‘Alien: Romulus’ Review Roundup: ‘Gnarly, gripping and gorgeously bleak’ film splits critics
,LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ‘Alien: Romulus’ takes the ‘Alien’ franchise back to its terrifying roots, bringing intense horror with a fresh yet nostalgic edge. Directed by Fede Álvarez ('Don’t Breathe') and produced by original ‘Alien’ creator Ridley Scott, this new installment follows the events of the first ‘Alien’ film, making it more of a 'midquel' than a traditional sequel. Starring Cailee Spaeny (Civil War), ‘Alien: Romulus’ revives the tension and fear that made the original such an iconic masterpiece while paying homage to the fan-favorite moments that defined the series.
Early reviews are pouring in, and it looks like ‘Alien: Romulus’ might just be the franchise’s best offering since James Cameron’s 'Aliens'. Critics praise Álvarez’s masterful direction, bringing the franchise back to its practical effects and spine-chilling horror roots. The scares are relentless, the cast delivers memorable performances, and the tension is palpable—an impressive feat in a series known for its high stakes and deadly creatures.
At the time of publication, ‘Alien: Romulus’ had received a stellar reception from critics on the review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes, where it earned an 82 percent rating on the site’s Tomatometer based on 123 reviews. But before going to watch the movie, here's a round-up of the reviews and what the critics have to say.
‘Alien: Romulus’ leaves critics divided
Describing ‘Alien: Romulus’ as "visually stunning and eerily atmospheric," Variety critic Owen Gleiberman praises the film's blend of sci-fi and horror elements. Gleiberman commends director Fede Alvarez's "masterful" use of tension and the cast's "convincing" performances.
Similarly impressed, The Hollywood Reporter's John DeFore notes that ‘Alien: Romulus’ is "a gripping, slow-burn thriller that explores the darker side of space exploration." DeFore highlights the film's "haunting" cinematography and the lead actors's "strong chemistry."
Rolling Stone's Peter Travers awards ‘Alien: Romulus’ 3.5 stars out of 5, praising its "visceral, edge-of-your-seat suspense" and "impressive" visual effects. Travers notes that the film's "strong cast" elevates the material, making it a "compelling, if flawed, cinematic experience." Kate Sanchez of But Why Tho? calls it "the Alien film I have been waiting for," while Jake Cole of Slant Magazine praises it as "the franchise's strongest entry in three decades."
However, not all critics share the same enthusiasm. David Ehrlich of IndieWire gives ‘Alien: Romulus’ a lukewarm review, stating that the film's "intriguing premise is often overshadowed by clichéd characters and predictable plot twists." Ehrlich criticizes the film's pacing, saying it "drags on for too long."
A O Scott of The New York Times is more scathing, calling ‘Alien: Romulus’ a "messy, overstuffed sci-fi horror film." Scott dismisses the film's attempts at social commentary, saying they "feel like an afterthought."
Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune notes that "the movie doesn't quite stick the landing," while Jordan Hoffman of Entertainment Weekly says it's "one of the best in the franchise in years, but not without its flaws."
Overall, critics are divided on ‘Alien: Romulus’, with some hailing its atmospheric tension and visuals, while others criticize its narrative shortcomings and pacing issues.
Is ‘Alien: Romulus’ worth watching?
‘Alien: Romulus’ - a thrilling ride or a missed opportunity? If you're an Alien aficionado, you'll devour the heart-pumping suspense, eerie vibes, and stunning visuals. The cast shines, and the tension builds carefully.
However, the plot twists, while shocking, feel somewhat predictable, and the pacing slows down in parts, disrupting the momentum. It's like being on a rollercoaster that suddenly hits a speed bump - frustrating! If you're craving a story that truly innovates, you might leave feeling underwhelmed.
If you're a sci-fi enthusiast like me, you'll find plenty to love. Just be prepared for some narrative bumps along the way. And, hey, if you're new to the franchise, this might be a great introduction. Just don't expect a game-changer.
Worth watching? Absolutely. But, manage those expectations, folks!
‘Alien: Romulus’ trailer
‘Alien: Romulus’ is set to release in theatres on Friday, August 23.