'Alien: Romulus' is a true gift and attraction for all fans of the franchise. The film successfully combines nostalgia and modern horror elements, creating a tense and atmospheric survival story.

'Alien: Romulus' is a long-awaited return to the dark and tense universe created by Ridley Scott. Chronologically, the events of the new film unfold between the first and second parts of the franchise – 'Alien' (1979) and 'Aliens' (1986), but it is not directly connected to any of the previous films.

'Romulus' is a true gift and attraction for all fans of the classic franchise. The film successfully combines nostalgia for the original story with modern horror elements, creating a tense and atmospheric survival story. Therefore, if you criticize the new Alien, it can only be for its secondary nature, but it seems that such a project initially implied this.

What is 'Romulus' about?

We won't go into the plot details further or retell it – so feel free to read the review, there will be no spoilers here. We only share our impressions from watching.

But first, let's quickly go through the history of the creation of 'Alien':

• 1976: Swiss artist Hans Ruedi Giger creates a series of surreal paintings that greatly impress producer Ronald Shusett.
• 1977: Shusett, together with screenwriter Dan O'Bannon, develop the idea for a film based on Giger's works. The idea is about humanity's encounter with a terrifying alien life form.
• 1979: The film 'Alien' directed by Ridley Scott is released. The film becomes a cult classic and lays the foundation for an entire franchise.

The film became a classic of science fiction and horror, and the 'Alien' universe continues to inspire filmmakers and game creators to this day.

New film – new director

When watching the film, you can clearly feel the hand of a master of horror and thrillers, known for his work on 'Evil Dead' and 'Don't Breathe'. Now, on an abandoned spaceship, there are several chilling scenes.

The preparation for filming is also impressive. The xenomorphs and facehuggers are not just copies of the creatures from the film 'Alien', but visually tens of times more realistic. The director of 'Alien: Romulus', Fede Alvarez, masterfully recreates the atmosphere of claustrophobia and hopelessness characteristic of the first parts. And Alvarez uses the 1979 classic as a starting point not only for the plot but also for the style of the film, paying tribute.

However, fortunately, 'Romulus' did not become another notorious reboot or remake with frame-by-frame reproduction of scenes. Instead, it managed to find its own unique style, despite the confined space of the ship and the predictability of the plot.

'In space, no one can hear you scream.' Remember that phrase?

Your viewing will begin with absolute silence and the vastness of space. The camera will silently approach a familiar ship. It was a good idea to start the film with technical noise and the sleepy awakening of ancient computers. Even the opening credits themselves completely imitated 1979. And not without reason – after all, the plot starts exactly from the moment where the first film ends. The spaceship is destroyed, and our petrified xenomorph ends up on board a space station.

Many can envy the beauty and scale of this film from the world of science fiction. The director's team emphasizes the elements that made the original films and concepts of Michael Seymour so unforgettable.

Let's talk about the ship. It is where most of the story unfolds. And it looks mesmerizing: it is known that large-scale sets were used for realistic interiors. Designers created detailed models of the ship, which were then recreated in full size.

"I chose what is best for these guys and for myself: when you embark on an adventure to make a film, events must happen on set that you can react to, and I can shoot it in quite real sets," comments Alvarez.

From the rusty transporter that delivers the group to the station, to the laboratories, corridors, airlocks, and elevator shafts – we get many locations and well-thought-out, detailed spaces where a lot of work has been done not only on the visual component but also on light and sound. For example, scenes with zero gravity are thought out not only physically but also technically, which adds realism.

To create the most realistic movements and expressions of the xenomorphs, animatronic models were used. Puppeteers and animatronics specialists created complex mechanisms that allowed the creatures to move, open their mouths, and even breathe. For some scenes, actors wore xenomorph suits that combined elements of animatronics and manual control. This allowed for greater flexibility and realism. Computer graphics were used to complement practical effects, create more complex scenes, and improve detail. Thus, the creatures from the 'Alien' films remain the most sinister monsters in cinema history.

And during viewing, we are never left with the feeling that yes – we are still in space, still in a confined space, and all the characters around are still in danger. If there is a scene of being chased by an alien creature, it really looks frightening. And you never know if the character on screen will survive it or not.

And really savvy fans will notice familiar elements from the video game 'Alien: Isolation'. Here, checkpoints, weapon changes, off-screen corridor shots, plot construction, and location usage all evoke associations with the video game.

Fede Alvarez does not hide that it was 'Alien: Isolation' that inspired him to create a new horror film about xenomorphs:

"Alien: Isolation made me realize that I would like to direct a new part of Alien and scare the fans of the universe. The game showed me that 'Alien' can still be scary and relevant."

