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Writer's pictureJustin Whippo

Alien: Romulus (2024)

My quick rating - 7.1/10. Set after the events of Ridley Scott's original Alien (1979), this flick brings a fresh yet familiar entry into the franchise, blending modern filmmaking with the classic horror tone that made the original such a success. The premise follows a group of young space colonizers scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, only to come face to face with the deadliest creature in the universe—the Xenomorph. The first thing I noticed about this film was its cast, which fits well with a Disney Studios production due to the youthfulness of the characters. However, despite my initial skepticism, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it worked. The cast may skew younger, but their performances were effective, and the tension remained high throughout. David Jonsson stands out as Andy, delivering the most compelling performance, while Cailee Spaeny as Rain—who almost seems like a Ripley stand-in—felt a bit flat and lacked the intensity I personally wanted to see. Still, the film is more about atmosphere and suspense than it is about deep character arcs. Visually, the universe is stunning. The space station setting is beautifully realized, filled with dark corridors and an eerie sense of isolation. Fede Alvarez clearly did his homework, as the film remains faithful to the lore of the Alien franchise while also delivering some genuine scares and intense action sequences. The special effects, particularly in rendering the Xenomorph, are top-notch, and the practical and CGI blend seamlessly to create an immersive experience. It also seemed like every other scene contained some easter egg or reference to a plot point that was left hanging in a previous film. The scares are well-executed, building tension through slow-burn moments that erupt into chaos when the Xenomorph appears. Alvarez captures the claustrophobic dread of the original while adding some modern touches to keep it fresh. The film is technically impressive in every way, from its beautiful cinematography to its tight pacing, ensuring there’s rarely a dull moment. However, there are a few drawbacks. While the film stays within the established lore, it doesn’t break new ground or explore anything truly bold for the franchise. Additionally, some characters, like Rain, feel underdeveloped, leaving them as more archetypes than fully fleshed-out figures. But these issues are minor in comparison to the film’s overall success as a solid entry into the Alien saga. For fans of the franchise, Alien Romulus is a worthwhile watch. It may not reach the iconic heights of its predecessor, but it’s a well-crafted, thrilling addition to the universe that pays respect to its roots while still managing to entertain. If you can overlook a few minor shortcomings, it’s an exciting ride from start to finish.

Amazon and a few other streamers have the latest installment for $25 as of 10.19.24

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