Imagine the vast, endless void of space: pitch-black, eerily silent, and teeming with unknown horrors. Now, imagine something lurking within that void, waiting to strike.
From highly advanced life forms bent on colonising Earth to distant planets with inhospitable environments, nothing has wreaked more havoc than the terrifying endoparasitoid extraterrestrial species – the Xenomorph.
Since its debut in the 1980s, the Xenomorph – a deadly species created by visionary director Ridley Scott – has haunted audiences’ darkest fears.
From its terrifying appearance to its relentless pursuit of human prey, this creature has left an indelible mark on the sci-fi horror genre. And now, thanks to director Fede Álvarez, audiences are plunged back into this terrifying world with “Alien: Romulus.”
Set between the events of the original Sigourney Weaver-starring “Alien” (1979) and its action-packed sequel “Aliens” (1986), “Alien: Romulus” delivers a two-hour space nightmare that’s guaranteed to make your skin crawl.
Álvarez, known for his work on “Evil Dead” and “Don’t Breathe,” brings his signature claustrophobic style to the film, making every scene pulse with tension.
He masterfully uses tight shots, haunting choruses, and shadowy figures lurking in the fog to create a chilling atmosphere that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
But Álvarez doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares to keep your heart racing. Instead, he cleverly builds suspense through silence and subtle threats, creating a viewing experience that’s as intense as it is terrifying. The tension is palpable, and the fear is real – just the way everyone likes it.
The story follows a group of young space colonists who, in search of a new beginning, stumble upon a seemingly deserted space station. What starts as a hopeful quest for a fresh start quickly turns into a nightmare when they realise they are not alone.
The station is infested with Facehuggers and a brood of Xenomorphs, and the crew is thrust into a deadly game of survival. With each encounter, their sanity crumbles, and their chances of making it out alive dwindle.
Yes, the plot may follow a familiar formula—a space crew discovers an abandoned ship, encounters Facehuggers, and soon finds themselves face-to-face with the Xenomorph. But don’t let that fool you.
“Alien: Romulus” has the potential to reignite the franchise by blending the classic horror elements that fans love with fresh, new twists. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this film promises to be a thrilling ride.
The cast, filled with rising stars, brings this terrifying tale to life. Cailee Spaeny shines as Rain, the film’s protagonist. Her performance is a perfect blend of vulnerability and strength, capturing the raw fear and determination of a young woman fighting for survival.
Meanwhile, David Jonsson, as the humanoid android Andy, adds depth to the story with a performance that’s both intense and subtly unsettling. His character’s quiet strength and complexity complement the film’s atmosphere of dread.
But what truly sets “Alien: Romulus” apart is Álvarez’s bold attempt to up the ante in the film’s final act. The director introduces a new element of danger that challenges even the terrifying Xenomorph.
While this twist is theatrical and intriguing, whether it can surpass the sheer horror of the Xenomorph remains to be seen. After all, the original Alien only needed a single Xenomorph to terrorise Ellen Ripley (and the audience!) like a deadly stalker and that’s why it remains a horror classic.
Nonetheless, “Alien: Romulus” promises a terrifying journey into the unknown, where survival is uncertain and fear is the only constant.
So strap in, and get ready for a ride through the darkest corners of space – just remember, in this universe, no one can hear you scream.
As of press time, ‘Alien: Romulus’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.