‘Alien: Romulus’ First Reactions Highlight the Film’s ‘Glorious Gore’ and ‘Incredible Creature Design’: ‘Pays Perfect Homage to the Original’

As a die-hard Alien franchise fan who has grown up with these terrifying creatures, I must say that #AlienRomulus has truly taken my breath away! Having seen all the previous installments numerous times, it was a delight to see Fede Álvarez weave together the best elements from each one in this film.


In movie lore, one of the most fearsome creatures returns to terrorize audiences once more, and it’s being met with rave reviews. The highly anticipated “Alien: Romulus,” directed by Fede Alvarez, has now been screened for film critics, and early responses to this R-rated blockbuster are filled with praise for its bone-chilling scares, realistic special effects, and top-tier cast. Many film commentators concur that Alvarez has produced one of the stronger installments in the 45-year-old franchise, which began with Ridley Scott’s “Alien” in 1979.

As a die-hard Alien fan, I’d say that ‘Alien: Romulus’ is an exhilarating, wild journey across the six existing Alien movies, seamlessly incorporating pieces from each for a primarily self-contained narrative bursting with gruesome horror and chilling suspense. Initially, it’s engaging but improves as it progresses, culminating in a breathtaking third act twist that leaves you utterly spellbound.

As a dedicated cinephile captivated by the Alien saga, I must say that “Alien: Resurrection” (let’s call it Alien Romulus for convenience) is an exhilarating, loop-the-loop journey through the first six movies, skillfully weaving together fragments to create a focused narrative with a standalone feel. It’s a gory, terrifying ride that improves as it progresses, culminating in a third act of such grand proportions, it’s nothing short of phenomenal.

— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) August 13, 2024

According to EbMaster’s assessment on X, this movie is among the top-notch films within the series, and Fede Álvarez certainly lived up to expectations. Jazz Tangcay expressed that the sound design and world-building were fantastic, while the practical effects were so convincing they left him with nightmares.

Title Character Romulus the Alien: The returning protagonist has left me pleasantly surprised, as I was initially uncertain. However, this movie ranks among the top in the series for me. Director Fede Álvarez hasn’t let me down. The sound design and world-creation are exceptional. The practical effects were so realistic that they gave me a restless night’s sleep.

— Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) August 9, 2024

Film critic Courtney Howard described “Alien: Romulus” as “gnarly, gripping & gorgeously bleak.”

As a movie enthusiast, I couldn’t help but express my delight when I penned down on X that this innovative masterpiece delivers clever content with an understated charm, skillfully blending timeless classics. The performances by Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson are nothing short of remarkable. Simply put, this production reigns supreme!

Feeding Alvarez’s #AlienRomulus project is intensely captivating, stunningly bleak yet beautiful. From its narrative to Olivares’ cinematography and Wallfisch’s score, it smartly reinvents classic elements while subtly echoing popular favorites. The performances of Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson are exceptional, making this a must-see! It truly rocks!

— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) August 13, 2024

Tessa Smith, proprietor of Mama’s Geeky, commented: “The film ‘Alien: Romulus’ beautifully honors its predecessor, employing practical effects wherever feasible. As a result, when CGI is used, it stands out noticeably. The beginning is rather leisurely paced, but once it picks up steam, you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat right up until the final moments!”

In Alien: Romulus, they skillfully pay tribute to the original by utilizing practical effects wherever feasible. This approach is so effective that when CGI is employed, it becomes noticeable. Initially, it may seem sluggish, but once it picks up pace, you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat right until the final moments! #AlienRomulus

— Tessa Smith – Mama’s Geeky (@MamasGeeky) August 13, 2024

Numerous reviewers commended the acting of David Jonsson and Cailee Spaeny in “Romulus”, and also emphasized the standout third act of the most recent “Alien” sequel in their assessments.

In a review, MovieWeb’s editor Richard Fink expressed his astonishment at the third act, describing it as something that left him breathless with horror. On the other hand, Chicago Indie Critics member Nikko Caruso was blown away, labeling it as simply breathtaking. Nevertheless, certain critics felt that “Alien: Romulus” started to lose its momentum towards the end, suggesting that the central themes became somewhat muddled along the way.

I absolutely loved #AlienRomulus! It’s a gruesome monster movie with some exceptionally creative scenes. The third act had me on the edge of my seat in terror. While it seems to embody the best and worst aspects of the Alien series (an element that didn’t quite work for me), it appears as if the sequels have finally found their stride.

— Richard Fink (@rlfink94) August 13, 2024

I found myself utterly captivated by #AlienRomulus, a riveting journey from start to finish with unexpected emotional depth and a breathtaking third act. Álvarez’s unique style and creativity have truly elevated the franchise. The practical effects and real sets perfectly encapsulated the dark and gritty world of ALIEN, creating a tense and immersive experience.

— Nikko (@NikkoCaruso) August 13, 2024

Titled “Alien: Covenant – Romulus,” this film, helmed by Scott, serves as a self-contained sequel that unfolds between the occurrences of Ridley Scott’s original “Alien” (1979) and James Cameron’s “Aliens” (1986). The narrative revolves around a band of young space settlers, headed by Rain, portrayed by Spaeny, who undertake a salvage mission to an abandoned spacecraft as their means of escape from their economically stricken planet. Unbeknownst to them, the space station houses the namesake extraterrestrial creature. Joining Spaeny are Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu in the cast.

