Verdict: 4.5/5
The iconic acid-drooling monster that skyrocketed horror sci-fi to new heights in the 70s is back in ‘Alien: Romulus’ – but does it live up to the hype?
It’s no secret every new ‘Alien’ movie that comes out is at risk of breaking under the pressure of living up to the original 1979 film.
But that’s not the case for ‘Alien: Romulus’.
Following a group of young space colonisers who come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe while scavenging a derelict space station, the movie is shocking, scary and visually stunning.
It’s everything you want from an ‘Alien’ movie.
There are some big shoes to fill by the brand-new cast, led by ‘Priscilla’s’ Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, but they do it effortlessly, with Jonsson a real highlight as the dynamic Andy.
Once the action starts it doesn’t stop, with one heart-racing scene after another.
And just when you think the action is finally starting to wrap up, a crazy third act delivers one more final surprise – one that quite literally lead to the cinema’s audience letting out an audible gasp.
The last ten minutes deliver a real edge-of-your-seat cinema experience as the tension reaches a crescendo. The result is an epic, memorable ending that is bound to get people talking.
Those who haven’t watched any of the other movies in the ‘Alien’ franchise needn’t be put off by this newest addition, it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone film.
But the big question is: will ‘Alien: Romulus’ win over die-hard fans of the cult classic? Maybe, maybe not. It’s always hard to satisfy fans of a franchise that has stuck around for so long, especially without the presence of Sigourney Weaver to hold down the fort.
As a long-time horror fan myself, I definitely felt wary going into it myself.
Yet, despite the pressure, ‘Alien: Romulus’ manages to strike a delicate balance between nostalgia and originality to deliver an intense thrill ride of a movie. Nightmare-fuel in the best way.
Definitely one to see on the big screen.
See this movie at Hoyts Penrith.
Ellie Busby
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other projects.