User reviews

A few hours after coming out of the theater and I'm not sure what to make of this. It was... okay, I guess?

It felt like Fedy Alvarez examined the production of each of the previous films, and every left-over idea from them was thrown finally to the screen, along with rehashing the core components of the franchise. You have pieces from Alien, Aliens, Resurrection, and Prometheus/Covenant. For a fan of the series, there are subtle and not-so-subtle easter eggs every few minutes, from sound effects to reused dialogue.

The plot is really simple, as it should be. A group of people exploring a space station. Been there, done that. However, I really liked the use of temperature and gravity in this film, those were something not seen much in this universe. And there were plenty of jump scares. I'm not usually a fan of those, but this time they worked well.

The two lead actors were pretty good, the rest rather forgettable. And not sure what to make of the beyond-the-grave role of one actor...

The world is great. Forget the sleek and clean world of Prometheus, this is back to the ugly 70s retro futuristic stuff. Simply lovely. Aesthetically pleasing, if you like this kind of look.

Finally, however, it does feel like there is really nowhere for this franchise to go in terms of story. I wouldn't call it artistically bankrupt, but it is close. While this film tied neatly together the "proper" Alien films and the new Prometheus sidestep, it is hard to think what more to make of this creature. Nearly all the mystery has been stripped from the Xenomorph. I do wonder, is there anything left to do with this creature? More stand-alone films?

Positives first - Good action, great practical special effects, and nice visuals.

Director Fede Alvarez and his production team have captured the gloomy atmosphere of Alien, and the thrilling action of Aliens almost perfectly. The action was thrilling with some scary moments.

The use of practical effects and realistic miniatures was so refreshing to see in this age of CGI overkill. Seeing a fully realised Xenomorph in the flesh blew me away, and the Space scenes were beautiful. This camera work, visual presentation, and use of quality albeit limited CGI when necessary was excellent.

Negatives - Average acting, nostalgia bait story, copy & pasted dialogue from better Alien movies, and the inclusion of lore elements from the inferior prequels which I wish did not exist in official canon. Plus the reveal of the villain was an "oh, get out of here " moment, I will say no more.

Apart from the great lead actress Spaeny playing up her role, the other cast of actors/characters was just okay. I thought the nostalgia bait story was boring, eye-rolling, and almost 4th wall breaking, it ruined the immersion for me. I'm getting bored of sequels/prequels heavily relying on lazy "remember-berries" to get a kick out of the casual audience while making the Alien fans embarrassed almost angry. To be honest it's just lazy script writing, and disrespectful to the other Alien movies that did it first!. Unnecessary.

Also the overuse of copy & pasted dialogue from the better Sigourney Weaver Alien movies was very cringe. 20th Century Studios should've called it Alien: Remember because of the over-reliance on oh you remember this bit from.. Lastly, trying to inject all the controversial and franchise damaging Prometheus nonsense into the film was frustrating, I hated all that origin of the Space Jockey and creation of the Xenomorph rubbish. And don't get me started on the villain, I don't want to spoil anything, but it was laughably lazy.

I think setting the movie between the first 2 films was a mistake because you have to make your movie fit into the established continuity of the franchise with all the tie ins and plot beats required to make it fit. They should've done a sequel set years after Alien: Resurrection, and setup the start of a brand new Alien saga long after Weavers adventures (and with better writers onboard).

This had the potential to be right up there with Aliens, but due to disappointing characters, a lacklustre "remember-berry" story, and poor script, it was a let down. Alien: Romulus, an above average Alien greatest hits movie, 4th best film in the franchise.

The movie had good direction, set, design, etc. Seeing the movie was a good experience in the cinema. But the story was unoriginal and full of fan service. All the material was borrowed from other Alien movies. It was as if someone watched the entire Alien series and noted all the good and memorable parts, and then made a movie. The CGI of a certain character was also horrible, and looked as if someone did on their phone. The iconic Ripley line from one character was cringeworthy. I liked "Prey" and I admire the story for the fact that they did something original. I liked Fede's "Don't Breathe" and went to see it without any prior knowledge about the movie. I wish they had done something original with Romulus, and I feel very disappointed with the lack of originality of the movie. I'll give it 6/10.

