Who doesn’t love horror? Of course, it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted, but the intense suspense and adrenaline rush this genre offers is hard to match. And when it comes to horror films & franchises, one cannot overlook the iconic Alien franchise. And guess what? This legendary saga is making a spine-chilling comeback with its seventh installment, Alien: Romulus.
How exciting is that? Set to release on August 16, 2024, under the banner of 20th Century Studios, this highly anticipated project continues a legacy of nearly five decades with its terrifying depictions of extraterrestrial life. With the Evil Dead director Fede Álvarez at the helm, anticipation is soaring, and critics are already singing its praises.
Brandon Davis, the host, and producer of Phase Zero, hints that the scenes in Alien: Romulus is not for the easily rattled, proving it’s a gutsy nod to Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic.
Alien: Romulus: Fede Álvarez Got Ridley Scott’s Approval
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that in space, no one can hear you scream — but here on Earth, one can definitely hear yourself screaming with excitement over the upcoming release of Alien: Romulus. With Ridley Scott, the mastermind behind the original Alien (1979), passing the torch to Fede Álvarez, known for his work on Evil Dead, the stakes are high, and the bar is set sky-high.
Álvarez, the director of this seventh installment, has big shoes to fill, but judging from Scott’s recent praise, the former is more than up to the task. Alien: Romulus is poised to be a standalone interquel, bridging the gap between the 1979 classic (Alien)and its 1986 sequel, (Aliens).
Scott, at 86, has seen his share of cinematic space odysseys, and he’s not shy about showing his admiration for Álvarez. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Scott expressed his approval, noting:
The danger of all franchises is they do die unless somebody suddenly decides to pick up the mat and run down the field with a ball. Fede is a surge of energy, and I had to step back and let him do it.
Clearly, Scott sees Álvarez as a game-changer, someone with the vigor and vision to reinvigorate the beloved series. The former’s confidence in Álvarez didn’t stop at mere praise, as he added:
Fede had a blueprint firm in his mind, and his script was pretty clear.
It seems Scott’s high hopes for Álvarez are not just hot air; they’re rooted in the impressive work the latter has done on Alien: Romulus.
Critics Agree- Alien: Romulus Is a Win for the Franchise
Critics are already lining up to sing Alien: Romulus’ praises. Brandon Davis, host and producer of Phase Zero, took to X to declare that the upcoming sci-fi horror film is “shockingly good”.
According to his review, it seems he is absolutely thrilled with the film, praising its inventive spin on horror, and visuals without diving into gratuitous gore. He stressed that the film channels the essence of the original Alien flicks so perfectly that it feels as though the franchise has been rejuvenated.
Davis’s approval suggests that Alien: Romulus is not just meeting expectations but exceeding them with a flair for inventive horror. Moreover, Film critic Courtney Howard described it as “gnarly, gripping & gorgeously bleak,” cementing its status as a standout entry in the series. Check out her full post:
But some critics feel the film starts to lose its way as it reaches the finish line. Film Inquiry critic Mark McPherson observed that by the third act, the thematic elements seem to get “lost” in the cosmic dust.
Starring Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu, the film promises to be a thrilling ride. With a fresh take on a beloved franchise and a new era on the horizon, fans and critics alike are gearing up for what could be a stellar addition to this acclaimed franchise.
Alien: Romulus will be released on August 16, 2024.
