Alien: Romulus is a science fiction horror film that could have been another disastrous sequel to a possibly overdone franchise, but it actually is a pretty solid entry into the series that began all the way back in 1979 with Sigourney Weaver in the starring role. Fede Alvarez directed the film, which he also co-wrote with Rodo Sayagues. I actually just learned that the aliens are actually referred to Xenomorphs. I guess I didn’t pay close enough attention to remember that.
The film’s cast includes Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Feam, and Aileen Wu. An interesting addition to the cast is a little difficult to explain. The image of the late Ian Holm is back as a synthetic named Rook, who resembles the character known as Ash from the first film. Daniel Betts provides the voice, but I thought it was interesting to have that connection in this film, which I read was approved by Holm’s family.
Spaeny plays the lead character, Rain Carradine, who is trying to leave a colony known as Jackson’s Star. She cares for an adopted brother, who is actually a synthetic human named Andy, who apparently suffers from some kind of brain damage. Rain meets with friends who have learned that they could get to a derelict space craft with cryostasis chambers that could help them get to a much better colony. The group manages to board what turns out to be a space station that is divided into two parts. Of course, the Xenomorphs have escaped and are waiting for fresh prey. The synthetic human known as Andy also finds that a corruption to his system is in store for him as well. As the kids try to survive, they are also victim of a corrupt company that are planning to weaponize the Xenomorphs.
This film doesn’t pack the same punch as the first two films in the franchise, but it’s effective enough. The cast was quite good. Spaeny does not appear as formidable as Weaver’s character Ripley, but that seems to work in the film’s favor. The cast is pretty young, but they were good. I enjoyed David Jonsson’s performance because Andy has a dramatic character change in the story, and he carries it off quite convincingly.
The special effects were pretty impressive. There is also a new version of the Xenomorph that shows up, and that was an interesting twist near the end.’
Alvarez is a pretty solid director and knows how to make the most of an opportunity to creep out the audience.
I understand this film is supposed to take place between Alien and Aliens, and it does pretty well with making that connection to the other installments.
I was a little concerned this would be a waste of time, but I was pleasantly surprised and impressed. I still wish Hollywood would do more to create more original content instead of revisiting these ancient franchises, but every now and then a solid release hits the screen.
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