I had high hopes for this one and what can I say : I just got back into the theatre again after the first showing because I couldn't wait to see it a second time. Remember how we always wondered if Alien and Blade Runner took place in the same universe ? The world building was so well done and involving I was almost disappointed to remember after 30 minutes that I was to see an Alien movie. Almost. Because the rest is so good. The way the characters are built in relation to each other and against what's happening is masterful. I also love how the movie reunites thematically and lore wise ALL 6 movies that came before (there's a node to each and everyone of them and I'm a sucker for a good candy if it's done purposefully) while doing it's own thing. Because it IS a Fede Alvarez movie, as fresh and dynamic as the other movies he's done. Finally, you just have to see the opening : as soon as the computer lights up, you know where you are and you know it's gonna be as respectful and familiar as possible. True, there are liberties taken with the lore and some will argue on these with reason but I personally can forgive those shortcuts because they serve the pace (and every movie has its own specific Xenomorphs anyway). There's no down time, always something happening. It checks the boxes but it's also unique and special. This was well worth the wait.

Alien: Romulus delivers a gritty experience reminiscent of the original film, with impressive world-building and familiar tech that longtime fans of the franchise will appreciate. The movie captures the essence of the Alien universe, offering a standalone story that fits well within the established timeline and cleverly nods to Prometheus.

However, the film's reliance on callbacks to previous entries in the franchise detracts from its originality. While some references are clever, others are forced and cringeworthy.

The introduction of the main character Rain, played by Cailee Spaeny, feels uninspired. We've seen this before - another Ripley. It's actually David Jonsson's character, Andy, who ends up being the most interesting by a long shot. If there is one franchise that would benefit from exploring new characters rather than rehashing old ones, this is it.

Despite these negatives, Romulus is technically impressive. It's beautifully shot, the effects are good, it has some genuine scares, and manages to deliver solid thrills and action scenes that are sure to please. I just wish it were brave enough to carve out its own identity.

At this point in 2024, there are more bad alien movies than good ones. So, something that pays homage to the originals really piqued my interest.

Visually, it's vintage "Alien/s" albeit with modern polish. It looks great, spectacular even, especially the space scenes. The opening scene was perfect.

The main problem with the movie is that there is zero tension, no sense of dread, and it's not scary, except for the last few scenes, which I enjoyed.

The movie tries to force tension and intensity with another plot device on top of the alien-the equivalent of a bomb timer countdown. It doesn't work as it trumps the alien threat, they become inconvenient road blocks.

The facehuggers have been reduced to annoying pests-something you can just bat away.

The aliens are cannon fodder, and the cast just seems to bump into them. I didn't get the sense that they were being hunted. E.g The sentry cannon scene from Aliens, this movie references. But you don't see the aliens dieing in Aliens, you do here which makes them look weak. On a side note this scene also reminded me of the Starwars prison corridor "boring conversation anyway".

Many scenes played out like a QuickTime event in a video game, with characters over-explaining and then narrating their actions: "I'm going to press X to do this." It's as if the audience needs to be told what they're watching and why they should feel scared or tense because there is no tension in the scene, despite an alien being present.

I have concerns about adding more law etc into the franchise. I don't need to know how the alien works, it's not scary if you know everything about a monster. That's the point of a monster. They use this new found law to get past some aliens, again it was like a scene from a video game.

It really nails the alien aesthetic, its a high paced movie with video game level writing and characters. Somewhat fun but ultimately disposable.

Nothing special, a lot of the really positive reviews are overhyped.

The characters for the most part are totally flaccid and devoid of any real character, apart from Andy. I honestly didn't have any emotional attachment to the majority of the characters and most of them were just annoying and thick.

The movie was tawdry at times, seeming to take an age to get going and relying far to heavily on Alien franchise cliches to add any real colour to the plot and script.

The special effects were good enough and the design on the original xenomorph was excellent, although the face huggers look worse in this film than they did in Alien and Aliens for some reason.

Don't ger over excited by the current hype surrounding Romulus, it isn't a terrible film but it isn't a great one either. As a huge fan of the originals, i came away disappointed.

