“Alien: Romulus,” directed by Fede Álvarez, is a back-to-basics “Alien” film, taking place 20 years after the original. It follows an ensemble cast of teenagers seeking escape to another planet. To free themselves from exploitative mining jobs, they attempt to hijack an abandoned ship. Their plans are thwarted after releasing an army of Facehuggers that impregnates one of them, evolving from an egg and becoming a fully grown Xenomorph.
It’s no secret Álvarez is a phenomenal director. Every piece of his work from the “Evil Dead” remake to “Don’t Breathe” is masterfully crafted. He pays careful attention to the details of his characters and world along with the suspenseful tone he strives to craft each scene. The hallway sequence when two of the characters march past an army of Facehuggers waiting to pounce and the end sequence where two characters must think on their feet to get through a tunnel filled with Xenomorphs exemplify sequences with excellent direction. It helps that Álvarez’s cast give solid performances with a special shoutout to Isabela Merced, who plays Kay in the movie, should be given a spot in the Scream Queen Hall of Fame based on her performance in “Romulus.”
Set design, VFX and lighting pose as some of the most stunning in recent memory for a horror movie, especially considering the comparably small $80 million budget. Most of the VFX in this film are done with practical effects, from the spider-like Facehuggers to the puppetry behind the Xenomorph. Even the final villain, the new Xenomorph variation, is a practical costume worn by an actual person. The fact that CGI doesn’t reign over this movie makes it even more enjoyable. The set design and lighting are also on point throughout the film. Set pieces look exactly like they would from the 1979 original, enhancing the aesthetics of the film. Additionally, the lighting feels perfect as no scene is ever too brightly or darkly lit. There are even some points where the gaffers (light technicians on a film) have some fun with flashing red lights and examples of light rays traveling through the vast void of space.
The action choreography, led by stunt coordinator Mark Henson, will impress all viewers. It also blends well with the excellent cinematography done by Galo Olivares. The best sequences come in the form of the anti-gravity fights throughout the film. There is no gravity in space, so coordinating fights that work with zero-gravity makes for a unique viewing experience.
“Alien: Romulus” stands as a remarkable return to form for the franchise led by the brilliant Fede Álvarez and elevated by a perfectly casted ensemble. Fans and non-fans of the “Alien” franchise will find a lot to love about this film. Some moments connect the film to its predecessors for the fans while still having a cohesive enough story for first-time viewers of the franchise. It’ll leave audiences stunned but wanting another sequel featuring the franchise’s main monster: the Xenomorph.