What impressed Alvarez so much in this game and what did he bring to the film? The unique save system. Remember those moments when you had to find a wall phone, insert a key card, and wait for alarming signals? It was in those moments that the player felt completely defenseless in the face of mortal danger. The combination of good old analog mechanics and the tense atmosphere of the space station created an incredible sense of anxiety. Every time the hero sees such a phone, the viewer understands: something is about to go wrong.

However, 'Romulus' does not dwell on Easter eggs and homages, and goes further, touching on new aspects of mythology, showing, for example, the evolution of xenomorphs, their abilities, and methods of neutralization.

The sound design gives you goosebumps, especially if you watch the film on big screens. We hear the roar of jet engines, the screech of ruthless creatures, the hiss of acidic blood, and the hum of the ship. The jump scares work perfectly here. It is the sound that takes fear to a whole new level and envelops the space, making you sink into your seat. The music by Benjamin Wallfisch adds emotional depth to the film and gives you familiar goosebumps.

Now imagine that 'Romulus' was originally intended to be released on Hulu instead of theaters! That would have been a huge mistake.

The summer of fan service continues. And its role in the film is important, because the creators managed to maintain a balance: viewers were pleasantly surprised by the appearances of familiar characters or references to them, which did not cause irritation due to the illogicality of their appearance on screen.

There are many more creepy and quite scary, disgusting moments that make you want to close your eyes. Did you want to see the chest-bursting scene again? Here you go. In all detail and as close as possible!

However, the film does not try to overload the viewer with new storylines and focuses on the classic elements of the franchise: survival, confrontation with an alien threat, and human nature. The story does not try to be cumbersome or confusing.

'Romulus' carefully mixes the ideas of two films, conveniently occupying a place in the middle. The film seems to make a deal with us: 'We brought you back to the past – make yourself comfortable'. At that moment, the viewer feels as if they are putting on VR glasses and running around the ship with the young heroes.

Did the cast deliver? Absolutely, yes!

The team that went to the abandoned station this time is quite young – they are only 20 years old (and some even younger). There is a full set of different groups, both in social status and with different personal dramas. In fact, they already know they will die in the colony, and they decide to take a desperate step to change their lives, so to speak, in the hope of a better future. Their enthusiasm and desire to break out and survive are turned up to the maximum. They have nothing to lose – they can no longer return home.

At the center of the story is Rain, played by Cailee Spaeny (as always, a strong female character), a vulnerable girl who just wants to secure a better life on another planet and remain human no matter what. She is a worthy successor to Ellen Ripley, but is not a copy of her. The girl shows bravery, intelligence, and compassion. And she is more like an ordinary girl caught in terrible circumstances.

The synthetic Andy has already been called the so-called MVP of 'Romulus', and although he continues the traditions of memorable androids Ash (Ian Holm) and David (Michael Fassbender), he has his own 'spice'. His performance, childlike naivety, is admirable, especially in the portrayal by David Jonsson, whom we will likely see in interesting projects again. His android makes you believe that he is truly not human.

The plot does not ignore the Weyland-Yutani corporation, showing the exploitation of people in the mines, which makes you think even more about how the manufacturer of medical equipment, military technology, spaceships, which actively participates in the colonization of planets, perceives people. For the corporation, they are a custom product. And no xenomorph is needed; life in terrible conditions itself exterminates them.

Let's sum up: 'Alien: Romulus' did not become a copy of one of the greatest science fiction horror films, but served as the birth of something new. This is a real action horror that hasn't been made in a long time.

Yes, the prequels of past years were ambitious projects that embarked on the path of mythology and philosophy. As they say, films not for everyone. People want entertainment, bread and circuses – that's why 'Romulus' will collect both box office and audience sympathy quite well.

Director Fede Alvarez sought to bring back that unforgettable feeling of fear in space and return to the roots of the franchise. And he succeeded.

Let's imagine that the film was asked to be described in a few words. They would be: isolation, space, survival, paranoia, xenomorphs and facehuggers, very, very many xenomorphs and facehuggers.

'Romulus' is memorable, you want to rewatch it, and it demands to be seen in theaters, on big screens, where you can fully enjoy its scale and beauty. And an unprepared new viewer will then want to get acquainted with the original.

If you are a fan of the franchise, especially the first film, then 'Romulus' is definitely worth watching. Moreover, according to ratings, it has already entered the top 3 films in the Alien universe.

We express our gratitude to Meloman Afisha for the invitation to the preview.