Alien: Romulus’ Review: Effective Video-Game Horror That Falls Short of the Original’s Intensity

The new “Alien” sequel introduces a serious contradiction. As the seventh installment in the franchise, “Alien: Romulus” continues the tradition of hoping to recapture the awe of the original 1979 film.

Despite “Aliens” (1986) achieving classic status and “Alien 3” (1992) having its own unique, though polarizing, impact, the series has struggled to maintain genuine dread since “Alien: Resurrection.” The subsequent entries have leaned more on nostalgia than on evoking real fear.

In “Alien: Romulus,” the franchise’s familiar horrors are revisited with a fresh approach. The film is set between the events of “Alien” and “Aliens,” aiming to bypass the convolutions of earlier prequels.

The story reveals aboard a decommissioned space station, resembling the Nostromo, where Rain Carradine (Cailee Spaeny), a miner, joins a group of renegades planning an escape from the Jackson’s Star Mining Colony. The group’s goal is to revive an abandoned ship, escape, and secure enough fuel for a nine-year cryo-sleep journey.

Under Fede Álvarez’s direction, known for “Don’t Breathe” and “Evil Dead,” the film’s retro aesthetic, including primitive graphics and practical effects, brings a nostalgic charm to the alien encounters. However, the film’s aliens, including face-huggers and other monstrous elements, feel less menacing compared to their predecessors.

Despite a nod to past films with references like a damaged ship and a droid reminiscent of Ian Holm’s character, the film’s character dynamics and accents sometimes fall flat. Yet, Cailee Spaeny stands out as Rain, embodying a new version of the fearless Ripley. The climax, featuring a high-stakes showdown, effectively ties together the series’ threads with a visually striking confrontation.