4 reasons Alien: Romulus is an absolute must-watch (and 2 that might make you reconsider)
As a long-time fan of the Alien franchise, I must say that my heart skipped a beat when I heard about the latest entry, Alien: Romulus. Having grown up on these terrifying tales of survival in space, I was eager to see how director Fede Alvarez would breathe new life into the series.
The newest addition to the Alien movie series is now showing in cinemas, and Alien: Romulus has been receiving impressive feedback from both fans and critics. Directed by Fede Alvarez, who’s also known for films like Don’t Breathe and Evil Dead, Alien: Romulus is a chilling, violent, and tense movie that returns the franchise to its horror-survival genre roots.
Some mild spoilers for Alien: Romulus ahead
Once again, we’re spinning a suspenseful yarn about a band of individuals stranded in outer space, pursued incessantly by ancient beasts. If you fancy, swing by the cinema to watch it (definitely yes)!
1. WATCH IT: Everything is practical and it looks amazing
Opting for a realistic approach seems the best choice, as Alvarez demonstrates his dedication to minimizing CGI in his films. This was evident in his remake of Evil Dead, and it pays off impressively in this film. The intricate sets and Xenomorphs that look more fearsome and lifelike than ever were meticulously crafted, a testament to the attention to detail. If you appreciate realism, then this movie on the largest screen available is not to be missed.
2. SKIP IT: The characters are the film’s weak spot
One point I found challenging about the movie “Alien: Romulus” was its character development. Despite David Jonsson and Cailee Spaeny giving convincing portrayals as their characters Andy and Rain, the sibling bond between them doesn’t seem to reach its full potential. Cailee Spaeny impressively embodies a contemporary Ellen Ripley-type figure, while David Jonsson brings a delightful blend of sweetness and charm to his role.
The movie doesn’t provide enough depth for its secondary characters like Tyler, Navarro, Kay, and Bjorn. Consequently, when they encounter the alien creatures and get injured (or even killed), these scenes lack impact because I didn’t feel emotionally involved in their survival. While watching the gory scenes is enjoyable in a horror movie, the suspense is missing when we don’t care about the characters’ outcomes.
3. WATCH IT: Lots of references and callbacks to previous Alien films
Enthusiasts of the Alien series will delight in the numerous tributes, hidden gems, and allusions to other movies (even Alien: Isolation) scattered throughout Alien: Romulus. In fact, there are so many references that one could argue this is a potential turn-off for those who feel the fan service is excessively overt.
If you’ve binge-watched most of the Alien movies prior to catching Alien: Romulus in the cinema, rest assured, there are plenty of rich rewards for you!
4. WATCH IT: It’s gross in the best way.
As a lifelong fan of science fiction and horror, I can wholeheartedly say that watching “Alien” is an absolutely terrifying yet exhilarating experience. The movie’s creatures are unlike anything I’ve ever seen before – they’re slimy, spindly, long-tailed, and downright creepy. The way the Xenomorphs move around the ship, their acidic blood splattering everywhere, it’s enough to make your skin crawl.
5. SKIP IT: The baffling decision to digitally reconstruct an old character
It’s quite surprising that a movie known for its practical effects, puppetry, and animatronics would opt for digitally recreating Sir Ian Holm’s character, creating an unsettling resemblance in the uncanny valley.
In simpler terms, it would not have been difficult to redesign that role, given that the subpar visual effects are noticeable, like an obvious sore thumb amidst a movie rich with authentic sets and creatures. Often, other movies attempt digital reconstructions, but they frequently spark debates that overshadow the film’s positive aspects.
6. WATCH IT: Fede Alvarez is a fantastic director.
Fyi, Alvarez excels in crafting terrifying horror movies. He revitalized the Evil Dead series in 2013 and introduced an exciting new character named Mia, who I’d love to see again someday. Now he’s rejuvenating the Alien franchise. Perhaps he could helm a future Friday the 13th film. However, what truly captivates me about Alvarez is his passion for practical effects. Here’s hoping he continues directing horror films for many years to come.
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2024-08-16 16:25