What’s It About
Space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life-form in the universe while scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
In “Alien: Romulus,” the Xenomorphs return to terrorize once more, their ominous, banana-shaped heads reappearing to haunt the darkness of space. This film, the seventh installment in the enduring “Alien” franchise, is a direct sequel to Ridley Scott’s seminal 1979 “Alien.” Yet, it also stands as a unique “interquel.” Set between the original film and its action-packed successor, “Aliens,” “Romulus” introduces a fresh cast of characters who find themselves isolated in the vast expanse of space, relentlessly pursued by the relentless alien predators. Under the direction of Fede Álvarez, a contemporary horror maestro, “Romulus” offers a fresh, terrifying experience that distinguishes itself within the iconic series. Though the film begins with a slow and somewhat disjointed introduction, “Alien: Romulus” gradually finds its footing, evolving into one of the franchise’s most suspenseful and visually stunning entries. The film’s masterful blend of science fiction and horror echoes the claustrophobic tension of the original “Alien.” At the same time, Álvarez’s modern sensibilities infuse it with a visceral, nightmarish energy that makes it unforgettable. Romulus is set in the year 2781. The narrative unfolds in Jackson’s Star’s bleak and desolate mining colony. Here, the inhabitants are trapped in seemingly endless contracts with the notorious Weyland-Yutani Corporation, their lives consumed by the monotonous grind of labor. Among them is Rain (Cailee Spaeny), a young woman whose contract has been unexpectedly extended, leaving her stranded on the planet with her brother Andy (David Jonsson), a synthetic being programmed by their father to prioritize Rain’s well-being above all else. The oppressive environment of Jackson’s Star, where the sun never shines, and hope is scarce, serves as a grim backdrop to the story. Rain’s ex-boyfriend, Tyler (Archie Renaux), presents a daring plan to escape the bleak existence on Jackson’s Star. His proposal involves investigating a derelict spacecraft that has entered the colony’s orbit, hoping to discover cryo-stasis chambers that could transport them to Yvaga. This planet promises a better life. However, Tyler is unaware that this abandoned ship harbors a deadly secret—a horde of Xenomorphs ready to unleash carnage. In contrast to its predecessors, “Romulus” grounds its horror in a profoundly human story. The characters’ desperation to escape the grim reality of Jackson’s Star adds significant weight to the narrative, elevating the stakes as they confront unimaginable dangers. Each member of the ragtag crew brings unique skills to the table, from piloting to scavenging. Still, Andy holds the key to their survival. His ability to interface with Weyland-Yutani’s systems is crucial. Yet, his loyalty becomes a liability when he uncovers the ship’s true purpose and the dangerous experiments conducted within its labs. Given the film’s placement between “Alien” and “Aliens,” it is no surprise that the ship’s ill-fated crew had been conducting dangerous experiments on Xenomorphs and facehuggers, driven by Weyland-Yutani’s insatiable pursuit of the “perfect organism.” Predictably, their hubris leads to disaster, as their attempts to control these lethal creatures result in the destruction of the facility and the unleashing of horrors beyond imagination. “Romulus” introduces several intriguing new elements, including a chilling revelation that answers a longstanding question in the franchise. The accelerated development of the Xenomorphs in this film suggests the possibility of genetic manipulation, adding a fresh layer of terror. The special effects work seamlessly to bring this nightmare to life, from the scuttling facehuggers to the grotesque yet mesmerizing chestbursters, culminating in the towering, menacing Xenomorphs that have become synonymous with the series. The final creature, a monstrous amalgamation of human and alien, pushes the boundaries of horror, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer. Despite the film’s innovation, there is a sense of inevitability as the characters fall into familiar traps. The cycle of human arrogance and the Xenomorphs’ unrelenting savagery feels like an endless loop that humanity seems doomed to repeat. The dynamic between androids also plays a pivotal role, with Andy’s compassionate programming contrasting sharply with the cold calculations of Ash (Ian Holm) from the original film. Rain’s deep connection with Andy, whom she regards as family, adds a poignant emotional layer to the story. However, it also leads her to take reckless risks to protect him. While “Alien: Romulus” contains some formulaic elements typical of creature-feature horror, it also pays homage to its predecessors, particularly “Aliens,” with a few scenes that echo the iconic 1986 film. However, where “Romulus” truly excels is in its final act. The last 20 minutes deliver a series of unexpected twists and some of the most intense and visually arresting moments in the franchise, solidifying the film as a standout entry in the “Alien” saga. Ultimately, “Alien: Romulus” succeeds in honoring the legacy of the original while carving out its place within the storied franchise. Its gripping narrative, compelling characters, and nightmarish visuals offer a fresh yet familiar journey into the dark and terrifying world of the Xenomorphs—a world where survival is never guaranteed, and the unknown horrors of space lurk just beyond the next shadowy corner.
OUR RATING – A XENOMORPH 7
MEDIA
- Genre – Science Fiction
- Street date
- Digital – October 15, 2024
- Blu-Ray/DVD – December 3, 2024
- Video – 1080p
- Screen size – 2.39:1
- Sound – English Dolby Atmos, English Dolby TrueHD 7.1, French Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1
- Subtitles – English SDH, French, Spanish
Extras
- Return to Horror: Crafting Alien: Romulus (HD) is a four-part featurette
- The Director’s Vision (4 min)
- Creating the Story (2 min)
- Casting the Faces (7 min)
- Constructing the World (13 min)
- Inside the Xenomorph Showdown (HD, 11 min) is a closer look at a pivotal action sequence
- Alien: A Conversation (HD, 9 min) is an engaging conversation between Ridley Scott and Fede Álvarez
- Alternate/Extended Scenes (HD, 11 min) is a collection of four sequences