Alien Romulus ★★★

Released: 16 August 2024

Director: Fede Álvarez

Starring: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaud, Spike Fearn, Alleen Wu, Isabela Merced

Legacy sequels and prequels in beloved franchises often prove divisive amongst fans, ranging from the often derided Star Wars: The Last Jedi to the adored Top Gun: Maverick. Whilst they’ve certainly ranged in quality and reception, the iconic Alien franchise certainly has a way of reinventing itself throughout its various entries. The latest instalment from Evil Dead director Fede Alvarez takes it back to basics, channelling the iconic elements of franchise favourites, Alien and Aliens. 

Set between the events of Alien and Aliens, this interquel centres on a young group who are looking for their ticket out of Jackson’s Star, a grimy, Blade Runner-sque mining colony on a barely liveable terraformed planet. Seemingly doomed to work in the mines for the ethically questionable Weyland-Yutani corporation their whole lives, the crew – consisting of orphan Rain (Cailee Spaeny) and her android adoptive brother Andy (David Johnsson), leader Tyler (Archie Renaux), his sister Kay (Isabela Merced), pilot Navarro (Aileen Wu) and Bjorn (Spike Fearn) – escape to a decommissioned space station in search of cryopods. Unfortunately, they stumble upon an infestation of deadly alien creatures along the way.

Álvarez nails the claustrophobia and nail-biting tension in a number of bloody and gruesome sequences, along with crafting an incredibly detailed world – complete with retro gizmos and sound effects – which transports you right back to the late 70s and 80s. However, what begins as a hugely atmospheric and gory old school creature feature unfortunately descends into a pastiche of groan inducing call-backs and references to previous instalments which – like a certain recent Marvel film – leaves you feeling cold. There is also an uncomfortable, potentially unethical inclusion which unequivocally gives you the heebie-jeebies due to the whole uncanny valley nature of the visual effects, disappointingly detaching you from the incredibly immersive world. 

Thankfully Álvarez attempts to inject something different to the franchise with a bold but undoubtedly polarising third act which swings for the fences. In the climactic moments, he notches up the cosmic horror with a nightmare fuelled creature reminiscent of a H.P. Lovecraft creation, which will definitely haunt your dreams. Prometheus fans will undoubtedly appreciate the intriguing exploration and potential expansion of the mythos.

Cailee Spaeny impresses as the ever resourceful and determined Rain, and her endearing sibling dynamic with David Jonsson’s Andy certainly gives the franchise some much needed emotional drive. However, it’s the Rye Lane star who steals the show, with a stellar performance displaying an outstanding duality – effortlessly in command when modulating between wildly differing mannerisms to signify the android’s shift in character. 10 out of 10 for the endearing dad jokes too. Unfortunately the supporting cast in comparison prove far less memorable (and likeable) than say Aliens’ Vasquez or Hudson, with plenty of frustratingly bad decisions to boot.

The horrific events which unfold are brought to life by an incredible amount of artistry. Ranging from the impressive production design from Naaman Marshall and the practical effects from Legacy Effects, to the gnarly and grotesque creature design and terrifying score from Benjamin Wallfisch. Not forgetting the excellent retro miniature and model work too. All these elements come together to create an unbelievably tactile and grungy world, truly immersing you in this tense journey of survival. Also, one particular gripping action sequence involving the Alien’s acid blood is certainly contender for best use of zero gravity! Freudian horror is also back on the menu with oozing Alien sacs and and a gruesome birthing sequence, once again channelling the iconic H.R. Giger designs.

It may not be the perfect organism, but Alien Romulus is certainly a tense and terrifying addition to the franchise. A fantastic film is certainly there, offering several outstanding blood-soaked sequences and terrific performances from Spaeny and Jonsson, but unfortunately it’s hidden under an exoskeleton of nostalgia and a formulaic trip through the franchises’ greatest hits. Still, it’ll make an excellent creature feature double bill with Dan Trachtenberg’s Prey.