A gripping, action-packed thriller that will surely put you on the edge of your seat!
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2024 marks the 45th anniversary of Alien (1979), the sci-fi/horror classic which unveiled the sheer terror of the Xenomorph. As this year’s summer season approaches its end, the iconic franchise drops its latest installment Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede Álvarez and starring rapidly rising star Cailee Spaeny.
Set in between the original film and Aliens (1986), this installment tells the story of Rain (Spaeny) and a group of youths who decide to scavenge a deserted space station, only to be met with an army of terrifying Xenomorphs, and having to fight for their lives.
Romulus is yet another modern day addition to the franchise, but what distinguishes itself from its predecessors in the past decade is the fact that the premise of this film falls within the first two of the main quadrilogy, which may be one of its best selling points. Made with a zealous effort in paying homage to the original classics, Álvarez promises and delivers what Alien fans miss and want to see the most.
The film may not be the fastest or smoothest at drawing its viewers in from the beginning, but its layered developments, high stakes and occasional Easter eggs are sure to leave audiences leaving the cinemas feeling content. It is worth noting that much of this film’s directorial vision includes saluting the original classics, hence it does not principally offer anything fresh or groundbreaking. However, the technical achievement of this Romulus certainly ranks among the best in the sci-fi genre this year.
A cast of mainly young actors no doubt fill the screen with energy, among whom Spaeny and David Jonsson gave riveting performances, and whose characters’ emotional connection provided some of the film’s potentially tear-jerking moments.
For those of us who wish we were old enough to witness the 1979 classic in cinemas for the first time, this film is a respectable attempt to satisfy us now by creating our unique experience. Whether new to the franchise or a seasoned loyal fan, Alien: Romulus is that gripping, action-packed thriller that will surely put you on the edge of your seat!
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