As a lifelong fan of the Alien franchise, I've navigated the highs of Ridley Scott's 1979 masterpiece and James Cameron's explosive Aliens (1986), as well as the lows of later entries that struggled to capture the magic of the originals. So, when I heard that Alien: Romulus was on the horizon, directed by Evil Dead‘s Fede Álvarez, my curiosity was piqued. Could this be the entry that reignites the franchise's fading embers?
Well, the first reactions are in, and they're nothing short of thrilling. Screenings ahead of the August 16th, 2024 release date have fans and industry insiders buzzing. Social media is awash with praise for the film, particularly for its adrenaline-pumping third act. It's not just hyperbole—many are already ranking Romulus among the top three films in the entire series. For a franchise with such an iconic legacy, that's no small feat.
Álvarez, known for his sharp horror instincts, has apparently delivered a film that respects the original while carving out its own terrifying niche. Ridley Scott, the man who introduced us to the Xenomorph back in 1979, even gave Álvarez a rousing endorsement after a private screening, saying, “Fede, what can I say? It's f*cking great.” That's coming from a director who knows this universe inside and out, though it's worth noting he also helmed the divisive Alien: Covenant.
One aspect that has everyone talking is the creature design. H.R. Giger's original Xenomorph is one of cinema's most enduring nightmares, and Romulus appears to pay homage to that legacy while also delivering something fresh. The film's plot, which centers on a group of young space colonizers encountering the ultimate terror on a derelict space station, seems perfectly poised to take us back to the franchise's horror roots.
With this level of early acclaim, Alien: Romulus is shaping up to be a must-see event. For fans disillusioned by the franchise's recent missteps, this could be the film that finally brings back the fear, the tension, and the sheer exhilaration that made Alien a household name. Will Romulus stand the test of time like its predecessors? Only time—and a terrified audience—will tell.
