Alien: Romulus Reviews Paint A Divided Descent Into Sci-Fi Horror
Alien: Romulus marks a return to the roots of the legendary sci-fi horror franchise, drawing from the chilling atmosphere and intense suspense that made the original films iconic. Directed by Fede Álvarez (Evil Dead, Don’t Breathe), this ninth installment in the Alien series sets out to offer something fresh to longtime fans and newcomers alike. (Even fans of the video games will enjoy a nod, too.) The movie hits theaters on August 16, and so far, critical responses are mixed.
Set between the events of Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979) and James Cameron’s Aliens (1986), the story unfolds as a group of young space colonizers stumbles upon a derelict space station, only to encounter the terrifying xenomorph–which still endures as one of the most fearsome creatures in cinematic history.
The film features an ensemble cast including Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu. With Álvarez at the helm and Scott returning as producer, Alien: Romulus is crafted to blend the original’s claustrophobic horror with a fresh perspective. The screenplay, co-written by Álvarez and his frequent collaborator Rodo Sayagues, aims to explore new depths within the Alien universe while staying true to the franchise’s eerie and suspenseful legacy.