When I first heard about Alien: Romulus, I expected another entry in the franchise that would balance classic tension with modern thrills. What I didn’t anticipate was how it would swing between nostalgia and some questionable creative choices, leaving me both impressed and frustrated in equal measure. Director Fede Álvarez offers up a return to the Alien universe that feels like both a love letter and a misstep, depending on where you stand.
“Survival’s Not What It Used to Be”
The Premise
The film is set on LV-410, a mining colony on the fringes of deep space, where we meet Rain Carradine (Cailee Spaeny), an orphaned miner, and her adopted android brother, Andy (David Jonsson). Along with their ragtag group of friends, they stage a raid on an abandoned space station, only to find themselves trapped in a nightmare with the franchise’s most famous menace: the Xenomorph.
On paper, the plot feels all too familiar. Corporate greed? Check. Isolation? Check. A fight for survival against overwhelming odds? You guessed it. The story mirrors what fans love about Alien—but that’s part of the problem. The film leans heavily on nostalgic callbacks to past installments, giving us a “greatest hits” of the franchise. Sure, diehard fans will recognize the references, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that Romulus is more interested in paying tribute than offering anything truly new.
“Nostalgia’s a Double-Edged Sword”
The Execution
Álvarez has an eye for atmosphere, and Romulus shines in the visual department. The retro-futuristic production design, especially the eerie stations of Romulus and Remus, captures the cold, foreboding feel of the Alien universe perfectly. The sound design is stellar, adding weight to every creak of the station and every shriek from the Xenomorphs. It’s clear that Álvarez has a deep love for the source material.
However, this devotion to the franchise’s legacy leads to some frustrating decisions. References to iconic moments, like the unforgettable “Get away from her, you bitch,” are tossed in without much care, feeling more like fan service than meaningful additions. And while some liberties with the lore—such as rapid Xenomorph lifecycle changes and odd behavior from their acid blood—may excite newcomers, they’re bound to upset purists.
“Who Are We Really Rooting For?”
The Performances
Cailee Spaeny anchors the film as Rain, giving a solid performance that imbues her character with a sense of urgency and emotional depth. David Jonsson’s portrayal of Andy stands out as well, balancing android detachment with complex layers of morality. Unfortunately, many of the supporting characters are little more than cannon fodder, ticking off the standard “redshirt” tropes. It’s hard to invest in these characters when they feel like they’re only there to fuel the Xenomorph carnage.
“Alien: Romulus – A Mixed Bag”
So, what do we make of Alien: Romulus? It’s a visually stunning movie that drips with atmospheric tension, but its reliance on nostalgia and missteps in pacing leave it feeling uneven. Fans of the franchise will no doubt appreciate the aesthetic and references, but it’s hard to ignore how the film occasionally falls back on what’s been done before, rather than pushing the boundaries of the Alien mythos. For newcomers, it may not have the same impact as earlier installments, but for those looking to revisit a familiar universe, it’s still a worthwhile watch.
If you’re a fan of the Alien franchise, Romulus is sure to stir mixed emotions, but it’s definitely worth the journey—just don’t expect it to fully recapture the magic of the originals.
Strengths
- Stunning visuals and atmosphere that capture the Alien essence
- Solid performances from the leads, especially Cailee Spaeny
- A faithful recreation of the franchise’s iconic look and feel
Weaknesses
- Over-reliance on nostalgia and familiar plot points
- Some inconsistencies with Alien lore that may alienate purists
- Underdeveloped supporting characters
Score: 7/10 – A visually engaging, if uneven, return to a beloved franchise.
Happy Goat Horror 
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