In my time at POC Culture, I have covered a wide array of media, from comics and television, to feature blockbusters. But in that time, I never covered the horror genre. That is, until recently, when I saw Alien: Romulus.
Growing up, I was always afraid of horror movies; even suspenseful films were toeing the line of what I could tolerate. In adulthood too, I generally skip horror trailers and often close my eyes when they pop up. It wasn’t until Alien: Romulus that I saw my first true horror film in theaters, and it was a very good experience. The film has stunning visuals that are meant for the big screen. Watch this film on the best screen possible.
Director Fede Álvarez delivers the latest in the long-running Alien franchise, and has crafted a film for a new generation, with plenty of reminders of what came before. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter at the red-carpet premiere, actor Archie Renaux (Tyler) called the film a love letter to Alien and Aliens. Based on audience reactions to certain moments, it’s clear there are numerous easter eggs for established fans of the series. For my part, this is a review from fresh eyes to the world of Alien.
Among things new to the series, the cast is younger than in past films. Led by Cailee Spaeny (Rain) and David Jonsson (Andy), whose on-screen bond tie the film together, as well as Renaux, Isabela Merced (Kay), Spike Fearn (Bjorn) and Aileen Wu (Navarro).
Alien: Romulus premieres in theaters August 16, 2024.
Review – New Fear Unlocked
Director Fede Álvarez has crafted a film that gradually builds up to the iconic alien that even non-watchers recognize. The legendary xenomorph, which can be seen in the trailer and posters, is something that is slowly introduced, as if this is a brand new film, and not the seventh in a franchise. While it does this, Alien: Romulus also pushes the franchise forward by doing something new that left me audibly saying, “No” twice during the screening. The body horror featured in this work is also eerie and gross (in a good way).
Jonsson plays a synthetic being named Andy, who has a brotherly relationship to Rain. This relationship is the emotional heart of the film, as Andy’s directive is to do what’s best for Rain. As a synthetic being, Andy has a unique personality and role in the story following his directive. Jonsson is incredible, and delivers arguably one of the best performances in the film. His dedication to Rain is very adorable, but the nature of his not being human is used in the story in many ways, which can shift the story from very wholesome to intense, very quickly.
In one early scene, Andy’s computer system is resetting. This results in leaving his eyes rolled back, and his arms raised in place as he is in the center of the frame. The shot is slow and unsettling, as a not so gentle reminder that you signed up to watch a horror flick. Shortly after this is when the action starts. The face hugger is likewise terrifying, crawling and chasing the crew in an attempt to implant a larva into a host, deep in someone’s esophagus. The visuals of this happening are predictably horrifying!
In my interview with Álvarez, he had mentioned that he loves how audiences cover their eyes and get scared, even when they know that they are perfectly safe in a theater, which I found myself doing in the screening. Upon remembering our conversation, I found comfort and remembered the comment, which allowed for me to appreciate the stunning visuals that the cast and crew created in these moments meant to instill fear in the character and audience alike; especially towards the end of the film, when the tension is built up and the stakes are high. The xenomorph’s visuals in the smoke are terrifying but beautiful at the same time.
There was one reveal specifically that was so intense that I could not simply relax and calmly appreciate the craft. While it is impossible to even describe that scene without spoilers, it will be obvious to those who watch the film.
The third act is sure to be divisive among Alien fans, as critic reactions have already shown. It worked well to do something new, while also being terrifying. From an execution standpoint, it is solid and the tension is well built, but how fans feel about the endeavor itself will more likely be the talking point. Overall, the latter portion of the film works to keep gradually raising the stakes until the dust settles and the credits roll.
The directing and cinematography in this film are incredible. The first person shots of not only ships, but also with one of the characters, give the story an immersive feel. The shots of outer space and the planetary rings are gorgeous, thanks to the way the picture is framed. The score is also memorable. While incredibly eerie and tense when it needs to be, there are other moments that are still scary, but with a cool rhythmic beat playing, adding a layer of complexity to the soundtrack.
Alien: Romulus is a good film that also serves as an exciting entry point into the franchise for new audiences.
Rating – 4/5 Pocky
Jorgie is a Senior Writer at POC Culture and a passionate pop culture fan. Jorgie loves learning about visual effects, production, film, and art, and how they all come together to make epic films like Star Wars.
