Alien Romulus Movie Goes to Eleven. First a warning. I’m an enormous Alien fanboy, and Alien-nerd. You like Alien, and the entire Alien franchise? Great. I love everything about each of these movies. Curious how I rank the movies, including Romulus, so you know if my opinion will align with yours? I got you.
- #1 – Alien – 1979
- #2 – Aliens – 1986
- #3 – Alien Romulus – 2024
- #4 – Prometheus – 2012
- #5 – Alien Covenant – 2017
- #6 – Alien 3 – 1992
- #7 – Alien Resurrection – 1997
But the predator movies! Yadda yadda yadda. Yeah, whatever. Yes, I’ve seen them. No, I’m not adding them to my list. Regardless, let’s get to talking about Romulus shall we??
Where Does Alien: Romulus Connect to the Alien Universe Timeline?
Okay, so Romulus is set 20 years after Alien… the year is 2122. Which, in turn, makes Romulus set about 37 years prior to Aliens, which is set in 2179. We learn in Romulus that the big daddy Xenomorph from Alien actually did survive getting blasted by the spaceship engines and sent twirling into the vacuum of space. (Editorial note: it seemed to excrete some sort of protective, rock-like coating for protection?) Regardless – it is discovered in space, delivered to Weyland-Yutani’s Romulus research station for study and voila… the station is wastelanded. (Which is a story that could be told some day whether in book or movie format… just saying.)
Then, after Rain and her friends board the short-circuited Romulus, they accidentally reconnect a gutted Hyperdyne synthetic named Rook. You know, the synthetic of the same make and model as the late Ian Holm’s synthetic from the movie Alien? He assists them, but his goal? His prime directive? It’s to capture the alien, and to send it back to Weyland.
Alien: Romulus is a Adrenaline Junky Dream
Alien: Romulus marks a triumphant return to the nerve-shredding terror that the original Alien series perfected. Directed by Fede Álvarez, the film takes the franchise back to its roots with a claustrophobic atmosphere, gruesome horror, and relentless tension. But, before diving into the tension and horror, let’s issue a spoiler warning: if you’re looking to experience the twists and turns of Alien: Romulus firsthand, this is your chance to stop reading. Below is a detailed walkthrough of the movie, followed by an analysis of its strengths, weaknesses, and why it’s a must-watch for fans of the series. Also, a tip – if you can catch this in IMAX, it’s worth the cost/effort. Locally here in the springs, I purchased an IMAX ticket that was cheaper than many other theaters. So, yes, I HIGHLY recommend IMAX if you can swing it.
Spoiler Warning: Plot Summary
The film opens on Jackson’s Star, a bleak, industrial colony where the sun never shines, and the inhabitants are trapped in a cycle of relentless work for the Weyland-Yutani Corporation (WY). (Aka, the Alien evil corp. equivalent. The moral Satan of Alien’s reality that continues to not learn from its past moral failings.) We’re introduced to Rain Carradine (Cailee Spaeny – who was brilliant in Civil War), a determined young woman who dreams of escaping this hellhole with her synthetic brother Andy (David Jonsson – who should be given cartloads of Oscars for this role. It’s enlightened.) However, when Rain tries to apply for a travel permit after meeting her work quota, she’s met with the soul-crushing news that her quota has been extended for another five or six years.
The brutal conditions of Jackson’s Star, including hazardous mining work, frequent hailstorms, and the ever-present threat of lung disease, have already claimed the lives of Rain and Andy’s parents. Rain’s only hope lies in the rumored existence of a decommissioned WY ship floating nearby, equipped with functioning cryopods that could take them to a better world. With a group of similarly desperate colonists, Rain sets out on a dangerous journey to hijack the ship and escape Jackson’s Star for good.
The group manages to commandeer a hulking transport ship and make their way to the supposed escape vessel. But upon arrival, they discover that the ship is actually a massive, decaying space station known as Renaissance, with twin modules named Romulus and Remus. Unfortunately, the station is on a collision course with Jackson’s Star’s ring’d asteroid system, giving the group only a few hours to complete their mission before everything is destroyed.
As they explore the abandoned station, the group inadvertently awakens an entire Pandora’s box of previously dormant facehuggers. You know, pre-adult Xenomorphs that like to gestate their larger forms in the bellies of unsuspecting bio-material. The lobster-like parasites, spring into action, leading to a series of horrific encounters that leave the group decimated. One by one, the colonists fall prey to the relentless Xenomorphs, whose gruesome methods of killing are shown in agonizing detail. The slow-burn tension builds as the survivors desperately try to find a way off the station, but their plans are repeatedly thwarted by betrayals, cowardice, and the sheer brutality of the creatures.
