Alien: Romulus – A Terrifying Return to Horror or Just Another Space Flick?

The first wave of reactions to Alien: Romulus is in, and it’s got the internet buzzing with anticipation—and a bit of skepticism. This latest entry into the iconic Alien franchise, helmed by Fede Álvarez, has been hyped as a return to the franchise’s horror roots. But does it really live up to the terrifying standards set by its predecessors, or is it just another attempt to cash in on nostalgia? Let’s dive into what the critics are saying.

The Good, the Bad, and the Terrifying

^{Image credit: 20th Century Studios}

On the positive side, many early viewers are praising Alien: Romulus for bringing back the sheer horror that made the original Alien a classic. Directed by Álvarez, known for his work on Evil Dead and Don’t Breathe, the movie is said to recapture that intense, claustrophobic atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat. According to Variety’s Jazz Tangcay, Romulus is “easily one of the better films in the franchise,” with awesome sound design and practical effects that left some viewers literally having nightmares​.

However, not everyone is entirely convinced. While the third act of the movie is being hailed as “bonkers” and “insane,” there are also criticisms about the film being too reliant on nostalgia. Andrew J. Salazar from Discussing Film noted that while Álvarez’s spin on the horror story is impressive, the film doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, which might leave some fans wanting more.

The Performances: A Mixed Bag?

The cast of Alien: Romulus has been another focal point of discussion. Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, who lead the film, are being praised for their performances, with some critics saying that they “dominate” the screen. Yet, there are also mentions that despite their strong performances, the character development might not be as deep as some had hoped.

One of the key criticisms that has surfaced is that, despite the strong horror elements, the movie sometimes feels a bit too familiar. As GamesRadar+ pointed out, while the third act is where the movie truly shines, there’s a sense that the film could have taken more risks earlier on to set it apart from its predecessors.

The Verdict: A Return to Form or Missed Opportunity?

So, is Alien: Romulus the summer’s best movie? Well, it depends on who you ask. For hardcore fans of the franchise, the return to horror is a welcome relief from the more action-oriented instalments of the past. The film’s commitment to practical effects and intense, edge-of-your-seat moments is a strong point in its favour. The Hollywood Reporter even goes as far as to say that while the movie has all the hallmarks of an Alien flick, it doesn’t pander to nostalgia—though it does tread familiar ground​.

On the flip side, there’s a contingent of viewers who feel that while Romulus is a solid entry, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the best films in the franchise. Some critics have pointed out that the film’s reliance on familiar tropes and its sometimes underdeveloped characters might hold it back from achieving true greatness.

Should You Watch It?

Alien: Romulus is shaping up to be one of those movies that will divide audiences. If you’re a fan of the franchise and have been longing for a return to the pure horror that made the original Alien such a classic, then this movie is likely to hit all the right notes. But if you’re looking for something that pushes the boundaries and takes the franchise in a bold new direction, you might find yourself slightly disappointed.

In the end, whether Alien: Romulus is a terrifying return to form or just another space flick will depend largely on your expectations. It’s a film that’s sure to generate plenty of discussion, and for a franchise as storied as Alien, that’s perhaps the best outcome it could hope for. So grab your popcorn, prepare for some scares, and get ready to join the debate when Romulus hits theatres on August 16th.