If you love the Alien franchise, there's a big chance this movie is gonna satisfy you quite a bit... Because it combines most of the notable elements that made the franchise oh so popular across the years (cf. There are multiple winks or easter eggs to the various movies of the franchise, via subtle elements, characters or story plots)...

It is of course a product of our modern era (the filming technics, the effects), while also keeping most of the classic atmosphere and tone of the Alien movies...The visual language is pretty excellent overall, with some really striking shots here and there (great framing and composition)...

Yes it might disappoint some, who have a feeling of ownership towards the franchise, because it definitely expands and explores the lore quite a lot (which is what I personally am looking for with sci-fi sagas that go on and on over decades)... Also, the lead actress (Cailee Spaeny) carries the movie really well, with silent strength, subtlety and intensity...

So if you're looking for an Alien movie that uses most of the old ingredients while reintroducing and/or reinventing them, and exploring beyond what we've been used to... Then you're up for a great time !

Let me just say that I have been with this franchise since day one. I can remember seeing the original in the cinema before I was a teenager. I have seen and enjoyed all the films many times over and appreciated the less popular ones in the series. Seeing Romulus was a disappointment. Its dark visuals, particularly the opening sequence, had me confused at times. The relevance of the opener became obvious later on. And the dialogue was muffled in spots, and I missed chunks trying to figure out what was said, thus missing the follow up. The story was uninspiring and the Xenomorphs were identical to previous incarnations (for the most part) and close ups of the mouth parts no longer cause fear or dread, just boredom. This is one in the franchise that I may not watch again.

I didn't like the movie at all. It was just a mess of red lights and repeated visual effects, an uninspired collage of shots that recall scenes from each and every Alien movie. What was the point of making something like this? Was it to put the final nail in the coffin for the Alien saga? It seems long overdue!

The inclusion of teenagers in the plot is completely illogical, even if they are supposedly tech-savvy. We're not talking about using a microwave or the latest smartphone here; this is advanced space technology! The whole thing is nonsense, with incoherent storytelling and a lack of real suspense. I've wasted two hours of my time !

Was truly hoping for something better given the decent number of positive reviews. But this was one-note through and through. No real tension, once you realize the generic script was going to stay that way. The 'twist' was as predictable as they come. Acting generic. Though Andy had his moments. The throwbacks to previous films were eye rolling and the rehash of the famous Aliens line was the most cringe of all. Even some of the sets looked cheap. I particularly remember a couple scenes that looked like they were hanging up those circular metallic bendable dryer vents. Everything was super dark, probably to hide what was probably terrible quality alien slime/hard mucus lining the walls. The face huggers particularly at the beginning looked very cheaply done. Stiff and jittery.

Big letdown.

First and foremost, Alien: Romulus is an unabashed love letter to Alien, Aliens and - much to my delight - Alien: Isolation. There hasn't been a film or piece of media that has felt quite as loyal to the original's vision in a long time, if ever.

Almost to a fault, the first two acts deify Alien and Aliens, occasionally lifting dialogue and scene composition verbatim. Those parts are nice throwbacks, although I couldn't help but want something fresh and genuinely terrifying - a feat which I don't think has been achieved since the films that Alien: Romulus lovingly imitates. At the very least, it never ceases to be engaging science fiction-horror.

The characters are moderately interesting, with some believable backstories to justify their motivations, but it isn't difficult to distinguish the heroes from the fodder early on. The dynamic between Rain and Andy is a particular highlight, and gives the narrative the anchor that it needs to warrant the audience's investment. Cailee Spaeney's and David Jonsson's performances are excellent, with the latter delivering the nuance required of his character with precision. The practical effects are also fantastic, making the CGI - when it is used - stand out to the film's detriment.

While the first two acts in isolation deliver a satisfactory entry in the series, the third act (you will know when it arrives) is the white-knuckle horror ride that has been lacking in the more recent films. It's also the point in which the film matures, so to speak, distinguishing itself from a homage and transforming into a standalone experience. It really is best viewed free of any spoilers - all I will say is that it is the first time I've involuntarily gasped in the series since seeing Alien for the first time.

