Alien: Romulus Movie Review: Exploring Alien Romulus and Its Place in Sci-Fi Horror

The Alien franchise has long been a cornerstone of science fiction horror, captivating audiences with its chilling atmosphere, relentless creatures, and a universe steeped in darkness. With the release of Alien Romulus, the ninth installment in the series, fans have been eagerly anticipating a return to the harrowing world that began in 1979 with Ridley Scott’s original Alien. As this latest film arrives in theaters, let’s dive into what makes Alien Romulus a noteworthy addition to this legendary franchise.

A Return to Form with a Familiar Setting

Alien Romulus positions itself as a sequel to the very first Alien movie, while also serving as a bridge between the first and second parts of the series. This setting alone is enough to generate excitement among long-time fans, as it promises to revisit the terrifying atmosphere that made the original films so iconic. However, while the setting is familiar, the film attempts to introduce new elements to keep the narrative fresh.

Also read: How Ironman Became Dr Doom In Avengers Doomsday?

The movie, like its predecessors, delves into the dark, claustrophobic environments that have become synonymous with the franchise. This time, the story unfolds over two intense hours, focusing on the crew of a spaceship as they navigate the deadly encounters with the alien creatures known as Xenomorph. The early stages of the film, however, are a slow burn. The first 40 minutes build up anticipation, with the real action only kicking in once the aliens make their entrance. For fans who have seen the earlier films, this pacing might feel somewhat frustrating, as the tension is drawn out longer than expected.

The Horror and Thrill Elements

One of the hallmarks of the Alien franchise has always been its ability to blend horror with science fiction. Alien Romulus continues this tradition but with varying degrees of success. The film offers a few jump scares and intense moments, but it also feels like a retread of familiar ground. The Xenomorphs, with their horrifying appearance and relentless nature, remain the centerpiece of the terror, but there’s a sense of déjà vu that lingers throughout the movie.

Also read: Stree Cinematic Universe Explained : Stree 2 : Roohi : Bhediya : Munjya

Where the film does succeed is in its visual effects. The CGI used to bring the aliens to life is top-notch, making every encounter feel visceral and real. The facehuggers, those terrifying little creatures that latch onto their victims, are as menacing as ever, though they aren’t given as much screen time as some might hope. This reliance on CGI, however, comes at the cost of the practical effects that made the earlier films feel more grounded and gritty.

The horror elements, while present, don’t quite reach the heights of the original films. The tension is there, but the fear factor is somewhat diminished by the familiarity of the scenarios. For new viewers who might not be as steeped in the franchise’s history, the horror might still pack a punch, but for seasoned fans, it may feel a bit lacking.

The Narrative Twists and Conclusion

Without delving into spoilers, Alien Romulus does manage to introduce a few narrative twists that keep the story engaging. One of the most intriguing aspects is the exploration of the connection between humans and the aliens. This adds a layer of depth to the film, offering something new to ponder even for those well-versed in the Alien lore. However, these twists are saved for the latter part of the film, making the final act the most compelling.

The movie wraps up with a conclusion that is both satisfying and open-ended, leaving room for future exploration in the Alien universe. While there’s no post-credit scene, which has become somewhat expected in today’s cinematic landscape, the ending is strong enough to stand on its own.

Here's the Top 10 Best Post-Credit Scenes in Indian Cinema

Final Verdict

Alien Romulus is a solid entry in the Alien franchise, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessors. It offers enough thrills and chills to keep fans engaged, especially those new to the series. However, for long-time followers of the franchise, the film may feel a bit too familiar, with its scares and narrative beats echoing those of earlier movies.

The movie shines in its visual effects and the atmospheric tension it creates, but it could have benefitted from more innovative storytelling and a stronger horror element. If you’re a fan of the franchise or enjoy science fiction horror, Alien Romulus is worth watching, but don’t expect it to redefine the genre.

In conclusion, Alien Romulus earns a respectable three out of five stars. It’s a movie that will entertain, especially if you’re revisiting the franchise or introducing it to new viewers, but it may not linger in the mind as long as the original films have.