Alien: Romulus doesn’t tiptoe into the room quietly. It bursts in, reminding you of why the Alien franchise has been so successful for over four decades. This latest addition to the iconic series promises everything fans have been waiting for: tension, terror, and a fresh yet familiar vibe that somehow pulls the franchise back into its rightful place. But does Alien: Romulus truly deliver?
Let’s take a look into this chaotic, nerve-racking, and slightly nostalgic trip through space and find out. Here’s our review of Alien Romulus based on all we know about Alien Romulus.
A Breath of Fresh (Terrifying) Air for the Franchise?
It’s been a rocky road for the Alien franchise. While Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979) and James Cameron’s Aliens (1986) are untouchable classics, the sequels that followed never quite hit the same high notes. With Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede Álvarez, there’s a lot riding on this film to reignite the franchise. And let me tell you, Alien: Romulus knows how to play the hits while throwing in a few unexpected notes.
The story is set between the events of Alien and Aliens, and it introduces a new generation of space travelers. At the heart of the film is Rain, played by Cailee Spaeny, leading a cast of young adventurers including David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.
They’re not your typical fearless space cowboys but more like a group of disillusioned workers trying to survive in a bleak, sunless corner of space. Of course, things don’t stay quiet for long before chaos explodes around them.
Stress, Survival, and Xenomorphs – The Core of the Experience
Alien: Romulus is a full-on adrenaline rush. The suspense is there from the first frame, and while it’s not packed with jump scares, it keeps you gripping your seat. It’s all about the slow-burn build-up, where tension is a constant companion. You won’t just be watching; you’ll be dragged into the terrifying depths of space, where the fight for survival is brutal and unforgiving.
The production design gives serious nods to Ridley Scott’s original Alien, with dark, grimy hallways and malfunctioning lights on the Weyland-Yutani station. If you’re a fan of the aesthetic, you’ll love how Alien: Romulus brings together the old with the new. The atmosphere feels lived-in and real a far cry from the overly glossy sci-fi flicks we often see.
The Cast Brings Energy but Misses Ripley’s Impact
Cailee Spaeny as Rain is fantastic. She’s resourceful, tough, and you genuinely root for her. But don’t expect a Ripley-level performance. Rain’s journey is different, and while Alien: Romulus does a great job with her character arc, the film doesn’t give us a hero that defines the franchise like Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley. David Jonsson also shines as the android Andy, whose moral dilemmas and emotional shifts add to the story.
The rest of the Alien: Romulus cast does their job, but some characters feel more like cannon fodder. There are moments of humor and tension, but you won’t get too attached this is a survival movie after all, and not everyone’s making it out alive.
Nostalgia Bait or Genuine Fan Service?
If you’re wondering whether Alien: Romulus relies too heavily on nostalgia, the answer is both yes and no. The film has its share of callbacks to earlier entries in the franchise some are subtle and well-placed, others feel a bit forced.
There are a few lines that will have die-hard fans grinning, but at times, it feels like the film is trying too hard to remind us where it came from. While the Alien: Romulus review points out that it doesn’t stand completely on its own, it still carves out a new identity that balances fresh ideas with respectful nods to the past.
The Action Heats Up in the Second Half
The first half of Alien: Romulus is all about the slow-burn, which might not sit well with everyone. But once the xenomorphs start making their terrifying presence known, the pace picks up fast.
Alvarez knows how to stage tension-filled set pieces from zero-gravity battles to full-on xenomorph carnage, there are some incredibly memorable moments. The film’s sound design also deserves a shoutout, adding unease and shock.
Alien: Romulus Box Office & Rotten Tomatoes
Despite the high expectations, Alien: Romulus has performed decently at the box office. While not a massive blockbuster, it’s a solid hit that has reignited fan interest in the franchise. On Rotten Tomatoes, Alien: Romulus is sitting at an impressive 80%, with critics praising its intense atmosphere and gripping action.
Fans, however, seem to rate it even higher, loving the film’s return to basics. It’s not the flawless masterpiece that Alien and Aliens were, but it’s certainly a massive step up from recent entries like Alien: Covenant.
How to Watch Alien: Romulus?
Now, the big question: Alien: Romulus where to watch? Well, if you missed it in theaters, don’t worry. The film is now available to rent or buy on digital platforms like Prime Video, iTunes, and Microsoft Store.
For those waiting for streaming, the film is expected to hit Disney Plus in the coming months, likely between November and December 2024. You can also pre-order Alien: Romulus on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD, with a release date set for December 2, 2024.
Alien: Romulus Rating
If you’re a fan of sci-fi and horror, you’ll be happy to know that Alien: Romulus has earned a solid 4/5 stars for overall entertainment. As for the Alien: Romulus rating on IMDb, it currently stands at a respectable 7.3/10, a sign that the franchise still has some serious legs left.
While not perfect, Alien: Romulus brings enough fresh energy to the table to make it a must-watch for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Final Thoughts – Is Alien: Romulus Worth Your Time?
Here’s the bottom line: Alien: Romulus is a tense, action-packed ride that manages to breathe new life into the franchise. It doesn’t quite hit the same heights as the original two films, but it’s close enough to make you feel like the Alien universe is back on track. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just someone looking for a solid sci-fi flick, Alien: Romulus delivers where it counts.
Just don’t expect it to calm your nerves this one’s a stressful ride from start to finish. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to scream at your screen.
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