"Alien Romulus" marks a significant entry in the "Alien" franchise, helmed by director Fede Álvarez. Set in the aftermath of "Prometheus," the film explores new frontiers while maintaining ties to the franchise's roots. The narrative revolves around a crew on a colonization mission that quickly devolves into chaos as they encounter a new threat: a terrifying xenomorph hybrid, known as "the Offspring". The film stars Cailee Spaeny, who plays the lead role, paralleling the character's trailblazing experience in the iconic "Alien" series.
One notable aspect of "Alien Romulus" is the innovative use of CGI to resurrect Ian Holm’s character, Ash, a move that has sparked both intrigue and controversy. The digital reconstruction was authorized by Holm's widow, aiming to capture his portrayal of the malevolent android from the original 1979 film. The connection to the earlier installments is further reinforced through thematic elements that echo the existential dread and isolation faced by the characters throughout the series.
The film's climax involves a grisly birth scene that highlights the horror elements for which the franchise is renowned. Critics have noted that while "Alien Romulus" embraces gore, it could also benefit from deeper lore consistent with what fans love about the series. This film distinguishes itself further by introducing a story that is darker and diverges from Ripley’s legacy, presenting a fresh perspective on the dangers of human ambition and synthetic life.
At the box office, "Alien Romulus" has performed impressively, topping charts and dethroning competition like "Deadpool" and "Wolverine". Its reception hints at a revived interest in storytelling within the "Alien" universe, with potential directions for future sequels already being discussed by Álvarez.