In a time where horror movies are a dime a dozen, “Alien: Romulus” really stands out to me. For this movie to be released in August already says a lot; the creators did not want the movie to be lumped in with all the other generic horror movies that get released during September and October. The movie really felt like it was taking itself seriously. There were no over the top one liners or forced comedy, but instead homages to dialogue from the original “Alien” movie and a heartfelt performance and story. There is so much to unpack from this movie that it is hard to find a place to start.
Starting with the exposition. Beginning with two new characters on a mining colony planet, the movie sets the stage with a grim, harsh reality for the two main protagonists, Rain and Andy. The two of them, along with a band of four other rag tag characters, plan on raiding an abandoned research station for cryopods that will allow them to travel to a new planet and escape life in the mining colony. The exposition paints a grimy and ugly portrait of the “Alien” world. Everything is so overly industrial and metallic. The landscape is barren and is perfect for the horror environment.
Moving on to the rising action of the movie, the gang stumbles upon and accidentally thaws out some Xenomorph subjects and terror reigns in the station. The plot moves on and the story strays into a truly terrifying turn of events. It really does feel like the original “Alien” movie. While inside the ship, CGI seems to be limited; the creatures are portrayed using puppets, practical effects, and costumes. As the audience sees more of the aliens and the plot reaches its climax it is evident how much respect the movie pays to the first film in the series. From the cinematography to the final act, it all felt so familiar but so fresh at the same time.
The movie was really good. The art designs were amazing and the direction of each shot was mind boggling. The scares also had me on the edge of my seat from the gorey, painfully drawn out deaths to the suspenseful quiet of a stalking monster. The contrast is crazy between moments of beautiful silence accompanied by breathtaking shots of space to horrifying cramped corridors filled with unthinkable abhorrent monsters.
I really enjoyed how instead of purely focusing on the infamous mascot of the movie, the Xenomorph, the film takes time to build up its characters and really gives time for the worldbuilding to do its job. Instead of just being bags of meat that pass on without a second thought, the characters are their own people who the audience root for and want to succeed.
The film was great. All around, I would give it a solid eight out of ten. I have no big complaints and there were no plot holes. There is one thing that I should announce. The movie was intense. Definitely the most gory of the series. If you are queasy it may be a good idea to sit this movie out. I guess that is what to expect from a horror movie. I love to see a series that I adore so much stay relevant and not fall off during its recent entries.