While not without flaws, Fede Alvarez delivers the best film in the Alien franchise since the ’80s with Alien: Romulus. I didn’t enjoy Covenant or Prometheus at all.
The production design is the film’s star, whether it’s the mining planet where the story begins or the derelict space station. Alien: Romulus looks fantastic. Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson are terrific as Rain and Andy. Unfortunately, the rest of the cast is unmemorable, which takes away some. The callbacks to previous films are gratuitous but primarily work in the film’s favor.
The setup is simple but effective in getting the characters to the derelict space station. Alien: Romulus begins with Rain and Andy at a mining plant. Andy is an android and is programmed to be Rain’s brother. Rain is trying to scrounge money for a trip off the mining planet. She reconnects with her ex, Tyler, and his group. They are trying to reach the space station to secure stasis pods to help them travel to a better planet.
None of the group members stand out. Tyler (Archie Renaux) is the honorable mission leader. Kay (Isabel Merced), Tyler’s pregnant sister, keeps the pregnancy a secret from her brother. Bjorn (Spike Fearn) is Tyler and Kay’s cousin. He’s hostile to Andy and despises Androids. Navarro (Aileen Wu) rounds out the group as Bjorn’s girlfriend and pilot.
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These characters have some interesting elements, but the film needs to slow down enough to connect with them. In proper Alien fashion, the group encounters the Xenomorph’s greatest hits, with Rain and Andy serving as the film’s heart.
In addition to some weak supporting characters, the other issues in Alien: Romulus are a lack of genuine scares and a 3rd act that takes a big swing and mostly misses. There are a couple of creepy scenes, but overall, if you’ve seen Alien or Aliens, nothing is terrifying about Alien: Romulus.
These issues do detract from the overall experience of Alien: Romulus. However, Spaeny’s captivating lead performance, in the vein of Sigourney Weaver, and Jonsson’s nuanced portrayal of an android forge an irresistible connection.
While not quite as effective as Twisters or Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Alien: Romulus is another quality franchise continuation.
After the overview and rating of Alien: Romulus 7.5 out of 10 (Very Good), let’s explore Andy and Rain’s relationship and how a change in directive adds to the tension.
Brother-Sister head to Romulus Space Station
Andy may be a synthetic, but Rain views Andy as her brother. Their relationship is the emotional cornerstone of the film. As the Xenomorphs get larger in size and number, the connection between Rain and Andy allows the tension to increase.
The opening sequence on the mining planet establishes Rain and Andy’s relationship. Rain is trying to earn enough money to leave the planet legally. After rejecting her request and extending her contract, she has few options. Her ex, Tyler, offers her and Andy a job that could give them a new lease on life. Tyler wants Rain to be on the expedition, but the actual asset is Andy. He can access parts of the spaceship.
The only drawback is that the planet they’re going to doesn’t allow synthetics, which means somebody will take Andy offline before the destination and he won’t be able to experience this beautiful new world. Andy is undaunted in the face of this news. As long as it’s in Rain’s best interest, he will do whatever is necessary.
Rain also has Andy’s back. Bjorn’s constant digs at Andy angers Rain at every turn.
The relationship changes as the group delves deeper into the space station.
Directive from the past in Alien: Romulus
The crew accidentally triggers an automatic lockdown. To override the lockdown, Rain installs a chip from a damaged Android. This new chip comes with its share of improvements and issues.
Andy now has access to ship and a better understanding of the Xenomorphs. He helps guide the crew through the ship. However, the chip also causes Andy to change for the worse. His prime directive is to further the ship’s mission, which is to explore the Xenomorphs to better humanity. When a crew member is in danger, Andy makes a call that is better for all but appears cruel to Rain, Tyler and others.
Andy’s demeanor becomes even more apparent when Rain reinserts his old chip. Jonsson is remarkable at subtly showing Andy’s changing state throughout the film.
Final Thoughts
Alvarez does a great job of using the aspects of the Alien films that work: an intelligent heroine, terrific production design, and a small crew. The third-act twist doesn’t land in execution, but the idea is fantastic and allows Spaeny to bring out Rain’s resilience. The lack of scares is disappointing, but the relationship between Andy and Rain is more than enough to draw interest in this new chapter in the Alien franchise.
The Review
Alien: Romulus
PROS
- Best production design of 2024.
- Cailee Spaeny joins the roster of impressive female leads performances.
- David Jonsson delivers one of the best performances of the year as Andy.
- Cool callbacks adds to Andy's changing demeanor.
CONS
- Not scary.
- Wild 3rd act twist doesn't land.
