This summer will be particularly exciting in the world of cinema with numerous blockbusters expected from the United States. Among them, one stands out by generating significant anticipation: “Alien Romulus” (in theaters August 14, 2024). Not only because it is directed by Fede Alvarez, known for remaking “Evil Dead” and “Don’t Breathe,” but also because this seventh installment aims to reconnect with its roots, similar to the success of Ridley Scott’s original “Alien.” Trailers have hinted at greatness, and the 15 minutes we’ve seen confirm all the positive anticipation for the Uruguayan filmmaker, whom we were also able to interview.
— RETURN TO THE SOURCE
Alien Romulus is the seventh installment in the Alien franchise, which was initiated and created by Ridley Scott in 1979. This film quickly gained prestige and had a significant impact and influence on science fiction as well as general pop culture, extending beyond cinema borders. Of course, this aura is also due to Hans Ruedi Giger, who designed the Xenomorph and handled all of the film’s artistic work. The Alien franchise has managed to renew itself through the involvement of multiple directors: James Cameron directed Aliens (the second installment), David Fincher directed Alien 3, Jean-Pierre Jeunet directed Alien Resurrection, and Ridley Scott returned with Prometheus in 2012 and Alien: Covenant in 2017. Regardless of our preferences for certain filmmakers, the Alien franchise remains significant and continues to aim to surprise audiences. This is evident with this seventh installment, subtitled Romulus, which has been entrusted to Fede Alvarez. His name may not yet be widely recognized, but this 46-year-old Uruguayan director has already built a solid reputation with his remake of Evil Dead and Don’t Breathe; you should see these films, particularly for Stephen Lang’s performance in Don’t Breathe.
This summer is expected to be particularly noteworthy in the cinema world, with numerous blockbusters scheduled for release from the United States. Among these, one film stands out as it garners more anticipation than others: “Alien Romulus,” set for release on August 14, 2024. This is not only due to its director, Fede Alvarez, known for his work on remakes of “Evil Dead” and “Don’t Breathe,” but also because this seventh installment aims to reconnect with the series’ origins, similar to how Ridley Scott’s original “Alien” achieved success. Trailers have suggested excellence, and the 15 minutes that have been previewed confirm all the positive expectations surrounding the Uruguayan filmmaker, whom we were able to interview.
Fede Alvarez represents the new generation of filmmakers capable of honoring the legacy of the first Alien while adding his own unique touch. This is evident in the recent preview of his work. To be specific, we had the opportunity to view approximately 15 minutes of the film today, not necessarily the initial segments but a series of carefully chosen sequences by Fede Alvarez designed to give us a glimpse of what audiences can expect later this August. These selected scenes were seamlessly compiled and immediately highlighted the film’s cinematography, which is breathtakingly beautiful. As previously seen in trailers, these early visuals confirm the meticulous attention to detail and the distinctive aesthetic that evokes the atmosphere of the original Alien. Alvarez collaborated with Galo Olivares as director of photography; though I was unfamiliar with Olivares prior to this, research revealed his involvement in the 2020 horror remake of Hansel and Gretel.
Alien Romulus is a very dark film, characterized by reddish tones that evoke unsettling and even anxiety-inducing moments through intricate shadow play and lighting. Within minutes, viewers are immersed in the claustrophobic environment captured in each shot, intensified by a meticulously placed camera that enhances every frame’s beauty. The goal with Alien Romulus is to revisit the franchise’s roots—what has always resonated with fans of the Alien series. This direction contrasts with Ridley Scott’s more recent deviations from the original concept in Prometheus and Alien Covenant, which have received criticism despite being created by the original filmmaker. Fede Alvarez, a contemporary director who grew up influenced by Alien and Ridley Scott’s work, directed this film and collaborated closely with Scott on it.
THE RIDLEY SCOTT HERITAGE
During our Q&A session, it was clear that Ridley Scott did not impose anything on Fede Alvarez or influence his creative choices; Alvarez had complete freedom. Additionally, after the film was completed, Alvarez showed it first to Ridley Scott himself. Following a moment of silence, Scott remarked, “What can I say? The film is fucking great.” Among the advice Scott offered, one piece stood out: “When you doubt, strive to do better, not less well, but better.” This sentiment resonates throughout the film, evident even within the first 15 minutes. For example, facehuggers, who typically have minor roles in Alien films, are significantly more developed here. In fact, a facehugger is featured prominently on the main poster instead of the Xenomorph—a first for the series. Alvarez aimed to demonstrate that facehuggers are not merely vehicles for impregnation but dangerous creatures capable of generating intense moments of tension. There’s even a sequence where a group of facehuggers attacks crew members, including a moment when one attempts to insert its tentacle into someone’s mouth—a sexual reference that is not the only one in the film or the scenes we’ve seen, especially during a scene where a soldier tries to burn an encased Xenomorph. The soldier inserts an electrical stick into what appears to be a vaginal-like opening—another instance of sexual symbolism. These allusions have been noted by a colleague from Ecran Large who asked Alvarez if he also intended to revisit H.R. Giger’s early sketches. Alvarez confirmed this, explaining that Giger was heavily influenced by female genitalia, particularly in the design of the Alien egg—a well-known fact.
This summer sees the release of numerous blockbusters, with “Alien Romulus” (August 14, 2024) standing out as a highly anticipated film. Directed by Fede Alvarez, known for remaking “Evil Dead” and “Don’t Breathe,” this seventh installment in the Alien franchise aims to reconnect with its original roots, much like Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking 1979 film. The film’s trailers and a preview of 15 minutes showcase a dark, reddish-toned aesthetic with striking cinematography and meticulous attention to detail, emphasizing the claustrophobic atmosphere that made the original Alien successful.Fede Alvarez, a 46-year-old Uruguayan director, was given complete creative freedom by Ridley Scott for this project. The filmmaker sought to honor the legacy of the first Alien while infusing his personal style, focusing on developing elements like facehuggers that had previously played minor roles in other installments. These creatures are portrayed as dangerous and capable of creating intense tension in “Alien Romulus.”In an interview, Alvarez discussed how he drew inspiration from H.R. Giger’s original sketches, particularly noting the artist’s focus on female genitalia in designs like the Alien egg. The film, aiming to return to its roots, seeks to surprise audiences while paying homage to Ridley Scott’s initial vision and impact on science fiction and popular culture.
Another aspect that Alvarez will bring is the slightly more organic side of the creature, which we will see evolve throughout the film. So far, transformation stages have been glossed over, but in Romulus, we will witness evolution taking its time, showing how the small creature emerging from a body then pupates to grow. Alvarez’s camera won’t shy away from close-ups of this terrifying yet fascinating creature in design. It is the ultimate predator, and the audience must feel it.
Regarding the casting for Alien: Romulus, Fede Alvarez opted for relatively unknown actors, some of whom were making their debut, yet they demonstrated a notable familiarity with their craft. Personally, I am optimistic about Cailee Spaeny’s performance, following her breakthrough in Sofia Coppola’s “The Virgin Suicides” and her recent standout role in Alex Garland’s “Men.” I believe her character mirrors Ripley as portrayed by Sigourney Weaver, with several scenes in the trailer already suggesting this comparison. Although I have only seen 15 minutes of footage, if these clips are indicative of the film, we can expect a compelling narrative that returns to the franchise’s core elements which fans have been eagerly awaiting. The film is set for release on August 14th, and the final verdict will be available then.
