28/41
Director Fede Alvarez asked the special effects crew from Alien 2 (1986) to work on the creatures
Synopsis
Digging in the depths of an abandoned space station, a group of young space colonists come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe. Director Fede Alvarez explains the rule he established for Alien: Romulus, that “if it can be practical, it will be practical”; so the cast always seemed to be working against the physical representation of the xenomorph. Physical sets, practical creatures, and miniatures were used whenever possible to aid in the later visual effects work. When Rain turns off the ship’s gravity and shoots all the aliens, all their blood rises into the air in long, smeared patterns. Zero gravity in real life causes liquids to form into spherical shapes rather than spread out into long, flat pieces as in the film.
Alien theme by Jerry Goldsmith
Andy: The solution for the claustrophobic astronaut is to give him more space. The Studio 20th Century fanfare freezes and becomes ominous, like in Alien 3 (1992), leading into the opening scene of the film. The logo itself distorts and turns green. In Nerdrotic: The Acolyte: Force is Female CONFIRMED? Death of Cinema – Real BBC @MauLer @HeelvsBabyface (2024).
Because the rest is so good
I had high hopes for this film, and what can I say: after the first viewing I went back to the cinema because I couldn’t wait to watch it a second time. Remember how we always wondered if Alien and Blade Runner took place in the same universe? The worldbuilding was so well done and immersive that I almost regretfully remembered 30 minutes in that I was supposed to be watching an Alien film. Done. The way the characters are constructed in relation to each other and to what is happening is masterful.
There are no distractions, there is always something happening
I also like how the film thematically and logically reconnects ALL 6 films that came before (each one has its own knot, and I have a weakness for good eye candy when done with a purpose), while also doing its own thing. Because this IS a Fede Alvarez film, fresh and dynamic like any of his other films. After all, all you have to do is see the beginning: as soon as the computer turns on, you know where you are and you know it will be as respectable and familiar as possible. It is true that there are liberties with surrender and some will argue with reason, but personally I can forgive these shortcuts as they serve the purpose of pacing (and every film has its own specific Xenomorphs anyway). It checks the boxes, but it is also unique and special.
It was worth the wait
The final season of What We Do in the Shadows; one of the biggest TV and streaming premieres of the month. For more information, check out our October calendar!