The tagline for the original 1979 film “Alien” was, “In space, no one can hear you scream,” which was a terrifying idea on many levels.
There may be scientific reasoning behind screams not being heard in space, but isn’t it creepy to realize that no one is around to hear you? That’s what happened to Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley when she became the last person standing against the terrifying Xenomorphs. No one could hear her screams – no humans, that is – because, uh, everyone was dead.
In any case, there won’t be any problem hearing it at any multiplex on Earth showing “Alien: Romulus,” the highly anticipated new installment of the “Alien” franchise. This is a very big, very loud, very jumpy horror movie, and the screams will come, and they will be heard. Which is exactly what “Alien” fans have surely been waiting for.
And speaking of Ripley, no, she’s not there either in this new version by Fede Alvarez, which sticks closer to the horror roots of Ridley Scott’s original film than James Cameron’s more action-focused 1986 “Aliens.” But we do have Ren Carradine, played by rising star Cailee Spaeny, who is a new generation Ripley in every way except name. Spaeny does a great job playing the badass space fighter, and she’s easily the best part of a movie that, like the 1979 original, is weak on character development.
There are many other similarities to the original film. But like we said, don’t call it a sequel. In fact it’s an “interquel,” which wouldn’t be a bad horror movie title in itself. The dictionary states that it’s neither a sequel nor a prequel, but rather a “middlequel” between installments, known as “quels.”
Just kidding! It’s not in the dictionary. But it’s worth noting that Alvarez has attempted to create a new trilogy by placing his film between existing versions, yet it’s also intended to be a standalone entertainment, which risks some tonal confusion. Not that you’ll be able to hear your own thoughts if that happens to you.
The premise of the story is somewhat novel. Álvarez, who co-wrote the screenplay with Rodo Sayagues, has said he got the idea from a deleted scene in Cameron’s film in which young children were seen among workers in a mining colony, wondering what their lives would be like when they turned 20.
Early on we learn that life is actually pretty depressing on the colony located on Jackson’s Star, which is owned by the Weyland-Yutani firm that exploits the workers.
Ren’s miner parents have died of lung disease. They have left her a caring brother, Andy, who is actually a “synthetic” or human-like robot. The “human” element is important because it allows a sympathetic David Johnson in the role to connect with the audience in a way that otherwise only Spaeny could – the rest of the cast is given almost nothing to work with.
In any case, the two are not long for Jackson’s star. After Ren is eventually refused a travel permit to escape the dark colony life, he and Andy embark on a risky venture.
There’s a decommissioned space station looming above, and if they loot hardware and other loot, they can bypass the brutal wait for permits and finally reach a new home. And so, reluctantly, the two agree to join others – Ren’s ex-boyfriend Tyler, her sister Kay, Bjorn and Navarro – on a bumpy flight to the reconnaissance station.
Of course, we won’t be saying too much when we say that it’s best not to have any attachment to anyone.
Because, we all know what’s waiting there, right? It’s glimpsed right at the beginning, with the rickety old station looking a lot like the USCSS Nostromo, which was originally the ill-fated spaceship.
However, we didn’t need this hint. This is an “Alien” movie and it’s about the Xenomorph, that terrifying creature that is diabolically “perfect,” able to survive in any environment and apparently multiply in the most disgusting ways.
It’s not really a party or a movie – until the creatures show up. And so, they do. The use of practical effects rather than a CGI-created universe in this film has been much discussed. The actors have said that this – as well as shooting in a linear manner – helped them feel the sense of real horror required for their portrayals.
Does all of this make this film better than any of its predecessors? Like many other franchises that rely on an intense fan base, it really depends on what perspective you’re coming into this with. Fans of the original film will appreciate the many respectful echoes of that film. Fans of Cameron will appreciate the action that comes later in the film.
And while some will applaud the wild, bizarre, creative, and possibly ridiculous twist of those final moments — not to spoil it — others might even laugh instead of scream.
That’s all right, though. In space, probably no one can hear you laugh.
The film “Alien: Romulus”, released by 20th Century Studios, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association “for bloody violent content and language.” Duration: 119 minutes. Two stars out of four.
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