The other day, I had the chance to see Alien: Romulus at the Quayside Cinema. With only three other people in the cinema, it felt like an oddly personal experience, almost as if the dystopian world of the film was unfolding just for me. And what a world it was! I love stories about young people in sci-fi dystopias, especially outside the usual YA genre like The Hunger Games or The Maze Runner. Alien: Romulus brings something fresh to this concept, delivering a grittier, more haunting tale of survival.
A World Built on Diversity
One of the first things I noticed was the range of accents in the film, which added a layer of realism to the futuristic setting. Often, dystopian films flatten out characters into a generic, futuristic mold, but the voices in Alien: Romulus felt authentic and distinct. It grounded the story and made me feel like the world was populated by real people from all corners of society, still clinging to bits of cultural identity despite the chaos around them.
https://www.avpgalaxy.net/alien-movies/alien-romulus/gallery/behind/
Cailee Spaeny: A Standout Performance
Cailee Spaeny’s performance as Rain, the film’s lead, blew me away. I didn’t realize how much I admired her until this film—and then I looked around my room and saw that I already had posters of Priscilla and Civil War, two other films where she also delivered incredible performances.
As Rain, she brings the perfect mix of vulnerability and strength. There’s something so human about her struggle, her determination to survive, and yet you can feel the emotional weight of every decision she makes.
Rain’s journey isn’t just about fighting the alien threat—it’s about carrying the emotional burden of leading while still being a teen herself, a role that Cailee Spaeny absolutely nailed. She carried the film effortlessly, making Rain’s internal battle just as compelling as the external threats she faces.
David Jonsson’s Subtle Brilliance as Andy
Then, there’s David Jonsson, who plays Rain's brother, Andy. His character is supposed to be cold, distant, and almost devoid of human emotion. Yet, Jonsson managed to inject an incredible amount of depth into what could’ve easily been a flat, robotic role. I was amazed at how much emotion he conveyed with just subtle shifts in expression or tone. It’s hard to make a character feel that lifeless while still keeping the audience connected, but Jonsson pulled it off brilliantly.
Spoilers: The Baby Alien Monster
Okay, now for the spoilers! Let’s talk about the baby alien monster at the end of the film. Oh my god, that thing was horrific. Its unsettling smile reminded me of the terrifying woman from Barbarian—both creatures that immediately give you chills. The baby alien’s design was grotesque, and honestly, I kind of loved how much I hated looking at it. It was one of those perfect final twists that leaves you feeling uneasy long after the credits roll.
Ian Holm’s Digital Return
One thing I found interesting but also a little unsettling was the digital resurrection of Ian Holm’s character. I read that Holm’s family approved of the CGI recreation, which makes sense given his character’s background as a droid. In that context, it feels less personal or intrusive. But still, the idea of bringing back actors who have passed away for new performances is a complicated issue for me.
On the one hand, it was a nice nod to fans of the Alien franchise (which, confession, I’ve never seen but now really want to explore). On the other hand, there’s something eerie about knowing the actor is no longer with us, yet we’re still seeing their likeness in a new film. In this case, it worked because the role wasn’t central to the story, but I wonder how I’d feel if it became more common in future films. It’s an ethical gray area for sure, but in Alien: Romulus, it felt more like a respectful homage than a gimmick.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely loved Alien: Romulus, and it’s a shame there weren’t more people in the theater to experience it. The mix of dystopian sci-fi and teen survival felt fresh, especially with the incredible performances from Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson. The world-building, the accents, the terrifying alien creature—it all came together in a way that felt unique and emotionally resonant.
This movie has left me thinking long after I watched it, and now I’m determined to dive into the original Alien films that I somehow missed out on. If Romulus is any indicator of the franchise’s potential for storytelling, I have a feeling I’m in for a treat.
For anyone who’s a fan of dystopian sci-fi, great performances, or just looking for a fresh take on the Alien universe, Alien: Romulus is definitely worth your time. Even if it’s not packing theaters, it’s certainly a film that’ll stick with you.
