‘ALIEN: ROMULUS’: A Successful New Chapter in the Alien Saga
Fede Álvarez’s ‘Alien: Romulus’ marks a bold new chapter in the iconic Alien franchise, balancing nostalgia with innovation to reintroduce the franchise to a new generation. The film not only pays homage to the original series but also forges its own path with a fresh narrative that builds on its rich history.
From the opening sequence, ‘Alien: Romulus’ pays homage to Ridley Scott’s seminal 1979 film with its exploration of Weyland-Yutani’s continued nefarious activities. The wreckage of the USCSS Nostromo and the discovery of a xenomorph cocoon link the film directly to the original film, maintaining continuity while setting up a new storyline.
We are in the year 2142, and we are introduced to Rain Carradine (Cailee Spaeny) who leaves with her brother, Andy (David Jonsson), in the remote colony of Jackson's Star on LV-410, where the sun never rises. She calls him her brother, but Andy is actually an android reprogrammed by her late father.
Rain’s hopes for a better life for herself and Andy are disrupted when Weyland-Yutani unexpectedly extends her work contract, preventing her from leaving the colony. The same day, her ex-boyfriend Tyler persuades her to join an expedition to the abandoned Weyland-Yutani spacecraft, the Renaissance. The mission’s goal is to retrieve cryostasis chambers, which would provide them a chance to escape to the beautiful planet Yvaga.
Rain reluctantly agrees to bring Andy, whose ability to interface with the station’s computer system is crucial. When the crew boards the Renaissance, they discover it is divided into two sections: Romulus and Remus. Although mentally prepared for the mission, their exploration takes a turn for the worse when they accidentally disable the temperature controls that keep the cloned facehuggers dormant.
Cailee Spaeny in 'Alien: Romulus'
From that point on, the film’s pacing is relentless, with Álvarez employing a mix of practical effects and CGI to heighten the fear and suspense, continuously maintained by the eerie atmosphere of the abandoned station. A standout sequence features Rain and Tyler moving in silence and holding their breath in fear as they navigate a section of the station filled with facehuggers. This scene channels the same kind of claustrophobic horror and urgency seen in ‘Aliens’ (1986), but with a modern, adrenaline-fueled twist.
Throughout the film, the interplay of lights conceals dark corners of the station, leaving ample space for the imagination to suggest that aliens could be lurking everywhere. The shapes of the tubes, pipes and frames mimic the form of xenomorphs, blurring the line between mere materials and alien flesh. The lighting creates doubt and visual illusions, just like in the original films. We navigate the station alongside the characters, attentive to every sound and crash, painfully aware that the dark spaces and corridors can engulf them in an instant.
David Jonsson in 'Alien: Romulus'
Although some critics might argue that some characters are more archetypal than fully realised, they are fleshed out with enough backstory to make their fates impactful. Of course, Rain’s internal conflict and her complex relationship with Andy drive much of the film’s emotional weight. Additionally, Jonsson’s portrayal of Andy brings a nuanced performance that contrasts with the more traditional, binary portrayals of androids we were used to in earlier installments.
The film examines the ramifications of Weyland-Yutani’s insidious experiments and the ethical questions surrounding human and xenomorph genetic manipulation. This thematic exploration enriches the franchise with philosophical depth, aligning with the more recent entries like ‘Prometheus’ (2012) and ‘Alien: Covenant’ (2017). Similarly, the final act is both visually striking and thematically resonant, addressing concepts of uncontrollable evolution and survival.
Ultimately, ‘Alien: Romulus’ is a successful reinvention of the franchise that both honours its legacy and pushes its boundaries. Álvarez’s direction ensures that the film stands out with its high-octane horror, strong character development, and fresh narrative twists. While it may not completely escape the shadows of its groundbreaking predecessors, it offers a thrilling and satisfying experience for both long-time fans and newcomers.