As a fan of the Alien franchise, I had been eagerly anticipating the release of Alien: Romulus. After watching it, I can confidently say that this film is a perfect blend of nostalgia and freshness. Fans of the franchise are going to have fun with it. I knew right from the start that this movie would deliver. When I heard that there was going to be a new Alien movie, I nearly lost my mind. I consider the first Alien one of my favorite movies of all time. It was one of the foundational movies that led to my love of the horror genre and the type of stories that can be delivered. Fede Alvarez won me over with his previous two films, Don't Breathe and Evil Dead. With Ridley Scott's approval and handoff, I knew this movie would be in the right hands. Alien: Romulus is without a doubt a heart-racing, chest-pounding, and exhilarating ride from start to finish. It is easily one of my favorites from the franchise, and I think many people will feel the same.
One of the most commendable aspects of Alien: Romulus is the expertly crafted horror sequences. The xenomorph has never looked more terrifying, instilling a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll and into your nightmares. The scenes involving the face huggers were executed flawlessly, invoking the same sense of primal fear that made the original Alien a classic. Walking around a ship and hiding from aliens never felt so good. The movie is claustrophobic and feels very isolating. It gives a new breath of no one being able to hear you scream in the vacuum of space. Isolation horror straight from the original. So many great callbacks to the first movie with even some direct connections. They serve the fans exactly what they wanted from this movie and expanded on more lore. The ship's and creature designs look incredible. The sets are grand in scale and feel like Weyland owned. A great movie that puts itself in a world that has been built before and adds some new elements. There is this great use of gravity, and that's all I will say, for it is a cool twist in the movie.
Cailee Spaeny's portrayal in the film left a lasting impression on me. Her performance as the lead character was not only convincing but also solidified her position as one of the coolest final girls in the horror genre. Another standout was David Jonsson, whose portrayal struck a perfect balance between vulnerability and sheer terror, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout the movie. His performance is the real breakout of the movie and the one that stands out the most. The complexity of his character demanded a lot, and he was able to crush it. It was amazing to see these two actors bounce off each other. Their sibling bond is what made us, the viewer, really care for them and make us want them to survive. The rest of the cast did an incredible job as well, but these two really set the bar high. Each character has their personality traits which I really enjoyed as well. Makes each of them their own lived-in characters that have depth. An important thing to have when people start dying and we are supposed to care for them.
The cinematography in Alien: Romulus is beyond impressive. The visual aesthetics of the film intricately complement the tension and suspense, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Director Fede Alvarez deserves immense praise for his masterful direction, breathing new life into the franchise while honoring its roots. The action sequences were nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing a level of skill and precision that fans of the series will undoubtedly appreciate. A scene with zero gravity and the acid blood is a standout for me. It was one of the coolest action scenes I've seen in the franchise. There was so much tension and suspense that truly had me at the edge of my seat. I started to eat my popcorn out of stress from it. The really cool thing about this movie is that it feels big. This is an action blockbuster and a ride. People will go in and walk out surprised and in awe of what they just witnessed. There are some great scenes in here that horror fans are going to lose their minds. This movie can be grimy, dirty, and straight up gross. All in the best ways possible.
In summary, Alien: Romulus is a worthy addition to the Alien universe. With a perfect balance of callbacks to the original films and innovative storytelling, this installment manages to both pay homage to its predecessors and forge its path. For horror enthusiasts, moviegoers, and fans of the Alien franchise, this film is a must-watch, offering an unforgettable cinematic experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat. David Jonsson, Cailee Spaeny, Fede Alvarez, and the entire cast have truly outdone themselves, delivering a film that is sure to be remembered as a standout in the horror genre. Remember to brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions and prepare to be immersed in a world where terror knows no bounds. Alien: Romulus is one of my favorites of the year.
Rating: 90/100
Comments