Boasting phenomenal visuals and cinematography, “Alien: Romulus” is easily one of the best films in the “Alien” franchise. Experiencing this movie in theaters is a feast for the eyes. However, a convoluted plot and uninspiring characters drag it from being a modern classic. 

   Director Fede Álvarez’s “Alien: Romulus” hit the theaters on August 16, 2024, and since then it has taken over the box office, performing above expectations with a domestic weekend gross of $41.5 million. It has been a hit with critics and audiences alike, with an audience score of 86% and a critic rating of 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. It is rated “Certified Fresh.” 

   The film centers around a group of voyagers exploring a run-down space station, encountering the deadliest creatures in the galaxy, Xenomorphs. The film takes place between the original 1979 “Alien” and the 1986 “Aliens.”

   The most prominent feature of the film is its phenomenal use of cinematography and CGI to create an intense and terrifying atmosphere that lasts consistently throughout most of the film. Most shots in the movie could be a wallpaper for a home screen. The lighting primarily consists of dark shadows and orange lights. The soundtrack is utilized well and adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere.

   Another incredibly well-done part of this film is the action sequences. Each scene makes use of the Xenomorph’s different stages of growth and makes the entire scenario centered around it. The actors’ screams felt realistic and their actions were well-choreographed with the chaos occurring. 

   There won’t be a huge focus on developing some of the characters in a film where the audience expects gore and bloodshed, but out of the few relationships the producers do add to “Aliens: Romulus,” the dynamic between the two androids, or artificial humans, is arguably the most well-written. The conflict of corporate greed versus emotion between Andy, played by David Johnson, and Rook, a digital recreation of the late Iam Holm, reflects many themes of the movie and the “Alien” franchise in general. The worldbuilding is consistent and makes sense from a canonical perspective. The characters make use of the technology they should have in their time.

   However, what holds this film back from being a masterpiece is its characters and its female lead. The cast of characters is given nearly not enough backstory to make me or the audience care about them. It’s blatantly obvious that they are designed to be fodder for the aliens to feast on. Cailee Spaeny, who plays the protagonist Rain, gives an emotionless and forgettable performance as Rain. In stark contrast, Johnson displays more emotions and establishes himself as a memorable character even when he plays a literal ROBOT.

   The plot follows the classic formula established long ago by the original 1979 “Alien.” It’s a formula that works for a horror movie so I won’t pick on it. However, one infuriating thing is the fact that the Xenomorphs suffer from plot armor and brutally kill the side characters but they hold back their attacks when Rain is vulnerable and unable to fight back.

   But the audience is here to watch a bloodfest, not a family drama. The cinematography and attention to detail are impeccable. Enjoyed best on a silver screen. Go to the local theater, and immerse yourself in this terrifying depiction of the “Alien” universe! I give “Alien: Romulus” an 8/10.