A Review of Alien: Romulus (English) {2.5/5}
Star Cast: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson
Director: Fede Alvarez
Synopsis: ALIEN: ROMULUS follows young space colonists battling a dangerous creature at colony Jackson’s Star. Rain Carradine (Cailee Spaeny), an orphan, toils as a farmer with synthetic human brother Andy (David Jonsson). Eager to escape her contract with Weyland-Yutani Corp for a return to Yvaga, Rain faces contract renewal woes. Encouraged by ex-boyfriend Tyler (Archie Renaux) and allies, a daring escape plan unfolds leading to a nerve-wracking encounter with lethal aliens.
Story Review:
Fede Alvarez and Rodo Sayagues’ narrative postulates imaginative storytelling post the earlier installment, injecting suspense and gore to captivate audiences. The screenplay, while invoking nostalgia, also infuses fresh dynamics, especially through character arcs like Andy’s shift and Rook’s resurgence, underpinning the tension escalating towards the gripping climax.
Subtle nods to the franchise’s origins imbue the plot with depth, albeit risking exclusion of new audiences unfamiliar with the series timeline. Some sequences, while intense, may appear redundant to seasoned viewers, offsetting the otherwise engaging progression. Notably, the ‘A’ rating could limit the film’s reach.
Performance:
Cailee Spaeny’s commanding presence drives the narrative, complemented by David Jonsson’s intriguing portrayal. Archie Renaux delivers solid support, while Isabela Merced, Aileen Wu, and Spike Fearn offer commendable performances in their respective roles.
Music and Technical Brilliance:
Benjamin Wallfisch’s score sets an exhilarating backdrop, bolstered by Galo Olivares’s visually arresting cinematography. The VFX seamlessly blends with the franchise’s aesthetic while embracing modern standards, enhancing the film’s immersive experience. Carlos Rosario’s costumes and Naaman Marshall’s production design add grandeur to the visual narrative, with Jake Roberts’ editing skillfully pacing the intense sequences.
Conclusion:
ALIEN: ROMULUS offers a riveting cinematic experience marred by its deep-seated connection to the original film, potentially alienating newer audiences. Despite this, the film’s thrilling narrative and technical finesse promise an enthralling watch, albeit overshadowed by competing releases like STREE 2.
MyAxom Reviews presents an immersive review of Alien: Romulus, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses in a nuanced critique.