After the mixed bag of Alien sequels, Ridley Scott attempted to revitalize the franchise with Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, but few were pleased with the direction. So, Alien: Romulus takes us back to the beginning, set between the events of the first two movies. Directed by Fede Álvarez, Alien: Romulus returns to the roots of pure horror, focusing on humans being attacked and ripped apart by aliens. This approach has worked well, earning an 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and impressive box office numbers. Álvarez’s expertise is evident, having previously rebooted the Evil Dead franchise in 2013.
Ridley Scott’s Evil Dead reboot, directed by Fede Álvarez, was a bold take that omitted Ash and replaced the humor with a more serious tone. The film received mixed reviews but is notable for its outstanding score, practical effects, and strong performance from Jane Levy. Levy plays Mia Allen, a heroin addict who finds herself in a nightmarish situation at a cabin in the woods with her friends and brother. The film explores themes of addiction and personal struggle, making it more than just a horror movie.
The film’s score, provided by Roque Baños, is a standout, pounding out a sense of urgency and tension. The visual effects are also impressive, with over 70,000 gallons of fake blood used in the film. The performances are commendable, particularly Levy’s portrayal of Mia, who goes from a struggling addict to a demon-possessed horror.
The film’s ending is particularly memorable, with Mia facing off against her evil doppelgänger in a gruesome battle. The scene is a testament to Álvarez’s ability to craft a terrifying horror movie that still has heart.
Alien: Romulus may be following a similar path, but it’s done so with a fresh perspective, focusing on the characters and their struggles. The franchise has been revamped and reinvigorated, offering a new take on the classic horror series.