The Mosley Review: Alien: Romulus

Since the dawn of time and creation of the science fiction genre, there have been 3 pillars that have stood the tallest: the parasite, the hunter and artificial intelligence. Each pillar has been represented by 3 of the greatest icons known as the Alien, the Predator and Terminator. All 3 have crossed each other in comics, 2 of them fought in film and only 1 has truly returned to it’s former glory. Terminator needs more time in the factory while the film Prey has taken the Predator franchise back into the right direction. Less is more and that lesson was on full display here in this new entry into the Alien franchise. Like most of you, I was disappointed by the events of Alien: Covenant and I have been begging for the franchise to return to its horror / claustrophobic roots and it finally happened. What I truly loved about this film was not only its directly connection to the 1979 classic, but how it puts us right back into the familiar, harsh and unnerving atmosphere. The consistent tone of dread was welcomed as the story unravels from its heartfelt beginnings and quickly descends into the harsh and brutal nightmare. The many Easter eggs were fun to catch in the corners of the frames and there is a reveal that worked for the lore, but was still a funky in execution. Either way, this was everything I wanted this film to be and the wonderful cast led us through it brilliantly.

The amount of immersion the cast brought was fantastic as they weren't science officers or soldiers, but just normal people trying to make it out of a tough life. Cailee Spaeny is quickly becoming a talent to keep an eye out for. As Rain, she brings that innocence and hope to the film as she strives to make a new life for herself and her surrogate brother. I loved how she balanced the amount of terror and strength she felt in the most harrowing moments of the film. She truly studied what made Ellen Ripley so great from the first film. David Jonsson was outstanding as her surrogate brother Andy. I was completely taken off guard by his reveal early in the film and I kinda want to keep it that way for you. I'll say that throughout the film, he delivers a challenging performance that has so many elements of human expression while keeping the same look on his face throughout. Even with his sometimes cold and analytical way, he still had a charm to him that wasn't as cold as perceived at first. Archie Renaux was great as the leader of the crew, Tyler and the emotional journey he goes through in one scene was painful and well acted. Isabela Merced was great as Tyler's sister, Kay and I enjoyed the chemistry between her and Rain the most. Key gets to witness some of the most terrifying and grotesque moments of the film and I loved every second of remarkable performance. Spike Fearn was a proper jerk as Bjorn and he keeps the tension high with his attitude towards Andy. He was a great antagonistic protagonist that you wouldn't mind seeing get hurt. Aileen Wu was fun as Navarro and I liked her connection with the crew overall. As you've seen from the teaser and poster, she becomes the star of the show and gets become another participant of an iconic moment in all Alien films.

The score by Benjamin Wallfisch was wonderfully unnerving and delivers on some of the jump scares and thrills. I loved the uses of almost all the themes from the past Alien films being used in select moments as they play right on cue with the visual references. What has been the staple of the Alien franchise is the amount of practical effects and use of CGI when absolutely necessary. This film sticks to that rule and I loved every second we spent on the sets and with the actual Xenopmorph. The film answers the many questions of the creature and adds new lore by showing you more about the Xenomorph and I felt like a student in the best way. Like I said before, the practical effects are on point, but the use of CGI for a certain character in the film was great for the lore, but sticks out like a sore thumb. It works visually, but it looks bad compared to the rest of the work in the film. Director Fede Álvarez has been one of my favorite horror director's since his gnarly 2013 Evil Dead and he brought that same quality of brutality and excellence to this newest entry of the beloved franchise. This was truly one of the best Alien films in a long time and I can't recommend it enough. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!