The very first reactions to Fede Alvarez’s ‘Alien: Romulus’ have surfaced, and it seems like the latest entry to Ridley Scott’s Alien franchise has what it takes to not only survive but also become a fan-favourite one. While most of the early reactions have praised the movie, some have also pointed out itty bitty flaws in it. However, many critics believe that the third act will blow viewers’ minds as it has plenty of shocking twists and turns.
Alvarez has been praised especially for his direction in ‘Alien: Romulus’. The film also pays a perfect homage to the first two Alien movies: Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), given that its story serves as a bridge that connects these two movies. The CGI work, cinematography, horror sequences, and gore have received special praise from critics.
The film’s cast, particularly Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, shine the most. Instead of serving as a fan service, the new Alien entry takes the franchise in a whole new direction.
Taking place between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), ‘Alien: Romulus’ follows a group of young space colonists who, while scavenging an abandoned space station, encounter a terrifying xenomorph.
Check out some of the first reactions to Fede Alvarez’s ‘Alien: Romulus’ below! It is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 16.
Courtney Howard from Variety:
Fede Alvarez’s #AlienRomulus is gnarly, gripping & gorgeously bleak (everything from the story to Olivares’ cinematography to Wallfisch’s score). Innovatively delivering smart, savvy stuff, subtly playing the greatest hits. Cailee Spaeny & David Jonsson dominate. This rules! pic.twitter.com/kEuDZku2Oz
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) August 13, 2024
Emily Murray from GamesRadar+:
Admittedly found #AlienRomulus to be a mixed bag at times but the bonkers third act ultimately really won me over. Fede Álvarez goes all out and it’s wild!
— Emily Murray (@EmilyVMurray) August 13, 2024
I do wish it was scarier with more character development, but a solid entry in the franchise I rather enjoyed 👽 pic.twitter.com/iYIOO3tdme
Borys Kit from The Hollywood Reporter:
ALIEN: ROMULUS: Has all the great hallmarks of what you would expect in an Alien flick but never feels like it’s pandering to nostalgia or fan service…and even goes into a crazy new direction. Fede Alvarez & the cast just gave birth to summer’s best movie.
— Borys Kit (@Borys_Kit) August 13, 2024
Rachel Leishman from The Mary Sue:
#AlienRomulus is the first time I have been terrified during one of the Alien movies. Cailee Spaeny's Rain is a perfect character to follow on this journey and through Fede Álvarez's twists and turns, you never really know where Romulus is headed. The 3rd act is truly WILD. I dig… pic.twitter.com/vEaiz5966B
— Rachel Leishman (@RachelLeishman) August 13, 2024
Germain Lussier from Gizmodo:
#AlienRomulus is a bonkers roller coaster ride through the previous six Alien movies, using bits of all them, to tell a focused, mostly standalone story filled with glorious gore & scares. It gets better as it goes along, ending with a phenomenal big swing of a third act. pic.twitter.com/mY8Hkbe0gD
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) August 13, 2024
Tessa Smith from Critics Choice:
Alien: Romulus pays perfect homage to the original, using practical effects whenever possible. This works so well that the CGI stands out when used. It is slow to start but man, once it gets going, you will be on the edge of your seat until the very end! #AlienRomulus pic.twitter.com/1o3urLGSiV
— Tessa Smith - Mama's Geeky (@MamasGeeky) August 13, 2024