After over 40 years, the Alien franchise has taken a different direction with Alien: Romulus. This movie seems to be targeted at those who are familiar with Alien movies but have never actually seen one. The film quickly delves into themes like pregnancy as horror, android-human relationships, and corporate greed within the first ten minutes, relying heavily on telling rather than showing. Co-written by Rodo Sayagues and Fede Alvarez, who also directs, the movie rushes through dialogue to ensure that all necessary themes are covered.
Unfortunately, some moments come off as laughable while others are downright offensive. The only Black character in the film, Andy, who is also the main android character, faces constant scrutiny over his identity as “real” or “fake.” The discomfort escalates when Andy reveals that his main directive is to prioritize the well-being of Rain, a young white woman poised to take over the franchise from Sigourney Weaver’s iconic Ellen Ripley.
The thrills in Romulus seem formulaic, with scenes transitioning from one set piece to another, including attacks, stealth missions, and a predictable finale. While some sequences showcase unique ways to engage with the horror of the xenomorph, they feel disconnected and more like video game levels rather than elements of a cohesive narrative.
It’s disappointing that the Alien series has resorted to uninspired storytelling, as Romulus fails to bring anything fresh to the table. The movie is rated R and has a runtime of 119 minutes, with a wide release in theaters.
In other news, recent film reviews recommend titles like Cuckoo, Trap, Sugarcane, Starve Acre, Close to You, and Dìdi, offering a variety of genres and themes for movie enthusiasts to explore. From psychological thrillers to documentaries, these films provide different perspectives and storytelling approaches for audiences seeking diverse cinematic experiences.