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Alien: Romulus breathes new life into the iconic franchise, serving as the seventh installment and taking place two decades after the original Alien (1979). This film efficiently expands the 45-year-old legacy, plunging viewers into a nightmarish scenario where escape is impossible, and survival hinges on sheer tenacity. Álvarez’s gritty direction captures the essence of horror and sci-fi, reminding us why this series has remained a staple in the genre for nearly half a century.

Set chronologically between the original Alien (1979) and its sequel Aliens (1986), Romulus introduces a fresh cast of younger characters ready to face the terrifying extraterrestrial threat. This new generation of rebels and pilots, including Rain (Cailee Spaeny) the protagonist who embodies the spirit of youthful defiance against the nightmarish conditions she finds herself in. The film expertly balances nostalgia for the original films while forging a path for new stories and characters, ensuring that both old and new fans have something to connect with.

Horror and sci-fi enthusiasts will be thrilled to see the return of classic elements that define the series—the infamous face-huggers, the grotesque adult aliens with their menacing helmet heads, and the primal dread of bodily invasion. Álvarez dives deep into body horror, reminding us that the true terror lies not just in being attacked but in the violation of one’s own body. After all, what is an Alien film without the horrifying imagery of an alien embryo bursting forth from a host? This film keeps the legacy of body horror alive, pushing boundaries while remaining true to its roots.

Rain’s (Spaeny) journey alongside her droid companion and spiritual brother, Andy (David Jonsson) —who brings a mix of humor and innocent heart—adds a unique layer to the film.  Andy is endearing and empathetic, serving as a protective family figure for Rain. Their dynamic highlights the film’s exploration of companionship amidst chaos, as they team up with other young twentysomething-year old characters (Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu) to navigate the horrors of space. This camaraderie not only emphasizes the importance of teamwork but also enriches the narrative, making it relatable for audiences of all ages.

Álvarez’s direction, combined with his co-writing efforts, creates a captivating atmosphere that feels both claustrophobic and expansive. The abandoned ship, aptly named Romulus, serves as a haunting escape room in space, filled with tension and dread at every turn. The film expertly blends practical effects with modern digital enhancements, maintaining the franchise’s signature fear factor while delivering a fresh visual experience. The return of traditional animatronics alongside cutting-edge CGI ensures that the film remains visceral and authentic, particularly when experienced in IMAX.

Alien: Romulus successfully continues the franchise’s legacy of strong female protagonists, with Rain stepping into the spotlight as a character who embodies resilience and courage. The film also challenges perceptions of artificial intelligence through Andy, who showcases intelligence and survival skills that defy the typical narrative surrounding synthetic characters. Overall, Romulus is a thrilling ride filled with enhanced visuals, gripping body horror, and a storyline that will resonate with both longtime fans and a new generation eager to explore the depths of this freaky and frightening universe.

TRAILER

“Alien: Romulus” takes the phenomenally successful “Alien” franchise back to its roots: While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe. The film stars Cailee Spaeny (“Civil War”), David Jonsson (“Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy”), Archie Renaux (“Shadow and Bone”), Isabela Merced (“The Last of Us”), Spike Fearn (“Aftersun”), Aileen Wu. Fede Alvarez (“Evil Dead,” “Don’t Breathe”) directs from a screenplay he wrote with frequent collaborator Rodo Sayagues (“Don’t Breathe 2”) based on characters created by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett. “Alien: Romulus” is produced by Ridley Scott (“Napoleon”), who directed the original “Alien” and produced and directed the series’ entries “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant,” Michael Pruss (“Boston Strangler”), and Walter Hill (“Alien”), with Fede Alvarez, Elizabeth Cantillon (“Charlie’s Angels”), Brent O’Connor (“Bullet Train”), and Tom Moran (“Unstoppable”) serving as executive producers.

Alien: Romulus” Burst Exclusively in Theaters August 16