On this seventh installment, Scott handed over the directorial responsibilities following his work on the prequels “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant”. He collaborated extensively with Alvarez in shaping the story for “Alien: Romulus”, and has consistently lauded the director of “Don’t Breathe” for revitalizing the “Alien” series.

“Franchises can cease to exist unless someone takes charge and moves forward with a plan, as Scott explained to the Los Angeles Times. ‘Fede’ is full of enthusiasm, and I had to give him the freedom to lead. He had a clear vision for the business, and his strategy was well-defined, although it was extensive. However, a screenplay is usually lengthy, so we delved into those details a bit.”

“Scott mentioned that he believes Fedo has more tricks in store since he thinks the movie will be very successful. He described Fedo as having a touch of genius.”

“Alien: Romulus” opens in theaters nationwide April 16. Check out more first reactions below.

Alien: Romulus is an exhilarating experience! It skillfully combines numerous aspects from the franchise’s lore in a harmonious blend, accentuated by impressive action sequences. I anticipate that it will spark intriguing conversations among fans for quite some time. #AlienRomulus

— Mike Bedard (@TheMikeBedard) August 13, 2024

When Fede Alvarez showcases his unique directorial skills in this movie, he revives the creepy creature for another spine-chilling adventure! The suspense is almost unbearable, but once it starts, you’re hooked. The film’s production and sound design are nothing short of extraordinary. #AlienRomulus

— Carla Renata (@TheCurvyCritic) August 13, 2024

Title Character Alien Romulus was an enjoyable watch, offering a gritty and gory experience that fans love. However, by the third act, some thematic depth becomes obscured, and certain fan-oriented moments seem somewhat cheesy. Despite these minor flaws, it’s a strong addition to the Alien franchise, boasting excellent acting, set design, and special effects.

— Mark McPherson (@Madness_Mark) August 13, 2024

As a devoted follower, I can’t help but express my admiration for Alien: Resurrection! It’s packed with captivating horror aspects, vivid imagery that leaves you breathless, and mind-blowing creature designs that will surely leave an indelible mark. David Jonsson truly shines in this production. Yet, it skillfully combines the finest elements of the franchise rather than forging its own path, and unfortunately, some characters lack the depth to be remembered.

— Leo Rydel (@GeeklyGoods) August 13, 2024

In the third part, things become slightly less stable. It’s bound to be controversial, but personally, I found it more appealing than what was presented in Prometheus and Covenant in the Alien series. #AlienRomulusRevised

— Michael Lee @ D23expo (@IamMichaelJLee) August 13, 2024

Alien Romulus turns out to be quite impressive. A fantastic experience at the cinema. It’s chilling, impactful, and keeps you on tenterhooks throughout. The film seems like a blend of horror and heist, but it unexpectedly tugs at your heartstrings as well. The kill scenes are bound to make you shudder. Kudos to Cailee Spaeny for her performance.

— Nick Zednik (@NickZednik) August 13, 2024

Has Fede Álvarez successfully revitalized the Alien movie series with #AlienRomulus? Absolutely, it’s done so with a stylish flair and some truly terrifying moments. This year’s one of the best collective trips to the cinema, offering an edge-of-your-seat intensity. The film pays tribute to the franchise’s history and tradition in a skillful manner 👍👍.

— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) August 13, 2024

Title Character Alien Romulus is generally well-made – up until it unravels. Performances by Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson are outstanding. The film boasts impressive set designs and costumes, with several exciting scenes.

— Rob Dean (@neuroticmonkey) August 13, 2024

For the first time in any Alien film, I was genuinely scared watching Alien: Covenant with its protagonist, Alien Romulus. Cailee Spaeny’s character Rain serves as an intriguing guide throughout this adventure, and thanks to Fede Álvarez’s unexpected plot twists, the audience remains unsure of where Romulus is taking us. The third act is nothing short of exhilarating! I can’t get enough.

— Rachel Leishman (@RachelLeishman) August 13, 2024

Alien: Invasion of Romulus is absolutely sensational! Fede Alvarez skillfully blends outstanding aspects from previous films, striking a flawless combination of horror and action. The visuals are simply stunning, while Spaeny and Jonsson deliver standout performances. To top it off, the third act is electrifying! This movie has easily become my favorite of the year so far!

— Cris Parker (@3CFilmss) August 13, 2024

Alien Romulus Delivers on the Alien Franchise, Offering an Intense Sensory Experience Once It Gets Going! A Terrific Acting Ensemble Too.#AlienRomulus #MovieEmporium

— Movie Emporium 🎬🎞️ (@MovieEmporium) August 13, 2024

In this rendition, the character AlienRomulus is certain to delight fans. It skillfully combines the terror of the original Alien and the action from Aliens. The Facehuggers in this version are genuinely terrifying. Moreover, there’s a climactic scene that might be unsettling for some viewers – but it’s all for the fans.

— Brandon Norwood (@bjntweets) August 13, 2024

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2024-08-13 08:18