‘Alien: Romulus’ Review: A Skillful Reimagining of Classic Sci-Fi Themes

The dialogue feels like a direct conversation between the film and its viewers. In terms of visual style and atmosphere, ‘Alien: Romulus’ pays a heartfelt tribute to the sci-fi classics of the 1980s.

A key element in ‘Alien: Romulus’ revolves around a hyper-intelligent android that prioritizes the survival of humanity over the essence of being human. This android creates a hybrid organism by merging human DNA with that of the alien xenomorph, labeling it as the next crucial step in evolution. The film itself seems to echo this philosophy, opting for the franchise’s survival over the original intent of introducing fresh and innovative ideas into the sci-fi realm. Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien’ significantly shaped the sci-fi genre by delving into themes of cosmic horror, existentialism, and ethical dilemmas related to AI. ‘Romulus’ reflects these established thematic discussions, yet it approaches them with a sincere respect for the genre, allowing viewers to overlook its flaws.

Visually and atmospherically, ‘Alien: Romulus’ serves as a heartfelt homage to the sci-fi films of the 1980s. The world it portrays is a blend of futuristic and brutalist architecture, with technology designed in a subdued manner that doesn’t rush to reveal its advanced nature. The grim ambiance of a world in decline is enhanced by shadows and smoke that permeate nearly every scene. The abandoned spaceship, where much of the action takes place, is designed and lit to amplify the feelings of desolation and impending doom inherent in the narrative. For instance, the spaceship’s airlock resembles a set of retractable blades. However, this tribute to 80s sci-fi sometimes becomes problematic as it influences the story itself. The crew of miners attempting to revive the derelict ship feels reminiscent of classic sci-fi thriller ensembles, featuring a composed leader and an impulsive character with a backstory that fuels his resentment.

While it’s clear that the guns are introduced solely for the characters to use later, this feels more like a convenient plot device than a well-thought-out element. The attempts to justify these character decisions fall flat, detracting from the overall experience. ‘Alien: Romulus’ often pulls us out of the tension with excessive nods to earlier films in the series.

This reliance on nostalgia comes at the expense of a cohesive tone. Yet, the strong performances from the cast help us overlook these flaws. David Jonsson, in particular, stands out as the android Andy. He masterfully transitions from a child-like innocence to a fierce determination as his primary directive shifts. His ability to keep the audience guessing about his reactions adds depth to the character, evoking a range of emotions from empathy to frustration and fear.

Despite its bold and somewhat divisive ending, ‘Alien: Romulus’ doesn’t bring much new to the table nor does it convey a significant message. Nevertheless, it remains an engaging alien-slasher film. The suspense is palpable when the xenomorph stalks the crew, the kills are satisfyingly gory, and there’s a creative flair throughout the screenplay. Just like the android’s failed attempts to blend human and xenomorph traits, the film struggles with its own evolution, yet it manages to keep the franchise alive for now.

Director: Fede Alvarez

Cast: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced.