Alien: Romulus continues the celebrated franchise with a strong entry that injects new life into the franchise. The first two films- Alien, and Aliens, are considered classics and have been highly praised for their masterful incorporation of eerie scenes and the use of practical effects. The new film harkens back to this style of filmmaking, bringing back the franchise to its claustrophobic roots.
The trailer promised a lot of suspenseful and chill-inducing scenes that will send shivers down audiences’ spines. One of the actors from the film Isabela Merced stated that the cast had to look away in disgust during one of the film’s scenes. Fans wondered whether it could surpass one infamous scene from Kurt Russell’s Bone Tomahawk.
Fans Are Intrigued About Alien: Romulus‘ Harrowing Scene That May Give Them Nightmares
Director Fede Álvarez is no stranger to delivering spine-chillingly unsettling horror films. His 2013 reimagining of Evil Dead, and the highly appreciated Don’t Breathe, have proved that the director is not shy of pushing the boundaries with respect to the horror genre. He returns to the director’s chair for the latest installment in the Alien franchise Alien: Romulus.
The film takes place between the events of Alien and Aliens and stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Merced opened up about her experience of making the film and detailed one specific scene that left her co-stars horrified.
Merced revealed that the film has one scene involving her character that was so disgusting that her cast mates had to look away from the iPad on which they were watching. On X, fans started naming some films and shows that had a similar effect on them including the infamous cave scene from Kurt Russell‘s Bone Tomahawk. Here are some of the reactions, with some fans wondering how it would top previous entries’ scenes-
yeah nothing will beat the Human Centipede.
— Gigshot (@gigshot_) February 21, 2024
idk how it’s gonna top that alien blowing out the back scene in covenant☠️
— Based Satan (@BasedSatan6six6) February 21, 2024
The "Back buster scene" from Alien Covenant is unparalleled.
— ⛧ QueenPinkLoona⛧⛓👑 💢 (@Vinyl_Squad) February 21, 2024
I mean the chestbuster scene in the original alien was so disgusting back then yet it was so memorable. I don’t think this new disgusting scene can top the chestburster scene from the original alien.
— 👾Xeno👾 (@RagdollXeno) February 21, 2024
Nothing will top the pregnant lady scene from AvP: Requiem
— Isaiah Darius Charles (@IccyTheOne) February 21, 2024
How does it square up to the cave scene in Bone Tomahawk. That shit crossed lines I didn't know existed.
— Cali (@CaliSE7EN) August 17, 2024
The scene from Bone Tomahawk is indeed extremely horrific with one character being scalped alive by cannibals. Russell’s character is made to watch in horror as they continue to torture the man by nailing his scalp to his mouth (via YouTube). He is screaming in agony, but the most appalling act of violence comes when they gash his crotch using a tomahawk, followed by ripping his body in half. The scene in Alien: Romulus may not match up to this level of gruesomeness.
Alien: Romulus Cast Fought Against Life-Like Animatronic Creatures Instead of Using Green Screen
The use of CGI has enabled various fantastical worlds in films to be realized and brought to the screen in its full glory. However, sometimes overusing CGI can make things look fake and artificial, and the creators of Alien: Romulus did not want that to happen. They harkened back to practical effects and animatronics for its various alien creatures, just like Ridley Scott’s Alien.
In a recent interview, Alien Romulus‘ lead star Cailee Spaeny revealed that having something there in front of her to react to in real time was a gift cause she and the other cast members did not have to look at a tennis ball and imagine stuff. Using practical effects as much as possible was a treat for them as well as the audiences who will feel the authenticity of the eerie scenes. Spaeny said (via Associated Press),
From an acting standpoint, it’s such a gift because you’re not having to act against a tennis ball, so it’s right there. There’s less work you have to do. That was just a real treat. I think it makes such a difference, not just for the actors and the crew making the movie, but hopefully for the audience, as well.
Alien: Romulus has received mostly positive reviews from critics and fans who are appreciating the return to the claustrophobic vibe and atmospheric tension that the first Alien had. The film currently has an 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and fans can watch it in theatres everywhere.
Kurt Russell’s Bone Tomahawk is available to stream on Netflix/ Hulu as of August 17, 2024.
