Released: 2024
Directed By: Fede Álvarez
Runtime: 119 min
After being let down immensely by both Prometheus and Covenant (the first due to its lack of aliens, and the latter for having to endure the extended Michael Fassbender fingering scene), Romulus was a breath of sulphuric acid air for me.
Fede Álvarez once again demonstrates his understanding of horror, setting up scene after scene of tension and claustrophobic dread.
Shiny, gooey xenomorphs take centre stage and it makes my black heart happy watching them do what they do best.
The acting is pretty decent with Cailee Spaeny who shines as Rain. She’s vulnerable, strong, and empathetic, all things I love in a female lead. You can also see Cailee in the film Civil War which is available to rent on streaming platforms.
David Jonsson as Andy is also fantastic, and he shows us a huge range in his acting skills. He’s believable and great to watch, even with some cringe-worthy dialogue. I look forward to seeing him in The Long Walk, an upcoming adaptation of the Stephen King novel.
There’s a horrific creature reveal towards the end which I personally really enjoyed, and it adds another level to an already fun sequel.
Alien: Romulus isn’t flawless. There’s a few areas where it fumbles, and if you end up watching this at home on your TV, good luck trying to see anything through the darkness.
And, if I’m being honest, I kind of expected a bit more gore and wtf moments from Álvarez given his previous flicks (Evil Dead 2013, Don’t Breathe). However, I would imagine that for a general audience it will be more than adequate.
Above all, Romulus is entertaining and holds its own in a beloved horror franchise.
Check it out on the big screen for the full experience and go in looking for a good time. You’ll find it.
Rating: 4/5
New Zealand Horror Fans 