Alien: Romulus Review - A Return to Basics

Fede Álvarez’s latest entry in the Alien franchise aims to recapture the gritty essence of the original films, distancing itself from the expansive narratives of Ridley Scott’s Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. This new installment seeks to evoke the conspiracy-driven paranoia and anti-corporate themes that defined the original 1979 film. While technically proficient, the film struggles with originality, often relying on familiar tropes and references that may frustrate audiences seeking fresh storytelling. Set between the first two films in the Alien timeline, the narrative unfolds around Rain, who lives with Andy, a cyborg programmed to assist her. Together with a group of young rebels, they discover a derelict space station that promises the means to escape their current predicament. However, their excitement quickly turns to horror as they uncover the terrifying secrets hidden within the craft, including the presence of the iconic alien creatures. The film attempts to balance nostalgia with new elements, featuring scenes reminiscent of classic jump scares, yet it often feels like a rehash rather than a reinvention. Andy’s character undergoes an automatic upgrade upon entering the space station, leading to a shift in his loyalty to Rain, but this twist lacks the impact one might expect. Ultimately, the film raises the question of whether another installment in the Alien saga was necessary, as it grapples with the challenge of delivering something innovative in a franchise that has become all too familiar.