The Alien franchise has been a cornerstone of sci-fi horror since Ridley Scott’s Alien debuted in 1979, offering audiences a terrifying mix of claustrophobic tension and monstrous alien creatures. Over the decades, the series has evolved, ranging from the action-packed thrills of Aliens to the philosophical depth of Prometheus. Now, after a long hiatus, Alien: Romulus (2024), directed by Fede Álvarez, brings the beloved xenomorph back to the big screen. Despite initial concerns over yet another entry in the franchise, Alien: Romulus surprises fans with a return to its roots while delivering a modern twist on classic themes.
Contents
Plot Overview
Alien: Romulus takes place between the first two films, Alien and Aliens, making it an interesting prequel to the second movie while expanding on the original’s universe. The plot follows Rain (Cailee Spaeny), a young orphan working on the mining planet Jackson’s Star, where the exploitative Weyland-Yutani Corporation runs things with an iron fist. Rain’s only family is her adoptive brother Andy (David Jonsson), a broken-down android with a quirky personality, who makes awkward jokes to keep her spirits up.
When Rain’s work contract is unjustly extended by Weyland-Yutani, she and a group of desperate miners—led by her ex-boyfriend Tyler (Archie Renaux)—hatch a plan to escape. Their goal is to steal cryostasis pods from an abandoned space station orbiting their planet and make a nine-year journey to Yvaga, a more hospitable planet far from Weyland’s reach. However, what they find aboard the station is far more dangerous than they anticipated: the xenomorph.
Cast and Performances
One of the most impressive aspects of Alien: Romulus is the stellar performances of its cast, particularly Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson. Spaeny, last seen in Alex Garland’s Civil War, delivers a standout performance as Rain, transforming from a reluctant escapee into a hardened survivor. Her portrayal is reminiscent of Sigourney Weaver’s iconic Ellen Ripley, though with her own unique flair. As the film progresses, Rain’s growth feels natural, and Spaeny’s ability to balance vulnerability with strength makes her a compelling lead.
David Jonsson’s portrayal of Andy, a malfunctioning android, offers a refreshing twist on the franchise’s recurring theme of synthetic life. Andy, programmed to protect Rain, struggles with his limitations but maintains a touching, almost childlike bond with her. Jonsson’s performance adds heart to the film, grounding the story amid the chaos of space horror.
Archie Renaux, playing Tyler, delivers a solid supporting performance as Rain’s ex-boyfriend and leader of the escape group. While his character follows some predictable action-hero tropes, Renaux adds enough charm and tension to keep the story engaging.
Returning to the Roots of Alien
One of the key aspects that sets Alien: Romulus apart is its return to the basic formula that made the original Alien so iconic. Rather than diving into the grandiose mythology of Prometheus or the action-heavy sequences of Aliens, Álvarez brings the focus back to survival horror. Much like in the original film, the characters are isolated in a confined space, being hunted by a seemingly invincible foe. The tension builds as they try to outwit the xenomorph while navigating the eerie, desolate space station.
The station itself is a nostalgic throwback to the franchise’s earlier settings—filled with dark, empty corridors, brutalist architecture, CRT monitors, and neon lights. It evokes the atmosphere of a 1990s sci-fi dystopia, effectively combining the franchise’s signature visual style with updated special effects.
Visual Effects and Practical Horror
Alien: Romulus is a technical marvel, blending practical effects with CGI to create an immersive and terrifying environment. The xenomorphs themselves—brought to life through a mixture of animatronics, practical suits, and CGI—are as frightening as ever. Álvarez smartly balances the use of these effects, ensuring that the alien feels tangible and menacing without relying too heavily on CGI.
One of the film’s highlights is a thrilling zero-gravity firefight, a standout action sequence that demonstrates Álvarez’s ability to innovate within the confines of the genre. This scene, combined with the gooey, visceral horror of chestbursters and facehuggers, adds to the film’s fast-paced and suspenseful third act.
Themes and Subtext
While Alien: Romulus isn’t as thematically dense as Prometheus or Alien: Covenant, it does explore the moral and ethical complexities of humanity and synthetic life. Rain and Andy’s relationship is central to the emotional core of the film. Andy, though a broken-down robot, is programmed to protect Rain, resulting in a touching bond that transcends his mechanical nature. The film subtly explores themes of loyalty, protection, and what it means to be human.
Additionally, Álvarez hints at the distinction between human ethics and android ethics, a theme previously touched upon in Alien: Covenant. Andy’s utilitarian programming is juxtaposed with Rain’s moral dilemmas, offering a deeper look into the franchise’s long-running exploration of human and synthetic life.
Comparisons to Other Alien Films
Fans of the franchise will undoubtedly compare Alien: Romulus to its predecessors. The film’s straightforward plot and survival-horror atmosphere put it closer to Alien and Aliens, rather than the more philosophical entries like Prometheus. While Prometheus and Covenant delved into the origins of the xenomorphs and explored existential questions, Romulus focuses on the here-and-now terror of surviving an alien attack.
That being said, Alien: Romulus strikes a balance between homage and innovation. Álvarez includes enough nods to the franchise’s history to satisfy longtime fans, while also pushing the action in new directions with its inventive set-pieces and character-driven storytelling.
Alien: Romulus Release Date
The Alien: Romulus trailer is officially set to release on October 12, 2024. Directed by Fede Álvarez, this new installment in the Alien franchise promises to bring fresh horrors and intense action. Fans can look forward to their first glimpse of the film’s plot, characters, and terrifying xenomorphs when the trailer drops. Mark your calendars!
Where to Watch Alien: Romulus Online
As of 2024, Alien: Romulus is available for online streaming on multiple platforms, making it accessible for audiences worldwide. Here’s a guide to where you can stream the film:
- Hulu (via FX on Hulu): Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox means that FX is the go-to home for “Alien” content. You can stream “Alien: Romulus” on Hulu via FX, which is the exclusive home for the movie’s online release in the U.S. This platform offers both ad-supported and ad-free plans, so viewers can choose according to their preferences.
- Disney+ (International Release): Outside the U.S., Alien: Romulus will be available on Disney+, specifically through the platform’s Star section, which caters to more mature audiences. Fans in regions like the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe can watch the film here.
- Amazon Prime Video (VOD Release): For those looking to rent or purchase Alien: Romulus instead of subscribing to a streaming service, Amazon Prime Video offers the film as a Video On Demand (VOD) option. You can either rent it for a limited time or buy it to watch whenever you like.
- Apple TV and Google Play: The movie is also available for rent or purchase on Apple TV and Google Play. These platforms provide HD and 4K options for viewers looking for the best possible picture quality.
Final Thoughts
In a landscape filled with sequels and reboots, Alien: Romulus proves to be a welcome addition to the franchise. Fede Álvarez doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; instead, he delivers a film that pays homage to the franchise’s origins while offering enough fresh material to keep audiences engaged.
Though Romulus doesn’t break new ground in terms of story, its focus on character development and practical effects makes it a thrilling ride from start to finish. Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson’s performances elevate the film, and Álvarez’s direction ensures that the tension never lets up. For fans of the franchise, Alien: Romulus is a must-see, and for newcomers, it provides a solid entry point into the Alien universe.
