Film Review – Alien:Romulus (2024)
Whether or not anybody can hear you scream in space, that tagline from Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979) has gone down in cinema history. Few phrases can so instantly and perfectly resurrect the fiercely intense terror that went with seeing the film for the first time. And those memories and reactions are the springboard for Fede Alvarez’s Alien: Romulus, a near back to basics addition to the man versus Xenomorph saga.
Around 20 years after the events of Alien, a group of young space colonisers desperate to improve their grim lives working for the all-powerful company, take off to explore a derelict space station. What they believe will be a quick and easy scavenging mission turns out to be a fight to the death when they come face to face with the most terrifying life force in the universe. Regardless of whether it’s in its infancy or fully mature, it seems completely indestructible.
Sandwiched in the timeline between the original and the equally-praised Aliens (1986), this new arrival comes complete with the reassuring blessing of Scott himself, this time as producer. And, alongside his extensive involvement, Alvarez also sought out people who’d worked on the first two films, including the special effects crew from the sequel, to cement his offering’s place in the franchise. It goes a long way but his horror background – Evil Dead (2013) and Don’t Breathe (2016) – always floats to the top as he creates dark, inhospitable worlds both on the ground and within the confines of the space station. The all-pervading sense of something deadly round the corner is skin-pricklingly strong and the fact that we know exactly what it looks like and how ruthlessly destructive it is doesn’t matter in the slightest. It’s one of the most terrifying creations we’ve ever seen on screen – and still is.
Just as inescapable, though, is the sense of nostalgia. Forget nods in the direction of the original because here the connections with Alien are woven into the narrative, with Alvarez clearly assuming that everybody has seen it and will get the references without a second thought. So, while he brings some freshness in the shape of the young cast and a look that’s closer to grunge, he also overplays that nostalgia card to an unnecessary level and with a rather heavy hand. And it also extends to visual reminders of another, more recent man versus alien franchise, something which feels out of place. It’s only in the final half hour that he branches out into new territory with a finale that almost comes from nowhere, one that’s alarming and wince-making but also has that niggling feeling of being an add-on.
The young explorers are a mixed bunch, with the strongest performances coming from Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson. Still on the rise after Rye Lane as he can get. As Spaeny’s constant companion, his moods and reactions change from the childlike to the ice cold and he’s a powerful presence every time he’s on the screen. Alvarez and his young band of explorers don’t quite equal the 45 year old original, but they do deliver two hours of atmosphere, scares, thrills – and lots of Xenomorphs. Of all sizes.
★★★1/2
In UK cinemas from 16 August / Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, Aileen Wu / Dir: Fede Alvarez / 20th Century Studios / 15
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