About the film (courtesy of 20th Century Studios):
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.

In the vast and ever-expanding universe of the Alien franchise, where xenomorphs have stalked our nightmares for decades, Fede Alvarez (Evil Dead (2013), Don’t Breathe (2016)) dares to breathe new life into a saga that, at times, has felt burdened by its own legacy. Alvarez looks to channel his inner-Ridley Scott, the visionary behind the original 1979 masterpiece, as he takes us to the darkest corners of space, where the unknown lurks and terror awaits.

Alien: Romulus unfolds on a remote mining colony where a group of young laborers attempt to seize an opportunity for a better life. When they stumble upon a long-dormant alien vessel, they are drawn into a terrifying encounter that will test their limits and unravel dark secrets that seemed unimaginable mere hours before.

The performances are uniformly solid, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their roles. The cast includes a familiar face or two (Cailee Spaeny, Isabela Merced), but mostly talent (David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Spike Fearn, Aileen Wu) that you haven’t seen in many projects, if any, creating a dynamic ensemble that is both believable and engaging. The characters are flawed but relatable, struggling to survive in a hostile environment while grappling with their own personal demons. Alien: Romulus takes its time to develop these characters, allowing us to invest in their fates and feel the full weight of their sacrifices.

The true star of the show, however, is the titular creature (or creatures in this case). Alvarez and his team have crafted a truly terrifying new iteration of the Xenomorph, one that is both familiar and strikingly original. The design is sleek and predatory, with a grotesque beauty that is both mesmerizing and horrifying. The creature’s movements are swift and unpredictable, making it a relentless force of nature that is virtually impossible to contain. The film utilizes practical effects and CGI to great effect, creating moments of visceral horror that will leave you breathless.

Alien: Romulus isn’t simply a creature feature, however. The film delves into deeper themes, exploring the human cost of corporate greed and the ethical implications of scientific advancement. The characters are forced to confront difficult choices, and the film doesn’t shy away from the consequences of their actions. The script is intelligent, meticulously laid out and thought-provoking.

The film’s pacing is pretty darn good, building tension slowly and steadily until it reaches a fever pitch in the final act. The action sequences are well choreographed, blending suspense and spectacle to thrilling effect. The film also boasts a haunting score that amplifies the sense of dread and isolation. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the vastness of space and the claustrophobic confines of the Romulus with equal skill.

Alien: Romulus is a welcome return to form for the franchise, a film that honors its legacy while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the genre. That said, there are a couple of times where Fede Alvarez force feeds nostalgia down your throat whether you want it or not. Sometimes subtleness works better than painfully obvious.

Alien: Romulus is a thrilling, thought-provoking, and visually stunning experience that will leave you mostly invested from beginning to end. This is not just a quality watch for fans of the franchise, but for anyone who appreciates intelligent and terrifying science fiction. The film is a reminder of the power of cinema to transport us to other worlds and challenge our perceptions of reality. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of the ‘Alien’ mythos, and a sign that the franchise has a bright future ahead.

Dust off your proximity sensors and get ready for some out-of-this-world thrills. And you really want to get yourself ready, probably watching Alien: Covenant (2017) and definitely watching Alien (1979) might bring you greater appreciation for what is to come with Alien: Romulus, which bursts into theaters Friday, August 16.