A Return to Form with Practical Effects
One of the most praised aspects of Alien: Romulus is its commitment to practical effects, a nod to the techniques that made Ridley Scott’s original Alien a classic. Álvarez, known for his horror expertise in Evil Dead and Don’t Breathe, chose to use puppetry and animatronics to bring the Xenomorphs to life. This decision has been lauded by critics and audiences alike, who appreciate the tangible, terrifying presence of the aliens, reminiscent of the early films.
The film’s atmosphere also echoes the original, with dark, claustrophobic settings that heighten the tension. However, Romulus doesn’t just rest on nostalgia. It introduces elements from Aliens, including action-packed sequences with heavily armed characters, adding a fresh yet familiar dynamic to the story.
Cailee Spaeny Shines Amidst a Mixed Cast
While Alien: Romulus boasts a largely expendable cast, as is tradition in the Alien franchise, two characters have stood out: Rain, played by Cailee Spaeny, and Andy, portrayed by David Jonsson. Spaeny’s performance as the determined and resourceful Rain has garnered widespread acclaim, with many calling her the best lead since Sigourney Weaver’s iconic Ellen Ripley. Jonsson’s Andy, an android with a complex moral compass, also receives praise, though the rest of the cast, unfortunately, falls into the background as mere fodder for the Xenomorphs.
While Alien: Romulus has received mostly positive reviews, the film’s third act has been a point of contention. Without giving away spoilers, this portion of the movie introduces new elements that have split audiences and critics alike. Some feel that these innovations take the franchise in an exciting new direction, while others believe they undermine the film’s earlier strengths. This mixed reaction is reflected in the film’s Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 87%, which, while impressive, indicates that the ending may not be universally loved.
| Title | Tomatometer Score | Audience Score |
|---|---|---|
| Alien (1979) | 93% | 94% |
| Aliens (1986) | 94% | 94% |
| Alien 3 (1992) | 44% | 46% |
| Alien Resurrection (1997) | 55% | 39% |
| Alien vs. Predator (2004) | 22% | 39% |
| Alien vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) | 12% | 30% |
| Prometheus (2012) | 73% | 68% |
| Alien: Covenant (2017) | 65% | 55% |
| Alien: Romulus (2024) | 81% | 87% |
How Alien: Romulus Fits into the Franchise Timeline
Set between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), Alien: Romulus delves into the aftermath of the original film’s events. The movie reveals that the Xenomorph from the Nostromo was recovered by Weyland-Yutani and brought to a research station, Romulus, where things inevitably go wrong. This ties the film closely to the lore established in Ridley Scott’s original, while also acknowledging the prequel elements introduced in Prometheus and Alien: Covenant.
Nostalgia vs. Innovation: A Balancing Act
Alien: Romulus is a film that carefully balances nostalgia with innovation. It includes numerous callbacks to previous films, including direct quotes and visual references that will please longtime fans. However, it also tries to push the boundaries of the franchise, particularly in its controversial third act. Whether this balance will satisfy everyone remains to be seen, but it has certainly sparked renewed interest in the Alien universe.
Can We Expect A Revival of the Franchise?
Alien: Romulus made a strong showing at the box office, debuting at number one with $41.5 million domestically, dethroning Deadpool & Wolverine from the top spot. Globally, the film has already amassed $108.2 million, a promising start that could see it rival the earnings of previous Alien films like Prometheus and Alien: Covenant.
With its strong Rotten Tomatoes scores and solid box office performance, Alien: Romulus is poised to be the revival that the Alien franchise needed. The combination of practical effects, strong performances, and a mix of nostalgia and innovation has resonated with both critics and audiences. As we look ahead, the success of Romulus could pave the way for more installments in the franchise, potentially steering it back to its former glory under the guidance of Álvarez and Scott. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, Alien: Romulus offers a thrilling ride that just might be the best since Aliens.
