Fede Alvarez’s ode to Ridley Scott’s Alien – Beyond Bollywood

Though nostalgic, the franchise gets a needed reboot with a freedom theme and stunning visuals, elevated by Cailee Spaeny’s standout performance.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 / 5)

By Mayur Lookhar

There are filmmakers, and then there are visionaries. In 1979, director Ridley Scott, along with Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett, envisioned a world two centuries ahead of its time, taking us beyond space. Their portrayal of outer space and extraterrestrial threats, achieved with the limited technology of the era, stunned viewers and made Alien a game-changer in the horror genre. 45 years later, with much-advanced technology, director Fede Alvarez has carved a space for himself in the Alien franchise.

Lately, many horror franchises have explored prequels to their cult classics. However, Alien: Romulus (2024) is set between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), not as a prequel but an interquel. The Xenomorph remains the chief antagonist, but Alvarez shifts the focus from space exploration to colonization. The freedom theme adds a new layer to the cult sci-fi horror franchise.

Rain Carradine (Cailee Spaeny) is an orphaned miner working alongside her adoptive brother, Andy (David Jonsson), a reprogrammed synthetic human, at the Jackson Star colony. As Rain nears the end of her contract, she hopes for freedom but receives a harsh blow when the company Weyland-Yutani changes the laws, extending her service period. Reluctantly, Rain agrees to join her former boyfriend, Tyler (Archie Renaux), and three other miners on a mission to a derelict spaceship to retrieve cryostasis chambers, hoping to escape to the greener pastures of planet Yvaga. Andy’s ability to interface with the onboard computer system is crucial for the mission. Though hesitant. Rain agrees to have Andy on this mission.

Stepping into a derelict spaceship, much of what follows evokes a sense of déjà vu. However, 45 years later, how many can clearly recall Alien (1979)? For millennials, Alien: Romulus offers a fairly unique experience. Fede Alvarez’s film functions both as a reboot and a nostalgic tribute. It serves as a fine ode to Ridley Scott and Dan O’Bannon’s cult classic. The late Ian Holm, who played Ash in the original, is brought to life as Rook, an android science officer onboard the Romulus, thanks to CGI and with Daniel Betts providing the character’s voice.

The derelict spaceship, divided into two sections—Romulus and Remus—symbolically references Roman legends.

Alien: Romulus (2024) excels with its technical brilliance, precise production design, and chilling BGM, delivering a truly terrifying space horror experience. Over the years, too many horror films have limited the horror for the sake of filling bums in theatres. Meanwhile, desi audiences have often been spoiled by mindless horror comedies, but this film keeps both protagonists and viewers on edge with its genuine fear factor.

With its heavy nostalgia, Alien: Romulus needed strong performances, and much of its young cast delivers. Initially, you might question if the baby-faced Spaeny is up to the task, but in the heat of the moment, she impresses with her grit and intensity. Alvarez and writer Rodo Sayagues harp on the emotional side of the Rain-Andy relationship, humanizing the AI character and adding depth to the story and characters. This dynamic provides a noticeable shift from past experiences. David Jonsson delivers a quietly compelling performance, subtly enhancing the film with his nuanced portrayal.

Alvarez’s female cast members rise to the occasion, with Isabel Merced and Aileen Wu complementing Spaeny. Merced’s portrayal of Kay, Tyler’s pregnant sister, effectively conveys the character’s fear in the life-threatening scenario. Although her role is brief, it feels fitting for Aileen, a Chinese actor, to be part of Alien. Spike Feam is underwhelming as the bigot Bjorn, and Archie Renaux’s performance could benefit from added intensity. Without revealing much, Romanian basketball player Robert Bobroczkyi has a commanding presence in the film.

The creepy crawly and especially dangerous extraterrestrial beings may not suit the desi palate, but with Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank (2024) lighting up the desi box office, Fede Alvarez’s Alien: Romulus can still captivate its target audience.

Alien: Romulus is set to be released in theatres in India on 23 August.