There’s a reason the ‘Alien’ franchise is so enduring – the first two films, 1979’s ‘Alien’, and 1986’s ‘Aliens’, are true classics and the epitome of blockbuster masterpieces. Through the years there have been a few iterations of follow-ups. First were the two auteur driven continuations of the Ellen Ripley saga, 1992’s ‘Alien3’, aka David Fincher’s first feature, and 1997’s Joss Whedon-scripted, Jean-Pierre Jeunet-directed, ‘Alien: Resurrection’. While these films can’t compare to their predecessors, they did contain some interesting ideas and visual styles. Next were the two forgettable ‘Aliens Vs. Predator’ movies, failed attempts to unite the two contemporary movie monsters. Finally, Ridley Scott returned to the material he brought to life with prequels ‘Prometheus’ (2012) and 2017’s ‘Alien: Covenant’, both gorgeously lensed and packed with star ensemble casts. To say these two are controversial amongst fans is an understatement. Despite some serious narrative conundrums, it would have been compelling to see the master complete his trilogy.

Now audiences are exposed to a true return to content, helmed by horror master Fede Alvarez, a franchise fan who isn’t afraid to trod sacred ground. His ‘Evil Dead’ remake from 2013 may not have satisfied every Ash stan, but there’s no denying his genre cred, as that film was a gory, scary, effective delight. He followed that up with the truly demented ‘Don’t Breathe’, which starts as a home invasion movie but becomes something else entirely. All his style traits in these two films are on full display in ‘Romulus’, a film that firmly replants the ‘Alien’ series in niche horror/sci-fi territory.

Taking a cue from the older films in the franchise, ‘Romulus’ features a cast of mostly unknown young actors. The star is the up and coming Cailee Spaeny (‘Priscilla’, ‘Civil War’) as Rain, a resident of a mining outpost on some godforsaken planet where the sun never shines. She’s basically an indentured servant to the company, known to fans of the series as Weyland-Yutani, whose mission across this series is to procure the xenomorph itself for financial benefit. Rain believes she has accumulated enough work hours and service to warrant passage to another system along with her “brother”, Andy, a glitchy early model of synthetic human played wonderfully by David Jonsson (‘Industry’). She finds that there really is no escape from this life, thus putting her in the crosshairs of a group that will set this plot in motion.

Just like other ‘Alien’ movies, ‘Romulus’ is also a cross genre sci-fi picture. This time it’s a heist movie. Rain is contacted by some old friends and fellow orphans who are also itching to get off the rock. Turns out they need Andy in order to break into a decommissioned space station (it’s two halves named “Romulus” and “Remus” after the ancient brothers, one who founded Rome, the other exiled from the city), so that they can steal its cryogenic pods used for long distance space travel. It’s here of course where they encounter the titular baddie(s). The experience from here on out has both incredible highs and some detrimental lows that threaten to take some viewers out of it. Mainly it’s the choice to include some obvious, unnecessary callbacks and ties to just about all of the previous films. Thankfully there are some truly captivating and terrifying set pieces the likes of which have never been imagined before. They’re enhanced by a nice blend of practical and computer generated effects, unique in their presentation but also utilizing the previously established rules of the franchise like the aliens’ acid for blood, cocooning, and gestation practices.

‘Alien: Romulus’ can claim a firm place amongst the middle tier of a franchise mainly characterized for its original ideas and enduring ability to freak out audiences. It’s a solid entry, effectively playing with the tropes of its predecessors, that really only falters when it tries to connect to them. Unlike the Ridley Scott helmed prequels, ‘Romulus’ is less concerned with big ideas and more focused on providing some real thrills and chills. In that, it more closely resembles those early films and sits nicely amongst them . . .

Directed By: Fede Alvarez

Written By: Fede Alvarez & Rodo Sayagues

Running Time: 119 min.

Rated: R

* * * (out of 4 stars) -OR- B