Alien: Romulusis a greatAlienmovie, but it’s a little too reverent of the franchise’s past, with an abundance of on-the-nose references and Easter eggs calling back to the previous films. With a wildly entertaining blend of claustrophobic terror and blockbuster action spectacle,Alien: Romulusis arguably the strongestAlienfilm since James Cameron’sAliensin 1986. It’s one of directorFede Álvarez’s best movies, and it proves that, in addition to being a great dramatic actor, Cailee Spaeny is a badass action hero, too.
There’s a lot to love aboutAlien: Romulus, from its cast of rising stars to old-school practical effects to Álvarez’s razor-sharp command of tension to the jaw-dropping third-act twist. It’s one of the most brilliantly crafted horror films of the year, and it rewards a big-screen viewing.Alien: Romulushas been well-received by critics, but it’s not a perfect movie. It certainly has a couple of flaws, the most noticeable of which — to the point that it becomes distracting — is its reverence for the franchise’s history.
Alien: Romulus Has An Abundance Of Alien Franchise References
Alien: Romulus Copies Familiar Shots, Quotes & Even Plot Points From Previous Alien Movies
From major plot points to unsubtle Easter eggs,Alien: Romulusis very much built off the back of the movies that came before, and it wants to reference as much of it as possible.Alien: Romulusopens with the original xenomorph being found encased in a cocoon. The movie features another MU-TH-UR computer andthe black goo fromPrometheus. Andy, just likeAliens’ Bishop, prefers the term “artificial person” over the more derogatory “synthetic” – and, just likeAliens’ Carter Burke, he describes the xenomorphs as “busy little creatures.”
Alien: Romulus Ending Explained
Alien: Romulus' ending leaves the door open for another entry in the franchise. We break down the Alien sequel’s final moments & what might come next.
Ian Holm’s Ash is brought backin the form of the Renaissance station’s resident android, Rook. The shot of Tyler showing Rain how to use a pulse rifle is identical to the shot of Hicks showing Ripley how to use one inAliens. The shot of Rain face-to-face with a snarling xenomorph is identical to the shot of Ripley face-to-face with one inAlien 3.Alien: Romulusis jam-packed with references and callbacksto the previous entries in the franchise.
Alien: Romulus Has Too Many References To Other Alien Movies
Some Of The References Work, But There Are Way Too Many
Some ofAlien: Romulus’ franchise references work, especially the ones that are just as effective without the contextof the reference. The underwater sequence referencingAlien Resurrectionis equally effective, whether the audience gets the reference or not. But most of the references feel forced and on-the-nose. When Andy says, “Get away from her, you b****,” it takes the audience out of the movie, because it’s totally out of character for Andy to speak so colloquially or swear — that line is just for the fans.Alien: Romuluswould’ve been more successful if it could just let go of the past.
Alien: Romulus
Cast
Alien: Romulus is the seventh film in the Alien franchise. The movie is directed by Fede Álvarez and will focus on a new young group of characters who come face to face with the terrifying Xenomorphs. Alien: Romulus is a stand-alone film and takes place in a time not yet explored in the Alien franchise.
