As a die-hard horror fan and a big fan of the orignal “Alien” (1979) film, I always get excited when a new “Alien” movie is on the horizon. This time, it’s “Alien: Romulus,” the seventh entry in the franchise, directed by the talented Fede Álvarez. And while it may not completely recapture the raw terror of the original, it’s a solid, spine-tingling ride that any horror lover will appreciate.
The “Alien” franchise has set the bar high over the years, especially with Ridley Scott’s original in 1979 and James Cameron’s action-packed “Aliens” in 1986. Those films delivered a visceral shock and awe that became the gold standard of sci-fi horror. But as the series continued, with each new installment trying to outdo the last, it became harder to replicate that same gut-wrenching fear.
“Alien: Romulus” understands this and instead leans into its strengths. It may not reinvent the wheel, but it does a fantastic job of revisiting what made the earlier films so iconic. The result is a movie that feels like a well-crafted, nerve-jangling greatest-hits compilation—like playing through an awesome horror video game where every level offers a new thrill.
Set between the events of “Alien” and “Aliens,” the story unfolds on a massive, derelict ship drifting through space. Cailee Spaeny shines as Rain Carradine, a mine worker trapped in a grim corporate-run colony. Desperate to escape, she teams up with a ragtag group of rebels in a bid for freedom. Their mission? Reach the abandoned ship, fire it up, and hope there’s enough fuel for the long cryo-sleep journey to safety.
Álvarez does a fantastic job creating an atmosphere that feels both familiar and fresh. The ship’s retro design, with its clunky computer graphics and eerie, backlit cooling fans, is a nod to the franchise’s roots. And of course, it wouldn’t be an “Alien” movie without the Xenomorphs. They’re back, with all their gooey, nightmarish glory, ready to invade your personal space in the most terrifying ways possible.
The alien encounters in “Romulus” are intense, using practical effects that will have any horror purist grinning ear to ear. One standout scene involves the crew wading through a flooded passage, only to be ambushed by a swarm of face-huggers. It’s pure, unadulterated horror that feels like meeting an old, terrifying friend. And while these creatures might not be as invincible as they once seemed, they’re still the stuff of nightmares.
Spaeny’s Rain is the closest thing to a modern-day Ripley, with her quiet strength and determination making her a character you can’t help but root for. She even has her own droid sidekick, Andy, who adds a touch of humor and heart to the story. But when Andy is reprogrammed to serve the corporate machine, you realize just how much you’ve grown to care about him—maybe even more than some of the human characters.
“Alien: Romulus” also delivers some unforgettable visuals. From a grotesque half-formed alien to an epic anti-gravity battle where Rain takes on a horde of Xenomorphs, there’s no shortage of jaw-dropping moments. The final act, in particular, is a standout, featuring a showdown that will have you on the edge of your seat.
While “Alien: Romulus” might not bring back the full force of the original’s primal horror, it’s a thrilling, well-executed entry in the franchise. It’s a must-watch for any horror fan who loves the “Alien” universe, delivering just the right mix of nostalgia and new chills to keep the nightmare alive.
