A return to roots and atmosphere
"Alien: Romulus" tries to follow the original spirit of the series, returning to an atmospheric horror full of tension and dread. This return to the roots was apparently one of the main goals of Álvarez, who decided to favor the scary side over the bigger action scenes seen in some of the more recent films in the series. According to reviewers such as Nick Schager of The Daily Beast, the film is full of great jump moments and horror shots that recall the best scenes from the original films.
The visual side of the film is also worth mentioning. Cinematographer Galo Olivares, known for his work on films like "Gretel & Hansel," uses dark and claustrophobic environments to give the film its eerie atmosphere. Olivares' shots not only pay homage to the classic "Alien" style, but also add fresh visuals that can fully immerse the viewer in the action.
Strong acting
What makes "Alien: Romulus" special are the performances of the main actors. Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson are often cited as key characters who bring emotional depth to the film. While Spaeny portrays the character of Rain with a great deal of sensitivity, Jonsson's Andy, a synthetic android, becomes the heart of the whole story. Andy goes through an evolution throughout the film where his programming clashes with his loyalty to Rain, creating an interesting and tense relationship between the two characters.
Match with the mythology of the series
One of the problems that "Alien: Romulus" faces is trying to connect with the mythology of the series, especially the previous films "Prometheus" and "Alien: Covenant". Producer Ridley Scott, who is still heavily involved in the creation of these films, brings some of the mythological elements that appeared in these previous works. But, according to many critics, these references to mythology distract from the film rather than add strength to it.
Many fans were expecting a film that would return to the simple horror and suspense of the first installments of the series, but "Alien: Romulus" tries to merge that tension with more complicated mythological elements, which some reviewers, such as JoBlo's Chris Bumbray, sometimes say hampers the film's pace . For example, Bumbray points out that the film unnecessarily deviates to other threats that would belong more in the prequels than in the main xenomorph story, which may be disappointing to some viewers.
Technical Championship
However, despite a few weaknesses, "Alien: Romulus" excels on a technical level. In addition to the mentioned camera, the film also boasts an impressive set and great special effects. The interior design of the spaceship where most of the action takes place is full of details that evoke the original aesthetic of the series. The tension is heightened by the claustrophobic environment of the space station, where every corner and every shadow is a potential place of danger.
The score by Benjamin Wallfisch, known for his work on "Blade Runner 2049", is another important element that adds to the atmosphere of the film. Wallfisch's music is intense and emotional, with some reviewers even comparing it to James Horner's iconic score from "Aliens," which is a big compliment for fans.
Overall rating
"Alien: Romulus" is a movie that has all the makings to be one of the best additions to the franchise since "Aliens." Álvarez manages to bring the suspense and horror back to square one through excellent craftsmanship, atmospheric visuals and strong performances. However, the presence of complicated mythology and some weaker moments in the script may turn off some viewers.
Despite these flaws, the film is generally well-received by critics and fans alike, and offers the promise of a further direction for the series under Álvarez. If this film is successful, Álvarez could take over the reins of the franchise and continue creating new stories in this fascinating world that still holds many unexplored possibilities.
