Alien: Romulus

Alien: Romulus
Starring Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced
Directed by Fede Alvarez

In space, no one can hear you scream. That tagline has been an icon in cinema for decades thanks to one of the first ever sci-fi horror films set in space, Ridley Scott's' "Alien" in 1979. The film revolutionized the genre and made a name out of its breakout star Sigourney Weaver, making her an epitome of the "final girl" trope that's withstood the test of time. James Cameron's "Aliens" further solidified Weaver's title and made the film more a sci-fi action film but both are hailed (rightfully) as two of the most iconic sci-fi horror films of all time. The rest of the "Alien" franchise...not so much (especially the much-maligned "Alien 3" and "Alien: Resurrection," as well as the abysmal, laughably bad PG-13 "Alien vs. Predator" films). Ridley Scott tried to go back to the roots with "Prometheus" and "Alien: Covenant," and while both were very well done, they were more centered on rhetoric and philosophy than Facehuggers. So Fede Alvarez's "Alien: Romulus" was met with criticism at first, with many wondering if he would be able to return the franchise to its true roots - thankfully, he more than succeeded and silenced pretty much every naysayer.

Rain (Cailee Spaeny) is an orphan living on a planet that sees no sun, and learns that her stay has been extended by years. Wanting escape, she brings her android Andy (David Jonsson), her ex Tyler (Archie Renaux), his pregnant sister Kay (Isabela Merced), Tyler and Kay's cousin Bjorn (Spike Fearn) and his girlfriend Navarro (Aileen Wu) to a derelict spacecraft to steal cryonic stasis chambers in hopes of using them to sleep in while they flee to a better planet. Upon arriving at the now-defunct divided research station known as Romulus and Remus, they find that they're not alone. The entire crew was murdered by alien beings that stalk the new crew at every corner, making escape near impossible as they fight for their very lives.

Whereas "Prometheus" and "Alien: Covenant" focus on the philosophies of humanity, life, and death, "Alien: Romulus" foregoes any sense of actual deep story - and this actually serves as the film's main strength. There's no time to discuss philosophies as Facehuggers come charging like ravenous spiders, and there's no room to talk about the existential crises as Xenomorphs pull you into the darkness. Instead, the film is nothing more than a thrill ride decent into space hell, and more than delivers on its premise. It's a masterclass of suspense, terror, and gore brought by a director at the top of his craft with a cast that more than understood the assignment.

The performances are strong across the board, most notably the two main stars, both of whom expand their respective genres and give forth tremendous performances. "Civil War" and "Priscilla" star Cailee Spaeny more than fills Sigourney Weaver's shoes as the film's eventual heroine Rain, a tough, no-nonsense woman who rises to the occasion when others cower in fear, emerging as a force of nature all her own. "Rye Lane" breakout star David Jonsson plays Andy the android as a character all its own, something that's well-known in the "Alien" franchise. Androids are often seen as a villain in the movies, performing with no emotional heft but rather cold, robotic logic that will leave audiences divided and questioning their motives as they have before, and Jonsson's strong facial performance more than delivers with his deadpan delivery.

In a time where CGI runs rampant, "Alien: Romulus" returns to its original roots by offering practical effect creatures that are every part as amazing as their "The Thing" counterparts. The Facehuggers are terrifying and quick, added to the fear that they'll leap out and plant their eggs in you at any moment. The Xenomorphs are as petrifying as their "Alien" counterparts as well, instead of being cheap CGI they're actually played by actors (including Trevor Newlin and former Romanian college basketball player Robert Bobroczkyi). Alvarez once again chose to honor the "Alien" name by incorporating these practical creature effects (with one glaring omission, which does serve as the film's only lackluster moments - you'll know it when you see it).

Director Fede Alvarez is no stranger to filming in confined spaces, be it a cabin in the woods ("Evil Dead") or the home of a blind former veteran ("Don't Breathe"), he is a master at creating suspense in enclosed spaces. "Alien: Romulus" is his crowning achievement as he crafts the most terrifying tale imaginable in the smallest set design possible. He continues to do what made "Alien" so great - make a claustrophobic setting work in space. Many claim "Alien" is a haunted house story with aliens, and Alvarez continues this tradition. The hallways and corridors are dimly lit and extremely lived-in (and died-in), creating a continuing unease and tension even when nothing is happening on screen. The characters move through the hallways as Facehuggers and Xenomorphs stalk them in the shadows, striking at different times that leaves the audience defenseless against the terrifying onslaught. It's a thrill ride from start to finish, a shining film in the "Alien" legacy, and one that needs to be fully seen to be appreciated.

While it's true that in space no one can hear you scream, if you watch "Alien: Romulus" in the theaters you'll indeed hear screams - and shouts of joy, as the film returns to the original's roots and honors its legacy by becoming the third best film in the long-gestating franchise.

The Score: A+