While it's crucial for a film to explore themes and tell a compelling story, we must never forget that cinema is an audiovisual medium. The visual aspect is core because it's the vehicle that drives the entire experience. It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many filmmakers lose sight of this.
Alien: Romulus, much like the black-and-white version of Godzilla Minus One, is a film I'd strongly recommend to any aspiring filmmaker or anyone who appreciates exceptional visuals.
It's a stunning production, and I can confidently place Fede Álvarez alongside directors like Denis Villeneuve, Jordan Peele, James Cameron, Ridley Scott, and Zack Snyder—filmmakers known for their meticulous attention to the visual elements of their work.
Alien: Romulus (2024) is a science fiction horror film directed by Fede Álvarez, co-written with Rodo Sayagues. As the seventh instalment in the Alien franchise, it sits between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986).
The film follows a group of young space colonists scavenging a derelict space station, only to encounter the terrifying xenomorphs.
The cast includes Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.
What works
One of the standout elements of this film is its creative use of sound. The sound design is instrumental in building suspense and amplifying the dread of space. When combined with the film’s visuals, it creates an atmospheric and unnerving experience that enhances the viewing.
The detailing and disciplined visual work, combined with practical and special effects, delivers an immersive, tangible experience despite the film's fictional setting.
If you're a fan of Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979), which redefined sci-fi horror, or Aliens (1986), which did the same for sci-fi action, you'll likely appreciate Alien: Romulus. It feels like a perfect continuation of that original trilogy.
The xenomorphs and facehuggers are back, and it's clear that Álvarez is a true fan of the franchise. He uses these creatures to create an intense blend of sci-fi psychological suspense and action that will have you holding your breath, especially in the film's second and third acts.
Performance-wise, the cast is solid, though somewhat formulaic, a cast that will remind you of a teenage slasher movie like Scream. David Jonsson’s portrayal of an android is the standout, with his ability to switch between expressions and emotions in a way that’s both believable and empathetic.
The special effects are convincing, and the art direction aligns more with the 1979 film than with the more recent prequels (Prometheus and Alien: Covenant). The props and aesthetic have a retro, '70s feel, which many fans will appreciate, and the facehuggers and xenomorphs are as menacing as ever.
The story is rewarding, especially for longtime fans of the Alien franchise, with many satisfying payoffs.
Nit Picks
However, it does follow familiar tropes and formulas, much like the other films in the series. While I’m a big fan of Prometheus (2012) and consider it one of the best sci-fi films out there, Alien: Romulus sticks more closely to established patterns and even includes some cameos from previous movies.
While I loved Álvarez's directorial touch, I think it would have been refreshing if the film had taken the franchise in a new direction. The third act, in particular, might divide audiences. What am trying to say is that this one falls in line with a good number of modern movies that are hard at work milking nostalgia.
Despite being marketed as a horror film, Alien: Romulus is more of a suspense thriller featuring xenomorphs and facehuggers.
Conclusion
This is a visually stunning film. While I could go into the story, the practical and visual effects, the xenomorph and facehuggers design, the sound design, and the performances, the standout element for me still remains the picture itself. It’s the kind of film that any film student or filmmaker should watch to understand the power of visual storytelling.
