If we include theAlienspin-offs(Alien vs. Predator, Prometheus,etc.),Romulusis the ninth chapter in the franchise. And if the latest movie isn’t an indication that this universe is not dying down anytime soon, the upcoming TV seriesAlien: Earthshould do the trick. But before I start geeking out about the future of theAlienuniverse, let me shift my focus back to the movie here.
Do you have a favoriteAlienmovie? For me (and I believe this may be the case for most fans), it’s the original 1979 movie. It’s simply not easy to top the magic that the film delivered, 1986’sAliensis a close second, though, I'll give it that! The movies that follow are enjoyable, but none have wowed me as much as the first two. Butafter screeningAlien: Romulus,I am pleased to share that the wowing has returned! Let me be clear,Romulusis not my favorite overAlienorAliens,but I can say we finally have the bestAlienchapter in years.
It’s true thatAlien: Romulusworks as a standalone film. You can go check out the movie in theaters even if you have no prior knowledge about the universe. There are references to the original movie and a few nods only longtime fans will understand, but nothing that will be overly complicated or impossible to follow along. That said, I strongly believe fans of the franchise will enjoy the movie even more. At the screening I attended, the theater was full of collective gasps and cheers as we witnessed special moments only a fan of the franchise would understand. I did not thinkRomuluswould live up to the legacy, but I’m glad to stand corrected.
Fede Alvarez takes audiences on a frighteningly amazing journey
Horror fans will appreciateRomulusas Fede Alvarez (known forEvil DeadandDon't Breathe) kicks fear up a notch with some brilliant moments. But be patient. The first part of the nearly two-hour-long movie takes its time planting its roots. We meet Rain (Cailee Spaeny) and her android “brother” Andy (David Jonsson), and viewers learn about their struggles and the cruel, unjust planet they live on. The supporting cast is then introduced. We have Archie Renaux as Tyler, Isabela Merced as Kay (Tyler’s sister), Spike Fearn as Bjorn (Tyler and Isabela’s cousin), and Aileen Wu as Navarro (Bjorn’s girlfriend).
Knowing that they will never be allowed to leave their planet, Tyler presents Rain and Andy with a daring plan. A plan that everyone else is already on board with. After all, they have nothing to lose. There’s an abandoned spaceship that is carrying supplies that can help them escape. Or, at least, they hope the supplies are there -- only one way to find out! Audiences, however, know why this spaceship is abandoned, it's not a random act. Rain and the others don’t think about it. Why would they? They can’t possibly imagine the horrors waiting for them.
What I love about the horror elements Alvarez installs in the movie, is that we’re not just talking about jumpscares and horrifying death scenes here. There’s plenty of that, don’t worry, but Alvarez also taps into more realistic fears and phobias. Do you hate AI? Well,Romuluswill not be kind to you. If you easily become dizzy, there’s a scene waiting for you that will show you no mercy. And if you’re claustrophobic, brace yourself!
Romulusis an incredible chapter guaranteed to reignite your love forAliensno matter how much you already love it. Be sure to watch it in theaters, theAlienmovies are what big-screen experiences were created for.Alien: Romulusis in theaters this Friday, Aug. 16, with showings starting as early as this evening (Aug. 15) in select locations.
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