The 'Alien' franchise goes on, even without Ridley Scott in the direction

Ridley Scott's Alien first came out in 1979, and its combination of horrifying extraterrestrial encounters and the indomitable human spirit has captivated audiences since then. The subsequent franchise, known for its claustrophobic suspense and grotesque alien horrors, has become a benchmark for the sci-fi horror genre. James Cameron's Aliens cemented the cult status of this franchise, proving sequels can surpass their predecessors.

The seventh instalment, Alien: Romulus, tries to return to the franchise's roots and capture the extraterrestrial horror and constant suspense of the predecessors.

Fede Álvarez, the film's director, casts the shadow of Scott's enormous legacy while striking a balance between exciting and relatable moments, leaving some fans wanting more.

The film Alien: Romulus

It takes audiences to the dystopian Jackson Star Mining Colony, which is situated between Alien and Aliens and where there is no hope. The main character is Rain Carradine, a mine worker imprisoned by the tyrannical Weyland-Yutani corporation infamous for its relentless pursuit of wealth. Rain devises a crazy scheme with some teenage outlaws to break out of their corporate jail by taking control of a retired spacecraft.

The story, reminiscent of previous Alien films, combines survival horror elements with a heist narrative for a fresh setting.

The screenplay by Álvarez and Rodo Sayagues skillfully creates tension in the film, especially in the early scenes. The abandoned spacecraft, with its archaic computer graphics and retro-futuristic design, captures the essence of the original Alien.

The use of practical effects such as face huggers and xenomorphs is commendable. However, the film lacks the originality and creativity of previous entries, and the dialogue resembles past films, creating a sense of déjà vu rather than innovation.

Archie Renaux as Tyler, Isabela Merced as Kay, and Cailee Spaeny as Rain make up a lacklustre cast for the movie. More nuance is needed in the supporting cast to encourage viewers to invest in their outcomes truly. The most noteworthy figure is Andy, Rain's android friend, who offers a welcome diversion from the depressing atmosphere. Instead of being a surprise turn of events, his character narrative takes a predictable path that feels like a wasted opportunity. The film has a classic-style, high-stakes, heart-pounding finale that pits a lone woman against an alien force.

Character-driven storytelling is crucial, but the emotional impact of earlier encounters needs to be strengthened. The movie's emphasis on shock value and special effects also lessen the impact of these scenes.

Alien: Romulus lives up to the genre tradition by bringing back the alien dread of the first two films. However, due to its formulaic plot, it needs to meet the excellent standards set by its predecessors. It may only partially satisfy fans, even though it gives a taste of the original film's spine-tingling horror. Future entries in the series should push the envelope and recapture Alien's inventiveness and intensity as it develops.

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