Back to a confined space
Alien: Romulus brings the franchise back towards survival horror. Fede Álvarez, director of Evil Dead and Don’t Breathe, places a young group in a situation where their escape route becomes a threat. The result is dark and intense. Its familiar story does not quite match the strength of that atmosphere.
A salvage mission becomes a fight for survival
Set between Alien and Aliens, the film follows young people trying to leave a mining colony. Rain Carradine, played by Cailee Spaeny, joins a salvage expedition to an abandoned space station. They hope to find equipment. Instead, their encounter with the Xenomorph turns that plan into a struggle to survive.
Rain and Andy hold our attention
Spaeny makes Rain’s fear and determination convincing. David Jonsson gives Andy, her synthetic companion, considerable emotional range. Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn and Aileen Wu complete the group. The performances are strong, but the writing does not give every character the same depth. Some remain stereotypical. The leads do more to sustain our involvement than the supporting characterisation does.
A creature with physical presence
Álvarez uses the station’s claustrophobia to keep the danger close. Galo Olivares’s tight framing and moving camera reinforce the isolation. The practical creature effects give the Xenomorphs a tangible presence. Practical sets and creatures work alongside digital effects; that physical foundation is one of the film’s strengths.
What it shares with Alien: Isolation
The comparison with Alien: Isolation is useful because both works emphasise survival in an isolated environment. A female protagonist remains under pressure from a superior threat. Romulus recalls that oppressive atmosphere through its suspense and vulnerability. This is where the return to the series’ horror foundations works especially well.
Verdict
Alien: Romulus is exciting and entertaining, with convincing leads, oppressive surroundings and effective practical effects. A predictable plot and thinly drawn characters hold it back. For horror viewers and followers of the franchise, the atmosphere and physical threat still make it a solid addition.