Review: Alien: Romulus will have you in a chokehold (in the best way)

If we include the Alien spin-offs (Alien vs. Predator, Prometheus, etc.), Romulus is 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 series Alien: Earth should do the trick. But before I start geeking out about the future of the Alien universe, let me shift my focus back to the movie here. 

Do you have a favorite Alien movie? 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’s Aliens is 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. But after screening Alien: Romulus, I am pleased to share that the wowing has returned! Let me be clear, Romulus is not my favorite over Alien or Aliens, but I can say we finally have the best Alien chapter in years.

It’s true that Alien: Romulus works 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 think Romulus would live up to the legacy, but I’m glad to stand corrected. 

Fede Alvarez takes audiences on a frighteningly amazing journey

Horror fans will appreciate Romulus as Fede Alvarez (known for Evil Dead and Don'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, Romulus will 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! 

Romulus is an incredible chapter guaranteed to reignite your love for Aliens no matter how much you already love it. Be sure to watch it in theaters, the Alien movies are what big-screen experiences were created for. Alien: Romulus is in theaters this Friday, Aug. 16, with showings starting as early as this evening (Aug. 15) in select locations.