The first reactions to the latest installment in the iconic Alien franchise, Alien: Romulus, are now in. So, does the movie do as director Fede Álvarez intended and slot nicely in between the beloved first movie and its 1986 sequel Aliens? Or is Alien: Romulus another considerably lesser outing with the dreaded Xenomorph? Well, the movie has now screened for the press, so let’s find out…
Gizmodo’s Germain Lussier found a lot to enjoy in Alien: Romulus, praising the prequel/sequel for using different parts of each movie in the series to stitch together something “bonkers.”
“#AlienRomulus is a bonkers roller coaster ride through the previous six Alien movies, using bits of all them, to tell a focused, mostly standalone story filled with glorious gore & scares. It gets better as it goes along, ending with a phenomenal big swing of a third act.”
Variety’s Jazz Tangcay felt similarly, revealing that all skepticism was quickly cast aside thanks to the dedication to practical effects, sound design, and world-building.
“The bitch is back. Was skeptical going in, but this is easily one of the better films in the franchise. Fede Álvarez doesn’t disappoint. Awesome sound design and world-building. The practical effects are so good that the film gave me nightmares.”
Critic Courtney Howard, meanwhile, declared that Alien: Romulus is “gnarly, gripping & gorgeously bleak.” What more could you want?
“Fede Alvarez’s #AlienRomulus is gnarly, gripping & gorgeously bleak (everything from the story to Olivares’ cinematography to Wallfisch’s score). Innovatively delivering smart, savvy stuff, subtly playing the greatest hits. Cailee Spaeny & David Jonsson dominate. This rules!”
Alien: Romulus Could Prove to Be Another Divisive Outing in the Sci-Fi Franchise
However, while the first reactions are largely positive, there have been some divisive responses to certain aspects to the Alien outing. MovieWeb’s own Richard Fink “really dug” a lot of what Romulus had to offer, but did mention “one element” they did not like…
“It does play like a best of the Alien franchise for better and worse (one element I did not like) but it feels like the sequels finally found their footing.”
The use of nostalgia in the prequel/sequel has come under scrutiny, with Leo Rydel of Geekly Goods criticizing Alien: Romulus for splicing “the best elements of the franchise together” rather than “standing on its own.” Critic Mark McPherson adds, “The thematic elements get lost in the shuffle by the third act, and some minor fanservice moments feel mildly tacky.”
Related
Alien: Romulus Director Reveals Profane Note He Got From Ridley Scott
Fede Álvarez took to Instagram to share a note he got from Ridley Scott on the first day of shooting Romulus.
Critic Rob Dean ultimately felt that the nostalgia and what sounds like a deeply divisive ending “ruin” what could have been a truly worthy (and terrifying) Alien experience.
“#AlienRomulus is a pretty good movie—before it all falls apart. Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson are *Excellent*. Dope sets and costuming. A few thrilling sequences! But too much nostalgia, too little logic, and a hugely disappointing (yet overly familiar) ending ruin it all.”
Directed by Fede Álvarez, Alien: Romulusstars Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla), David Jonsson (Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy), Archie Renaux (Shadow and Bone), Isabela Merced (The Last of Us), Spike Fearn (Aftersun), and Aileen Wu. You can check out the official synopsis for Alien: Romulus below.
“While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.”
Alien: Romulus
is scheduled to be released in theaters by 20th Century Studios on August 16, 2024.
You can check out more early reactions below!