In a particularly shocking twist, Rain revives a synthetic named Rook (an AI-rendered version of Ian Holm’s Alien character Ash), who is half-destroyed after an encounter with alien acid. Rook’s reactivation adds a new layer of tension, as his loyalties remain unclear, and his presence further strains the relationship between Rain and Andy. As the station hurtles towards its doom, Rain and Andy must confront both the Xenomorphs and their own inner demons to survive.
The film culminates in a chaotic, over-the-top finale that introduces a terrifying new Xenomorph variant—a hybrid species that ratchets up the gore and horror to new heights. But even as the film pushes the boundaries of excess, it never loses sight of its core strengths: tight pacing, nail-biting tension, and visceral horror that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Review: A Tense, Unrelenting Thrill Ride
Alien: Romulus succeeds in ways that few other entries in the franchise have managed to since Aliens (1986). From the very beginning, Fede Álvarez demonstrates a deep respect for the series’ origins, skillfully blending the claustrophobic horror of Alien (1979) with the high-octane action of Aliens. The film’s visual style is a perfect homage to the retro-futuristic aesthetic of the original films, with its grimy, industrial sets and foreboding atmosphere. The cinematography by Galo Olivares is superb, capturing every shadowy corner and eerie detail with a palpable sense of dread.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its relentless pacing. From the moment the characters leave Jackson’s Star, the tension never lets up. Every setback, every close encounter with the Xenomorphs, escalates the stakes, leaving both the characters and the audience on edge. Álvarez masterfully builds the suspense, using sound design, lighting, and camera angles to create a sense of impending doom. The soundscape is particularly effective, with every metallic clang and hiss of steam adding to the oppressive atmosphere.
The film’s practical effects also deserve praise. In an era where CGI often dominates, Álvarez’s decision to use animatronics, puppetry, and stunt performers for the Xenomorphs adds a tangible, visceral quality to the horror. (It was this detail by itself that brought the horror of this story to reality.) The creatures are as terrifying as ever, their sleek, deadly forms lurking in the shadows before striking with brutal efficiency. The slow chest-bursting scene, in particular, is a gruesome highlight that prolongs the agony and showcases the creature’s evolution in horrific detail.
Cailee Spaeny’s performance as Rain is another standout. She brings a vulnerability and emotional depth to the role that makes her a compelling protagonist. Rain is not a hardened action hero like Ripley; she’s a young woman struggling to survive in a harsh world, and Spaeny captures that struggle with nuance and intensity. Her chemistry with David Jonsson’s Andy (who, as I mentioned before was epic in this role) adds a layer of emotional complexity to the story, as the synthetic’s conflicted loyalties drive much of the tension between them. And I have to say, brings a really great ambiguity to the question of whether we should show AI respect and care or not. Fascinating really.
However, Alien: Romulus is not without its flaws. The large ensemble cast means that some characters are underdeveloped, making their inevitable deaths less impactful. While Álvarez makes an effort to give each character a distinct personality, the film’s breakneck pace leaves little room for meaningful character development. This is particularly noticeable in the supporting cast, who often feel like fodder for the Xenomorphs rather than fully realized individuals.
The film’s final act may also divide audiences. Álvarez ramps up the action and horror to almost absurd levels… I mean, comically horrifyingly piled collisions of teetering terror. And also, the movie introduced a hybrid Xenomorph variant that pushes the boundaries of believability. It did seem a bit far-fetched even if it was obviously connected back to the Engineers of Prometheus. And while some may appreciate the audacity of the finale, others may find it too over-the-top, detracting from the grounded horror that made the original films so effective. I personally loved the fact that they decided to drop a cinder block on the accelerator of this movie. I mean, heck, why not. Oh, and obviously the most controversial of decisions was the inclusion of Rook, an AI-generated version of Ian Holm’s Ash. (Who passed away back in 2020). He obviously sticks out. While it serves as a nod to the franchise’s past, the use of AI to recreate a deceased actor’s likeness raises ethical questions and feels like unnecessary fan service. If they had made his inclusion less obviously fake, it might have gone better. Maybe?
Despite these issues, Alien: Romulus is a thrilling return to form for the franchise. Álvarez’s direction is confident and assured, delivering the kind of intense, nerve-wracking horror that fans have been craving. The film’s commitment to practical effects and its respect for the series’ legacy make it a worthy addition to the Alien canon. While it may not reach the heights of Alien or Aliens, it stands as one of the stronger entries in the series, offering a fresh take on the familiar formula without straying too far from what made the originals so iconic.
Final Thoughts
Alien: Romulus is a roller-coaster ride of tension and terror that successfully brings the franchise back to its horror roots. Fede Álvarez’s film is a relentless, nerve-wracking experience that will leave you breathless and on the edge of your seat. While it may not be perfect, it delivers the scares and thrills that fans have come to expect from the series, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves sci-fi horror. Whether you’re a die-hard Alien fan or just looking for a good scare, Romulus is a journey you won’t want to miss.
Edited by: CY