Alien: Romulus

Alien: Romulus

Directed by: Fede Alvarez

Rating: 15

Alien: Romulus marks the first entry in the Alien franchise under Disney’s ownership. As I write this, I can’t help but feel it’s a somewhat redundant task. After years of watching Disney’s handling of various franchises, and considering the quality of the last two instalments, Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, it was hard to muster high expectations. On every level, it feels like another IP carcass being picked at by the vultures of Disney for whatever little financial gain possible. Perhaps I was wrong, perhaps this was a new fresh take on the franchise, from a director who clearly understands how to deal with tension and horror with films such as Don’t Breathe (2016) and Evil Dead (2013). I put my cynicism aside, went into the film with an open mind and here I am. . .

Writing.

So here are my thoughts. . .

I remember the first time I saw Alien (1979). It was the last night at Mini European competition in Strasbourg. It was late, the screen faded from black into this putrid star system, the eerie music building. . . A L I E N slowly faded on across the star scape. What was this? I sensed from the tone that perhaps at 12 years old, this was not the type of thing I should be watching. There I was. I watched as this industrial ship entered the scene. The Nostromo. As my tiredness grew, I watched the Nostromos wake up, as I was led down corridors slowly, my body adjusting closer o to the edge of the bed, what was I watching? My interest was fixated, characters woke up and then started speaking French. Badly dubbed French. . .