The Alien franchise has been terrifying audiences since Ridley Scott's original film in 1979, and now, fans can gear up for the latest chapter. Directed by Fede Alvarez and produced by Ridley Scott himself, Alien: Romulus is making its digital streaming debut on October 15 through premium video on demand (PVOD). If you missed its theatrical release on August 16, this is your chance to catch the chilling action right at home.
A Familiar Universe with Fresh Frights
Alien: Romulus is set between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), a period ripe for untold stories. This time, the plot centers on a group of young mining colonists, stuck in a grim outpost. Their plan to escape involves scavenging an abandoned space station for supplies, aiming to make a nine-year trek to a better life. Sounds simple, right? Not exactly. What they don't expect is to unleash an army of Xenomorphs, the galaxy's deadliest species, turning their escape into a brutal fight for survival.
Alvarez brings his unique touch to the film, blending tense horror with fast-paced action, and it's no wonder the movie has earned praise from both critics and audiences alike. According to Rotten Tomatoes, Alien: Romulus boasts an impressive 80% critic score and an 85% audience rating, based on over 5,000 reviews. Critics hailed the film for its ability to honor the franchise's legacy while injecting new terror into the mix, with many pointing to its “fresh acid blood” take on classic Alien horror.
A Box Office Hit, Ready for Streaming
Since its release, Alien: Romulus has been a box office success, grossing $342 million worldwide—$103.9 million domestically and $238.1 million internationally—against its $80 million production budget. The film is still showing in select theaters, but those eager to watch from home can pre-order it now on Prime Video for $19.99 or VUDU for $29.99. Rentals, typically $5 less, will be available for a 48-hour viewing window, starting once you hit play.
Cast and Crew Deliver the Goods
The cast of Alien: Romulus features rising stars like Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, and Spike Fearn, whose performances breathe life into the terror-stricken colonists. The ensemble has been lauded for their chemistry and ability to balance vulnerability with grit, qualities essential in a film where survival is far from guaranteed.
Final Thoughts
As Alien: Romulus prepares to land on digital platforms, it promises to be another stellar entry in the franchise, combining the claustrophobic terror of the original films with modern twists. Whether you're a die-hard Alien fan or just looking for a gripping sci-fi horror flick, Romulus won't disappoint. With its thrilling pace, jaw-dropping visuals, and the ever-menacing Xenomorphs, this is a must-watch.
So mark your calendars for October 15 and prepare yourself for a nerve-wracking journey into space. But remember—out there, no one can hear you scream.
