Alien: Romulus (2024) Review

 

Alien: Romulus (2024) Review – A Thrilling Return to the Xenomorph Nightmare

Rating: ★★★★☆ (7.5/10)

Alien: Romulus (2024) marks a chilling return to the Alien franchise, blending the claustrophobic horror of Alien (1979) with the action-packed intensity of Aliens (1986). Directed by Fede Álvarez, this latest installment delivers a terrifying, visually stunning experience that will keep sci-fi horror fans on edge.

Plot Overview

Set between Alien and Aliens, Romulus follows a group of young space colonists who stumble upon a derelict ship hiding a deadly secret. As they explore the eerie corridors, they unwittingly unleash the Xenomorphs, leading to a desperate fight for survival.

What Works: The Return to Horror

✅ Atmospheric Horror – Unlike the action-heavy Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017), Romulus fully embraces the dark, terrifying elements that made the original Alien so iconic. Tight spaces, eerie silence, and unpredictable Xenomorph attacks create relentless tension.

✅ Practical & CGI Effects – The film masterfully blends practical effects with CGI, making the Xenomorphs look more terrifying than ever. The creature design feels organic, staying true to H.R. Giger’s original vision.

✅ Fede Álvarez’s Direction – Known for Don’t Breathe (2016), Álvarez delivers suspense and dread with expert pacing, making every scene feel crucial.

What Falls Short

❌ Predictable Storyline – While Romulus successfully revives the franchise’s horror roots, the plot follows a familiar formula: explorers encounter danger, panic ensues, and survival becomes the only goal. It doesn’t break new ground.

❌ Character Depth – Though the cast delivers solid performances, character development feels a bit thin, making it harder to emotionally invest in their fates.

Final Verdict

Alien: Romulus is a solid addition to the franchise, satisfying fans of classic horror and sci-fi thrillers. While it doesn’t redefine the series, it successfully delivers the terror, suspense, and action that Alien lovers crave.

💀 Verdict: A must-watch for horror sci-fi fans, but don’t expect groundbreaking storytelling.

📅 Release Date: August 16, 2024
🎬 Director: Fede Álvarez
⭐ Rating: 7.5/10