Alien: Romulus' Review

Alien: Romulus – A Ghastly Trip with a Side of Fan Service!

Dive into our hilarious take on "Alien: Romulus" – where the aliens are iconic and the plot takes us on a rollercoaster of confusion! 🤖🎢

The latest installment in the beloved Alien franchise, "Alien: Romulus", directed by Fede Álvarez, brings us back to the universe of terrifying extraterrestrials and eerie suspense. Starring Cailee Spaeny and a stellar ensemble including David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, and Aileen Wu, the film offers a unique twist on the iconic horror series. However, it seems like while the aliens have stayed intense, the plot has taken a bit of a detour into absurdity, leaving fans torn between nostalgia and confusion. It's a classic case of trying to appease die-hard fans while also appealing to a newer audience, and whether or not they succeed is a hot topic of debate.

While the film aims to deliver a grungy, back-to-basics atmosphere reminiscent of the franchise’s roots, some reviewers argue that it lacks the grandiosity of Ridley Scott’s earlier works. Instead of a beautifully crafted sci-fi horror masterpiece, "Alien: Romulus" feels a bit like a chaotic video-game ride that’s more fun than frightening. This is particularly evident in the way it tackles familiar themes – it walks a fine line between homage and redundancy. The erratic narrative choices leave many scratching their heads, wondering if this sequel was superfluous from the start.

Despite its failings, there’s undeniable greatness in the film’s chilling moments and pulse-pounding suspense. Critics have described it as a "nerve-jangling greatest-hits throwback" which gives a nod to the original films while trying to forge a new direction. It does delve into the essence of what made Alien so captivating – the tension, the claustrophobia, and of course, the jaw-dropping aliens – but then loses track with its convoluted story arcs. And let’s be honest, who doesn't love a few good heart-pounding jump scares thrown in?

As we dissect these mixed reviews, it’s important to appreciate the creative risks involved in rebooting such a storied franchise. While "Alien: Romulus" may sit on the underwhelming side of the Metacritic scores with a mere 63, the conversation it sparks among fans is a testament to the beloved legacy of this series. Whether it’s a triumph or a flop, it surely has fans talking, and isn’t that what cinema is all about?

Fun fact: The Alien franchise, since its inception, has captivated audiences and inspired countless other movies and video games. Additionally, Cailee Spaeny, who plays a leading role in "Alien: Romulus", has had quite the career trajectory since her debut, showcasing her versatility in various genres, from dramas to horror films. So grab your popcorn and prepare for a wild ride in the universe of aliens!