Patience will be rewarded - the third act makes the ride more than worthwhile, and reminded me of exactly why I love the series.

Sure to be a crowdpleaser and produced to perfection this greatest hits album catering to generation Z, doesn't really tread new ground. Don't you dare to be original like 'Prometheus' or bold, like 'Alien: Covenant'. Just give the audience familiarity and play it somewhat safe.

In a world where most new movies coming out from Hollywood are either reboots, remakes or sequels and where new ideas being greenlit are things of the past (unless it can be made on a small budget), we are being flooded with try-to-check-all-boxes movies with several screenwriters and focusgroups attached.

Consider me worried.

I read it was supposed to be a straight to VOD movie and to be released on Hulu. They should have sticked with that. What a disappointment.

The beginning is garbage, they used some teens, with some really dumb cliche personalities. Just annoying. Once the action gets going, you do have lots of good moments but overall so many over the top moments, it was clearly made to be more of a teen action movie.

No real horror or mystery elements. And repeating, extremely repeating, always adding one more layer on layer but always the same.

Then the end, last 10min were nice, but then again so dumb behavior and moves that you can just laugh and shake your head.

Where are the beautiful mystery elements from prometheus and covenant?

A real pity. I really hoped for more. It was a let down and a 7.5 rating, that can't be real. Seriously haha.

I hoped that this movie will add something new to the story of the franchise, but it is just a standalone average horror movie. As I see the director and the studio misunderstood the fans when their problems were raised about Prometheus and Covenant and the result of it is a confusing combination of all the 6 movies also some stolen John Carpenter feeling in the end.

Inspite of this there where some enjoyable scenes in the movie, the main character is likeable but despite all efforts Romolus remains a strange spin-off of the Alien universe.

Of course for an Alien fan it is a mandatory piece even if it's a one time movie.

In 2013, the first feature film by director Fede Alvarez was released: 'Evil Dead,' a reboot of the gloriously gory Sam Raimi series. While some found it lacked the humour the franchise was known for- and most missed Bruce Campbell's demon-killing badass Ash Williams- it was a bloody good film, paying homage to Raimi's original three, while standing on its own two feet. It seemed Alvarez was a new master of the macabre; a notion his next film, the claustrophobic 'Don't Breathe,' compounded.

Having helmed a great new addition to a beloved franchise, and having proved himself adept at making grisly, tense features, Alvarez is the perfect choice to direct an 'Alien' film. 'Alien: Romulus,' set between the events of Ridley Scott's first 'Alien' and James Cameron's 'Aliens,' centres on a group of space colonists who come upon a derelict space station languishing amidst the stars. Intending to scavenge, they board, only to realize the station isn't really abandoned; and that which occupies it has murder on its xenomorphian mind.

It is a gripping horror, a worthy companion piece to Scott's brilliant original. Whether or not you loved Cameron's blockbuster 'Aliens,' its success ensured that all of the succeeding movies in the franchise have been focused more on action rather than dread, on spectacle rather than horror. Although Alvarez has time for action- the latter half of the picture contains some excellent fight scenes, especially one in zero gravity- 'Alien: Romulus' shares the same tone of foreboding menace as the original.

The xenomorphs are to be feared in Alvarez's film. They are not easily annihilated by myriads of weapons or exosuits. Similarly, the main character, Rain Carradine, is not an alien-killing-machine like Cameron's version of Ripley was. Rather, she is more like Ripley in her first cinematic outing: terrified, overwhelmed and in constant danger. She is a great conduit for the audience, as the film takes viewers on a journey into fear, in the confines of space; where no-one can hear you scream.

Alvarez and co-writer Rodo Sayagues craft a tale both engaging and frightening, though a cynical critic might suggest their characterisation is a bit cliched. The supporting characters are particularly ill-served; some are little more than cardboard cut-outs- especially Bjorn, a needlessly aggressive chap whose characterisation seems to have come straight from the pages of a Dummies Guidebook for Assholery. However, Rain and Andy- her synthetic companion- are compelling: one cares for them.

