Alien : Romulus

The Alien franchise has always held a unique place in the annals of cinema history, thanks to its ability to blend horror, science fiction and action into a seamless, terrifying whole. The first Alien (1979), directed by Ridley Scott, and its action-packed sequel, Aliens (1986), directed by James Cameron, are widely regarded as two of the greatest films ever made, not only in their genre, but in cinema as a whole. Now, decades later, Alien: Romulus stands as a worthy successor to these classics, reviving the spirit of the franchise while forging its own identity. Directed by Fede Álvarez, a filmmaker known for his ability to evoke raw, unfiltered fear, Alien: Romulus is not only a return to form, but also a bold affirmation that the Alien saga still has plenty of life - and terror - left in it.

Fede Álvarez, with his experience in horror films and thrillers such as Evil Dead (2013) and Don't Breathe (2016), was perhaps the ideal choice to direct Alien: Romulus. Fede Álvarez brings a deep understanding of what makes horror effective: the power of atmosphere, the use of silence and sound, and the importance of building tension until it becomes almost unbearable. In Alien: Romulus, he uses these skills masterfully, creating a film that is as much psychological thriller as horror film. His direction shows a deep respect for the original films, particularly Ridley Scott's Alien, while infusing the story with fresh energy and new ideas.

From the very start of the film, Fede Álvarez plunges the audience into a world that is both familiar and new. The first scenes immediately set the tone, with the cold, industrial corridors of Jackson's Star mining colony evoking Alien's Nostromo. However, it's clear that this world has evolved. The colony is a place of oppression, where workers are trapped in a never-ending work cycle, under the watchful eye of the Weyland-Yutani corporation. The setting itself becomes a character in the film, with its dark, claustrophobic spaces, flickering lights and omnipresent sense of dread.

Set between the events of Alien and Aliens, Alien: Romulus forms a crucial link in the series' chronology, connecting the haunted house in space of Ridley Scott's original to the militarized action of Cameron's sequel. This time, however, the story centers on a group of young settlers desperate to escape their sinister reality. Rain Carradine, played with remarkable depth by Cailee Spaeny, is the film's protagonist. Rain is a young woman trapped in the unforgiving environment of Jackson's Star Colony, a place where the sun never shines and the only future seems to be endless toil in the mines.

Rain's only companion is Andy, a synthetic android played by David Jonsson, who is both his protector and his only family. Their relationship is at the heart of the film, providing an emotional anchor in the midst of the horror. Andy, who was programmed by Rain's late father, is more than just a machine; he's a character with his own story, struggling against the limits of his programming and his desire to protect Rain. The dynamic between Rain and Andy is beautifully handled, with tender moments that are all the more poignant for their bleak surroundings.

The plot kicks off when Rain and a group of colonists - Tyler (Archie Renaux), Kay (Isabela Merced), Bjorn (Spike Fearn) and Navarro (Aileen Wu) - decide to try a risky plan to escape their drab lives. They discover an abandoned Weyland-Yutani ship, the Romulus, floating near their colony. The group believes that the Romulus holds the key to their freedom, in particular the cryo-sleep chambers that could enable them to escape to a distant, sunnier planet. However, when they board the ship, they soon realize that it's not as abandoned as they'd hoped. What follows is a harrowing journey into the heart of darkness, during which the crew is confronted not only with the horrors of xenomorphs, but also with the terrifying legacy of the Weyland-Yutani society.

One of the most impressive aspects of Alien: Romulus is its ability to create and maintain tension. Fede Álvarez understands that true horror lies not in what you see, but in what you don't see. He uses light and shadow to create an atmosphere of constant dread, where every nook and cranny may conceal something deadly. The Romulus itself is a production marvel, with a retro-futuristic aesthetic that pays homage to the original films while still feeling alive and real. The ship's corridors are narrow and dimly lit, filled with the creaks and groans of aging machinery, adding to the sense of impending doom.

The film also excels in its pacing. Unlike some modern horror films that rely on a relentless barrage of alerts, Alien: Romulus takes its time, allowing the tension to build slowly but surely. When the scares come, they're all the more effective for having been carefully prepared. Fede Álvarez uses silence as a weapon, creating moments of calm that are punctuated by sudden, shocking explosions of violence. The result is a film that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, never knowing when the next horror will strike.

The xenomorphs, emblematic monsters of the franchise, are as terrifying as ever. Fede Álvarez wisely opts for a mix of practical effects and CGI, allowing the creatures to retain their physical presence and menace. Facehuggers, chestbursters and adult xenomorphs are all depicted with a level of detail and realism that makes them truly frightening. The practical effects, in particular, are remarkable, recalling the tactile horror of the original Alien. The creatures move with terrifying fluidity, each of their appearances heralding chaos and death.

While Alien: Romulus is undeniably a horror film, it's also a character-driven drama. The relationship between Rain and Andy is the emotional heart of the film, providing a stark contrast to the horror that surrounds them. Cailee Spaeny delivers a remarkable performance as Rain, capturing the character's vulnerability and strength. Rain is not a traditional action heroine; she's a young woman thrust into an impossible situation, forced to rely on her wits and determination to survive. Spaeny brings a rawness to the role that makes Rain's journey all the more compelling.

David Jonsson's portrayal of Andy is equally impressive. Andy is a character torn between his programming and his loyalty to Rain. As the film progresses, Andy's internal conflict becomes more pronounced, resulting in some of the film's most poignant moments. Jonsson manages to convey a range of emotions, from childlike innocence to cold, calculating logic, making Andy one of the most complex and interesting characters in the Alien franchise. His evolution over the course of the film is both heartbreaking and terrifying, as he grapples with the limits of his synthetic nature and the demands of his mission.

