” takes a little time to really find its feet, once it does, it’s on. Despite others already spoiling the film by adding more to the synopsis than this, there are elements of the narrative that I’ll not mention or explore here. However, I will say what Álvarez and co-writer Rodo Sayagues do to pull the strings of the franchise together in a way that honors “Alien,” specifically, is innovative and very effective.
Understandably, some will balk at the idea of young people being the core team here, but it’s worth keeping that in perspective. “Civil War” star Cailee Spaeny, who kills in the principal role of Rain Carradine, is 26 years old. Sigourney Weaver was only 29 when she played Ripley for the first time. While following in Ripley’s franchise footsteps as a strong female lead character, Spaeny brings her own physicality to the table and commands your attention with an empowering performance that offers believable vulnerability and strength where required. It was absolutely the right creative call not to make Rain another version of Weaver’s iconic character, although there are obvious and unavoidable comparisons that can be drawn.
Joining the legacy of essential android characters in the franchise is Andy, played by “Rye Lane” star David Jonsson, Rain’s surrogate brother and programmed by her father to take care of her. Coming from a background in theater and TV shows such as “Industry,” “Alien: Romulus” is only his second feature, but, like Spaeny, his commanding performance draws you in and showcases a rollercoaster range from tender to intense. Also on the journey from colony to chaos is Archie Renaux from “Catherine Called Birdy” as Tyler, Isabela Merced (“Instant Family”) as Kay, Tyler’s sister, and Spike Fearn (“Aftersun”) as their cousin, Bjorn. Rounding out the main cast and making her feature debut is Aileen Wu, who plays the group’s pilot and Bjorn’s girlfriend, Rook. Together, the band of roughnecks and misfits, seeking purpose and a way out from a life of exploitation and corporate servitude, manage to pull off something that is all too rare in movies these days: connection. Because of that, when the drool and acid blood hits the fan or skin, or they become a human incubator for an alien lifeform, you care what happens for better or worse.
Cinematographer Galo Olivares captures a grimy, growing maleficence in Álvarez’s vision that he first showcased in “Gretel & Hansel” and plays with the darkness to colossal effect. Together, they create a claustrophobic and often intimate environment absent in several entries in the franchise. Benjamin Wallfisch’s score, as with his previous work on “Twisters” and the “It” films, brings depth, character, and an additional edge to the intense visuals, respecting and reflecting prior arrangements but adding something fresh. All of this is heightened by Jake Roberts’ sharp editing, especially in Álvarez’s perfectly executed set pieces.
Kudos also to Dane Hallett for his creature design. He’s no stranger to the xenomorph’s evolution, having previously worked on Scott’s “Alien: Covenant” and being a fan of the film series since seeing the original when he was eight. The titular aliens here, in every single one of the multiple forms taken, are as majestic as they are terrifying. Even in the final act, where some entries in the “Alien” franchise have failed, occasionally spectacularly missing the target, Hallett and the rest of the art team realize a ghoulish vision.
A monstrous return to form, similar to its placement in the timeline, “Alien: Romulus” nestles in the franchise’s top three podium position. The blood, sweat, and tears shed in bringing this vision to fruition weren’t in vain. [B+]