First reactions to the last part of the famous series Space privilege, Alien: RomulusThey are now inSo, does the film do what director Fede Alvarez intended and slot in nicely between the beloved first film and its 1986 sequel? AliensOr is it? Alien: Romulus Is there another, much less important outing with the terrifying Xenomorph? Well, the film has now been screened for the press, so let's find out…
Gizmodo's Germain Lussier found a lot to enjoy in Alien: Romulus, praising the prequel/sequel for using different parts of each film in the series to tie together something “crazy.”
“#AlienRomulus is a thrilling, adventurous journey through the previous six Alien films, using parts from each to tell a focused, mostly self-contained story full of gore and horror. The film gets better as it goes on, ending with a huge twist in the third act.”
Variety's Jazz Tangcay had a similar sentiment, revealing that all doubts were quickly put to rest thanks to the dedication to practical effects, sound design, and world-building.
“The bitch is back. I was skeptical before seeing it, but this is easily one of the best in the series. Fede Alvarez does not disappoint. The sound design and world building are fantastic. The practical effects are so good that the movie gave me nightmares.”
Meanwhile, critic Courtney Howard declared that Alien: Romulus “It's a thrilling, suspenseful, and wonderfully depressing film.” What more could you want?
“Fede Alvarez's #AlienRomulus is a thrilling, suspenseful, and deeply depressing film (everything from the story to Olivares' cinematography to Wallfisch's score). The film does clever, clever things, and performs the best songs with panache. Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson dominate the film. That's it!”
Alien: Romulus could prove to be another divisive film in the sci-fi franchise.
However, while initial reactions have been largely positive, there have been some divisive responses regarding certain aspects of Space Richard Fink of MovieWeb was very impressed with what happened. Romulus They had to submit, but they mentioned “one item” they didn't like…
“It feels like the best of the Alien franchise for better and worse (an element I didn't like) but it feels like the sequel has finally found its footing.”
The use of nostalgia in the prequel/sequel has come under scrutiny, with Leo Riddle of Geekly Goods criticizing Alien: Romulus “To tie together the best elements of the franchise” rather than “stand alone.” Critic Mark Macpherson adds, “Thematic elements get lost in the shuffle by the third act, and some of the simple fan service moments feel a bit cliched.”
Related to
Alien: Romulus Director Reveals Abusive Letter He Received From Ridley Scott
Fede Alvarez posted on his Instagram account a note he received from Ridley Scott on the first day of filming Romulus.
Ultimately, critic Rob Dean felt that nostalgia and what seems like a deeply divisive ending “ruin” what could have been a truly worthy (and terrifying) work. Space expertise.
“#AlienRomulus is a pretty good movie—before it all falls apart. Cailee Spaeny and David Johnson are *excellent*. Great sets and costumes. Some exciting scenes! But too much nostalgia, too little logic, and a largely disappointing (and overly familiar) ending spoil everything.”
Directed by Fede Alvarez, Alien: RomulusStars Kaylee Spaeny (Priscilla), David Johnson (Easy Murder by Agatha Christie), Archie Renault (Shadow and bone), Isabella Merced (Our last), Spike Fern (After the sun), and Eileen Wu. You can check out the official synopsis for the film. Alien: Romulus less.
“While exploring the depths of an abandoned space station, a group of young alien colonists come face to face with the most terrifying lifeforms in the universe.”
Alien: Romulus
The film is scheduled to be released in theaters by 20th Century Studios on August 16, 2024.
You can check out more early reactions below!
