The eerie mirror of human existence Soileau Lewis constructs from popular science fiction films is at once horrifying & claustrophobic. The space horror film Alien released in 1979 showed humanity’s deepest fear of the “other” and had a profound impact on the genre for decades to come. It was later given action elements, with sequel films expanding on all those themes, which are mixed with fear, action, and dread. With Alien: Romulus (2024), director Fede Alvarez attempts to bring back the emotion that made the original timeless while capturing scopophilia (pleasure in looking). This seventh installment in the main franchise is set between “Alien” & “Aliens”. It simultaneously strives to respect its origins while paving a new path of futuristic-themed strife for survival in space.
Plot Summary
Previously a derelict and abandoned space station turned into a spaceship Orthus and has been technologically advanced for colonization missions. Now, these missions serve a different purpose like warfare for corporations that control everything including these ships. The year is 2142 and the story follows Colonist S02383. Orthus is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, yet the class disparity is evident, with S02383 and fellow colonists subjected to servitude on the ship to ore rich planets. S02383 along with 5 other miserable space colonists try to make sense of their fight with a big corporation that captures young people to work in mining settlements. To solve their qualm, they try desperately looking for what appears to be a solution: the ship Aphrodite, which was forgotten into an now deserted course.
This endeavor however, swiftly spirals out of control. Their idea is kicked out the cabin labeled Renaissance, which was left derelict for so long, has more secrets than anyone realized. Wherever people go, far more ordeal awaits than what their imagination and resourcefulness allow them to conjure. Cunning in waiting and covered in the shadows, stalking through the vents with the speed of a racing pulse is Xenomorphs: the unfathomably lethal life form that embodies the deadliest breed on the planet.
Amid rising casualties, breakdown of interpersonal relationships, disintegrating trust, and onset of panic is experienced. Finally, the colonists not only have to face the alien menace but equally their internal phobias, past nightmares, and the sobering assumption that it is quite possible that some of them will not survive. An initially carefree pursuit soon turns into a desperate fight against death that eliminates the very essence of humanity in one of the most gruesome forms possible. Below is a summary of the main actors’ roles and performances.
Rain displaying emotion performance by Cailee Spaeny.
Her character Rain in this case serves as the emotional backbone of the film. A bright, reserved young woman, she is driven by the slanderous hope of a better life somewhere far away from the corporate nightmare and its shackles. In the part, Spaeny delivers an emotionally nuanced performance as she depicts Rain’s evolution from a wistful naive girl to a toughened and jaded survivor at the end of the film. Rather than defaulting to stereotypes, she continues the franchise’s legacy of exceptional female characters.
Andy performed by David Jonsson.
Andy is described as Rain’s bordering maternal android “brother,” one of the first synthetic companions created by her deceased father. Jonsson’s performance expertly captures the contrast between a rather unemotional machine and a being capable of deep feelings. He, and in particular his moments with Rain, provide the emotional storyline in the film, which at the same time is most telling about questions of self consciousness, fidelity, and what it is to be family in reality.
Archie Renaux as Tyler
Tyler is Rain’s ex and the group’s self-appointed leader. According to Renaux, Tyler is a charming and reckless man who is simultaneously desperate after living under an oppressive regime for his entire life.
Isabela Merced as Kay
Tyler’s younger sister, Kay, rounds out the group with her more sensitive side. She has a very personal secret that is gradually revealed as the terror unfolds. Merced’s performance was incredibly innocent and emotionally charged.
Spike Fearn as Bjorn
Bjorn is the most aggressive member of the group, and of course, has a strong distrust towards synthetics like Andy. Fearn captures the angst driven paranoia that emerges from the fear of survival warfare.
Aileen Wu as Navarro
Despite being a pilot and the first character introduced, Navarro does not make it through the entire story. Regardless, she does set the standard for how high the character’s threats are. Wu’s performance, while brief, is unforgettable.
Direction and Atmosphere
Alien: Romulus capitalizes on the return to the series’ horror roots and Fede Álvarez is undoubtedly the right director for the job. He is renowned for Día de los Muertos and the 2013 remake of Evil Dead. Alvarez surely knows how to build suspense in small places. Renaissance, the forsaken station, is phenomenal in horror design. It is cold, dark, rusty, filled with shadows, and above all, terrifying—like a haunted house, but in space.
This riskless horror increases slowly. The beginning of the film is suspenseful and gloomy, instilling worry through an unnerving absence of noise, thumping sounds, and ominous indications of high violence. As soon as the Xenomorph makes its first appearance, the horror turns into something much more primal. Álvarez does not utilize jump scares. He relies on them, and so, clever pacing and attention to detail earns him what he deserves.
Themes and Symbolism
The central theme of Alien: Romulus is the youthful struggle against death and the impression they leave behind. The characters are all young, idealistic individuals eager to escape from the primitive living conditions of their mining colony. Their dreams are suffocated not only by alien trauma but also by the fact that freedom might never have existed. The film reflects on:
Exploitation through Corporation – Like previous Alien films, there is always the presence of greedy corporations. There is always a purpose as to why information or places are kept secret and in regard to the station, the explanation serves as proof as to how little is cared to the living after the money is made.
Emotion; Human and Artificial – The film raises the question through Andy, whether a synthetic being is capable of forming real social relationships. His bond with Rain is a heart-wrenching contrast to the disorder that surrounds them.
The Cycle of Violence – The Xenomorph is more than just death – it is a monster that exists due to humanity’s incessant need for power, control, and domination. It embodies the darkest side of the human instincts perfectly.
Visuals and Music
The film’s visuals are stunning. Galo Olivares, the cinematographer, captures the icy beauty of space alongside the station’s solemn beauty. The use of combined practical effects and minimal CGI makes the Xenomorph terrorfying, much like the original film’s creature. The score by Benjamin Wallfisch is eerie and blended, with sci fi musical tones with Alien and Aliens. The music serves a dual purpose as it increases the fear and amplifies isolation in a way that does not drown the quiet dreadful atmosphere of the film.
Reception and Legacy
Romulus was praised for its return to form. This can be seen in the way die hard fans of the alien franchise appreciated the more horror focused approach. It was also refreshing for the younger audience due to the relatively young cast and self contained story. Some critics said that the plot was too basic, however many agreed the execution of the movie was fantastic. Instead of relying on multiverse and mythology expanding gimmicks, Romulus tries to stay grounded. It doesn’t attempt to surpass Aliens extraordinary use of action or try to beat Prometheous’ deep philisophical concepts. Instead, it deeply focuses on what makes the franchise a success; smart,intense claustrophobic horror.
Concluding Remarks
Instead, Alien: Romulus represents yet another movie in the franchise. To viewers, Romulus reminds them of what was most terrifying about Alien. Nostalgia and character tension and survival creates a perfect concoction of modern storytelling with horror. The film indeed impresses.
Current fans, newcomers and even critics will appreciate Romulus for a horrifying journey through metaphoric and literal dark hallways. It is, without a doubt, one of the most frightening and bone-chilling movies, which is a reason as to why the Alien saga has not lost its charm.
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