The highly anticipated instalment in the iconic sci-fi horror franchise Alien: Romulus is finally here. The film follows a group of young colonists stranded on a remote planet, where they unwittingly awaken an ancient terroittevur—the Xenomorph. As they struggle to survive, they must confront not only the relentless, predatory alien but also their fears and hidden secrets. Isolated and outmatched, the colonists must band together to outwit the perfect killing machine, uncovering the terrifying truth behind their mission. Directed by Fede Álvarez, this chapter promises to deliver spine-chilling suspense, intense action, and a fresh take on the horror that fans of the series have come to love.

Alien: Romulus (2024) is a complex addition to the Alien franchise that blends classic horror elements with modern twists. The film, while visually stunning and filled with intense, gruesome set pieces, struggles with originality, particularly in its latter half. The early parts of the movie showcase Álvarez’s skill in crafting tension and fear, using the familiar terror of the xenomorphs to great effect. Scenes like a zero-gravity encounter and a room filled with face huggers are highlights, exemplifying the director’s ability to create suspense and horror.

‘ALIEN: ROMULUS’ opens with $108M worldwide.

The film had the second highest domestic opening of the franchise.

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However, the film falters when it leans too heavily on nostalgia and recycled tropes. The inclusion of a CGI recreation of Ian Holm’s character Ash from the original Alien is particularly divisive, feeling unnecessary and detracting from the fresh elements introduced earlier in the movie. This decision, along with a climax that mirrors past entries in the series, leaves the latter half of Romulus feeling like a retread rather than a bold new direction.

Despite these issues, the performances, particularly by Cailee Spaeny as Rain and David Jonsson as the android Andy, are standout aspects. Their relationship forms the emotional core of the film, providing depth amidst the chaos. Spaeny’s portrayal of Rain, who navigates a harrowing journey, brings a nuanced, grounded performance, while Jonsson’s Andy offers a refreshing take on the synthetic character archetype within the franchise.

An interesting part is the fact that while the story addresses a chaotic journey, it still manages to slip in a bit of love. Without any form of actual physical touches or words, the love attraction between Rain and Tyler (Archie Renaux) was indeed palpable.

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Ultimately, Alien: Romulus is a mixed bag. While it excels in moments of horror and tension, its reliance on familiar beats and fan service hampers its potential to innovate within the beloved series truly.

The Filmhouse private screening was a delight, with music, food, drinks and the extra catch of watching the movie in 4D at the Landmark Centre.

The 4D presentation allowed the film to be augmented with environmental effects, such as motion, odors, and humidity. It used theatre seats which tilted forward, backwards, and to the side in synchronization with onscreen motion, as well as air blasts, tactile effects, and other technology.

Something to keep in mind is that due to the intense gore in some scenes, combined with the 4D effects, it could be overwhelming if you struggle with anxiety or have a sensitive stomach.