Romulus Revives Alien Franchise with Thrills, Terror, and Nostalgia

Starring: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu. Fede Alvarez

Where to watch: In theaters

Rated: R

Run Time: 119 Minutes

Alien: Romulus is a gripping return to the classic sci-fi horror that fans of the Alien franchise have been waiting for. My only regret? Not watching it in 4DX first. Even in IMAX, the film exceeded my expectations, and I’m certain audiences will flock to theaters to experience it—collectible popcorn buckets in hand.

Set between the original Alien and Aliens, Romulus follows a group of young space colonists who stumble upon a derelict space station orbiting their planet. Desperate for technology to escape their harsh existence, they board the station, only to find themselves hunted by the ultimate predator: the Xenomorph. As the alien creature picks off the crew one by one, the survivors must fight for their lives while uncovering the dark secrets of the station.

Watching Romulus, I couldn’t help but wonder if this is how audiences felt when the original Alien hit theaters. The film is everything a sci-fi horror should be, from its immersive cinematography to its meticulously designed sets.

Cinematography, Set Design, and Atmosphere

The cinematography in Romulus is nothing short of immersive. The vast emptiness of space, seen through the characters’ ship windows, contrasts starkly with the claustrophobic interiors of the space station. The director expertly creates tension by making the audience feel trapped in the dark, cramped corridors of the ship. The planet from which the characters originate is equally impressive—a sprawling, poverty-stricken world surrounded by advanced technology, evoking a sense of despair and desperation.

The set and costume design pay homage to the original Alien film, capturing the gritty, retro-futuristic aesthetic of the 1970s and 80s. From the dingy clothes worn by the characters to the old-school computer technology, every detail feels authentic to the era. The production team’s dedication to capturing the feel of a world 20 years after the original Alien is evident in every frame, right down to the nostalgic beeping of computers and alarms.

The sound design is another standout aspect of Romulus. The eerie, skin-crawling noises of the Xenomorphs and face-huggers add to the film’s unsettling atmosphere. One scene, in particular, involving a rack of face-huggers scurrying around a room, had me feeling as though they were crawling right beside me. I’m not usually afraid of bugs, but these creatures—designed to implant alien offspring—had me on edge.

While the film effectively blends CGI and practical effects, it’s the practical effects that give Romulus its nostalgic, authentic feel. The pacing of the film, which starts slow but ramps up in intensity, kept me on the edge of my seat. There were moments when I had to check my smartwatch to make sure my pulse wasn’t racing out of control.

Compelling Story and Strong Performances

The story of Romulus is well-written and compelling. The characters’ motivations are grounded in their desire for freedom from their grim reality. Despite clear warning signs and terrifying encounters, the characters press on, driven by the fear of a slow death in the coal mines of their home planet.

The cast delivers strong performances, with standout moments of terror and intensity. I found myself invested in their survival, particularly in the character of Andy, an android played by David Jonsson. Jonsson’s portrayal of Andy, an AI adopted by the lead character Rain (Cailee Spaeny), is a highlight of the film. He masterfully transitions from a scared, innocent AI to a focused, cutthroat android, driven by a mission for the Weyland Corporation—a recurring entity in the Alien franchise.

The film also weaves in social commentary on themes of social status, sacrifice, and morality. The characters grapple with difficult decisions about who to save and how many lives can be sacrificed for the greater good—a theme that resonates throughout the film.

A Top Entry in the Alien Franchise

Compared to other films in the Alien franchise, including the Alien vs. Predator movies, Romulus easily ranks among the top three. It’s no wonder critics like myself are eager to watch it again—especially in 4DX. This is what sci-fi horror should be: terrifying, immersive, and leaving you wanting more.In conclusion, Alien: Romulus is a thrilling, entertaining ride that will satisfy fans of sci-fi, horror, and the Alien franchise alike. It’s a film that I’ll proudly add to my physical media collection, and I highly recommend seeing it—more than once if you can. Just don’t forget your collectible popcorn bucket and maybe a pair of Depends, because this film is sure to scare the crap out of you! I give it a solid 9/10.