The seventh film in the beloved Alien franchise, the sci-fi horror film Alien: Romulus is set between the events of Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979) and James Cameron’s Aliens (1986). However, if you’ve never seen any of the previous films, don’t worry—Romulus can be enjoyed as a stand-alone sci-fi creature feature without prior knowledge of the Alien universe.
In this installment, a young group of space colonists stumbles upon a monstrous, otherworldly life form in an abandoned space station—a discovery that is anything but peaceful. Here are five things to love about Alien: Romulus:
1. Direction by Fede Álvarez
Álvarez faced the daunting task of directing a film in a franchise with a legacy of cinematic greats like Ridley Scott, James Cameron, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, and David Fincher. Fortunately, he delivered. Álvarez, known for his work on the 2013 Evil Dead remake and the 2016 horror film Don’t Breathe, was the perfect choice to bring back the scares, dread, and bloody gore reminiscent of the earlier Alien films.
2. The Cinematography and Production Design
It’s always a treat when a horror film also manages to look stunning. Production designer Naaman Marshall and cinematographer Galo Olivares masterfully use space, light, darkness, and depth to transform what could have been a dreary, lifeless space station into a visually captivating environment. Their work is one of the standout features of Romulus.
3. Cailee Spaeny
Just as the original Alien films propelled Sigourney Weaver into iconic status, Alien: Romulus gives lead actress Cailee Spaeny the opportunity to shine. Spaeny, who recently delivered highly-acclaimed performances in Priscilla and Civil War, adds another impressive role to her repertoire. She commands the screen in almost every scene, solidifying herself as a new heroine in the franchise.
4. The (Gross) Practical Effects
Instead of leaning heavily on CGI, Alien: Romulus makes extensive use of practical special effects. The aliens and monsters are portrayed by men in suits or through animatronics, while much of the sticky, gooey mess you see on set is real. The use of these practical effects in some of the film’s most gruesome moments adds a visceral, authentic feel that enhances the horror.
5. The Callbacks
While you can enjoy Alien: Romulus without having seen the earlier Alien films, fans of the franchise will appreciate the many callbacks and references sprinkled throughout the movie. From repeated lines to Easter eggs and scenes that pay homage to iconic moments in the first two films, Romulus offers plenty of nods to delight longtime Alien enthusiasts.
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