The supporting cast also shines, each bringing something unique to the ensemble. Tyler, played by Archie Renaux, is the de facto leader of the group, a character driven by the desire to protect his friends and escape the colony. Isabela Merced's Kay, Spike Fearn's Bjorn and Aileen Wu's Navarro each have their moment in the spotlight, adding depth to the group's dynamic. The film does an excellent job of making the audience care about these characters, which makes their fates all the more impactful. Unlike many horror films where characters exist only to be killed, Alien: Romulus ensures that each death resonates, adding to the film's overall sense of tragedy and loss.

Alien: Romulus is a film about survival, not just physical survival, but the survival of the human spirit in the face of insurmountable odds. The film explores the limits people are willing to cross to escape a life of misery, and the moral compromises they are prepared to make in the process. The Weyland-Yutani corporation, omnipresent in the Alien franchise, is depicted as the ultimate antagonist, a faceless entity that values profit over human life. The company's manipulation of the colonists, its exploitation of the mining colony and its cold, calculated approach to the xenomorphs are a brutal commentary on corporate greed and the dehumanization of workers.

The film also questions the nature of humanity itself, notably through the character of Andy. As a synthetic, Andy is designed to serve, to follow orders without question. However, his relationship with Rain forces him to confront his own limits and question his raison d'être. The film raises interesting questions about what it means to be human, and whether synthetic life forms can have human-like emotions and desires. Andy's journey is one of self-discovery, as he realizes that he may be more than just a machine.

Alien: Romulus is a visually stunning film. Galo Olivares, the film's cinematographer, creates a world that is both beautiful and terrifying. The use of light and shadow is particularly effective, with many scenes bathed in an eerie, otherworldly glow. The Romulus ship, with its retro design and eerie corridors, is a character in its own right, adding to the film's overall sense of dread. The film's practical effects are also first-rate, with the xenomorphs rendered in gruesome detail. Whether it's the slime-covered eggs, the creatures' sharp teeth or the gruesome deaths of the crew, every aspect of the film's visual design is meticulously crafted to enhance the horror.

The film's music, composed by Benjamin Wallfisch, is another remarkable element. Benjamin Wallfisch, known for his work on Blade Runner 2049 and It (a highly successful adaptation of a cult book by Stephen king), creates a soundtrack that is both haunting and atmospheric. The music perfectly complements the film's images, heightening the tension and adding to the overall sense of unease. Benjamin Wallfisch also incorporates elements of the original Alien score, paying homage to Jerry Goldsmith's iconic themes while adding his own touch. The result is a score that is both familiar and fresh, just like the film itself.

Alien: Romulus is full of nods to the history of the Alien franchise. Fede Álvarez and Rodo Sayagues have clearly done their homework, incorporating references to all the previous films in subtle and intelligent ways. Whether it's a line of dialogue, a visual cue or a piece of music, these winks are sure to delight long-time fans of the series. However, unlike some films that rely too heavily on nostalgia, Alien: Romulus uses these references to enhance the story rather than distract from it. The film stands on its own, offering a fresh take on the Alien mythos while honoring what has gone before.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Alien: Romulus is its willingness to explore new territory within the Alien universe. While the film is undeniably a horror movie, it also tackles themes of science fiction and existentialism, like Ridley Scott's prequels Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. However, Fede Álvarez manages to balance these elements more effectively, creating a film that is both intellectually stimulating and viscerally terrifying. Exploring the origins of the xenomorphs and their relationship with mankind adds depth to the story, making it much more than just a monster movie.

The final act of Alien: Romulus is simply exhilarating. Fede Álvarez pulls out all the stops to deliver a series of intense, captivating sequences that culminate in a thrilling conclusion. The film's action scenes are expertly choreographed, with a sense of scale and danger that rivals anything seen in the franchise to date. The confrontation between Rain and the xenomorphs is particularly memorable, showcasing Spaeny's ability to convey both fear and determination. The film's conclusion is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving the door open for future installments while bringing this chapter of the Alien saga to a fitting close.

With Alien: Romulus, Fede Álvarez has crafted a film that is not only a worthy addition to the Alien franchise, but elevates the series to new heights. With its captivating story, compelling characters and masterful blend of horror and science fiction, Alien: Romulus is a film that demands to be seen in IMAX. It stands proudly alongside Alien and Aliens as one of the best films in the series, proving that the Alien franchise is as relevant and terrifying as ever. For fans of the series and newcomers alike, Alien: Romulus is a must-see movie on the big screen, one that will leave you breathless, terrified and eager to find out what happens next.

Alien: Romulus
Directed by Fede Álvarez
Written by Fede Álvarez, Rodo Sayagues
Based on the characters of Dan O'Bannon, Ronald Shusett
Produced by Ridley Scottn Michael Prussn Walter Hill
With Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, Aileen Wu
Cinematography: Galo Olivares
Editing: Jake Roberts
Music: Benjamin Wallfisch
Production companies: Scott Free Productions, Brandywine Productions
Distributed by 20th Century Studios
Release dates: August 15, 2024 (EIFF), August 14, 2024 (France), August 16, 2024 (U.S.)
Running time: 119 minutes

Seen on August 13, 2024 at Gaumont Disney Village, Imax Room seat E19

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