The production design- headed by Naaman Marshall- is immersive and atmospheric, while the efficacious use of both special and practical effects generates many chills and thrills. Alvarez cleverly hired various set designers and decorators, as well as model makers and special effects crew, who worked on previous films in the series. Every location looks like it could have been used in the first movie, while the xenomorphs and other creatures look like they came straight from a HR Giger nightmare.

Furthermore, director of photography Galo Olivares does sterling work under Alvarez's direction. The cinematography is striking and headily evocative. Their use of light and shadow is particularly effective at generating tension and intrigue, while irregular angles are utilised to further the film's suspenseful atmosphere. Further, they juxtapose the vastness of space with the cramped interiors of the station, generating the palpably anxious fear that made the franchise's first entry so memorable.

In addition, they shoot the pulse-pounding action masterfully, leaving viewers on the edge of their seat throughout the film's two-hour runtime- which goes by swiftly, thanks to the fastidious editing from Alvarez and Jake Roberts. Furthermore, Benjamin Wallfisch's score is creepily unsettling, compounding the film's horror and heightening its apprehensive, unpredictable mood.

Cailee Spaeny stars as Rain, delivering a sturdy performance that echoes Sigourney Weaver's as Ripley, though is in no way derivative of Weaver's work. She makes Rain compelling, and is difficult not to root for. As Andy, David Jonsson is brilliant, bringing a humanity to the role that is quite affecting- especially considering he isn't technically human. His relationship with Spaeny is the heart of the film; the two demonstrate a fine chemistry.

Moreover, Archie Renaux does fine work as the leader of the boarding party, while Daniel Betts- with the help of CGI- is terrific, playing Rook, a science officer fans of the original will immediately recognise. Isabela Merced and Aileen Wu both also impress in smaller roles, though, conversely, Spike Fearn is incredibly irritating as Bjorn- although, since the character was surely written to be irritating, in a way, he fulfilled his brief more than adequately.

In summation, Fede Alvarez's 'Alien: Romulus' is a fast-paced, frenetic entry in the 'Alien' franchise that acts as a homage to Ridley Scott's original, while making its own mark cinematically. Boasting a gripping narrative filled with chills and thrills, as well as striking cinematography and a stirring score, it fires on all cylinders. Well-edited and strongly acted, it is a terrific film, that boldly goes in new directions, while honouring where it came from.

Thw movie starts well. In fact the first 2/3rds is pretty great. But it is let down in various ways:

• Too many needless quotes spoken word for word from previous films as if that will excite our nostalgia, but honestly those lines were delivered perfectly with impact and timing when used originally and just repeating this as off the cuff dialog in new characters treads far too closely to ruining their legacy.

• Some connections to previous films that I don't like are validated. The lore appears to be permanently lessened as to the origin of the species amongst other things.

• Some scenes and situations from previous films are copied, again needlessly. There are several of these.

• At times it feels like there are jump scares every 5 minutes in parts, way overdone. Less is more IMHO, otherwise it starts to just devolve into a generic slasher movie.

Managed to snag an early screening of Alien: Romulus, and let me just say this....... Fede Alvarez understands the suspense this franchise needs. Despite the obvious inspiration from the Alien: Isolation video game, which is not a bad thing AT ALL, Alvarez provides the old school fan service we've been missing.

The not-so well known cast pulls it off convincingly, particularly Cailee Spaeny as Rain. Although I didn't much care for her character in Civil War, here she sells her performance rather well. Many will view her as primarily an Amanda Ripley knock-off, though. The Xenomorph design in this one is somewhat reminiscent of the original '79, and it does NOT disappoint. It's almost as if "Kane's Son" from the Nostromo floated through space and landed on the Renaissance Station.

That feeling of isolated dread carries the film, and keeps you on the edge of your seat, but it has has a tendency to drag, but you barely notice it. As far as facehuggers go.......this film does them justice! Holy 🐄! They give the creatures they spawn a run for their money as top contender for terrifying. Take the ones who attacked Ripley and Newt in Aliens and dip them in cocaine. That's what you get in this one! All in all, Alien: Romulus comes in third in this franchise. Alien 3, Resurrection, Prometheus, and Covenant can be erased from canon in my opinion. Enjoy fans!