“What Álvarez has really assembled is a sampler platter of Alien leftovers.”
Cons
- Boring characters
- Endless winks at the other movies
- One very misjudged cameo
Most of Alien: Romulus takes place aboard a derelict space station, creating a sense of retro futurism in a cavernous, leaky environment reminiscent of the original Alien film. The movie captures the essence of the series, but struggles to offer anything new.
The production design of Romulus harks back to the classic Alien aesthetic, distancing itself from the more complex prequels. The movie focuses on a group of young laborers navigating the dangers aboard the station, but fails to deliver compelling characters like those in earlier films.
The movie introduces a new dynamic between the characters, particularly focusing on the relationship between the lead heroine and a defective android. Despite some interesting moments, Romulus doesn’t fully explore the potential of its premise.
Writer-director Fede Álvarez brings his unique style to the film, emphasizing practical effects and honoring the analog qualities of the franchise. However, the movie relies heavily on familiar tropes and references, lacking a fresh take on the Alien universe.
As the movie progresses, it becomes apparent that Romulus relies heavily on nostalgia rather than forging its own path. The film struggles to break away from past storylines, leading to a somewhat derivative experience.
Ultimately, Alien: Romulus showcases technical prowess and admiration for the franchise, but falls short in delivering a truly innovative or engaging narrative. It’s a nostalgic trip for fans, but lacks the substance of its predecessors.
Alien: Romulus is now playing in theaters everywhere. For more of A.A. Dowd’s writing, visit his Authory page.