The Xenomorphs are back, and they’re scarier than ever. Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede Álvarez (Evil Dead 2013, Don’t Breathe), delivers a tense, claustrophobic return to the franchise, blending classic sci-fi horror with modern filmmaking. If you’ve been craving a nerve-shredding space nightmare, this one’s for you.
The Setup: Deep Space, Deep Terror
Set in the far future, Romulus follows a group of deep-space explorers who stumble upon an abandoned planet—or at least, that’s what they think. When their so-called groundbreaking discovery turns into a desperate fight for survival, they come face to face with one of cinema’s most terrifying creatures.
What sets Romulus apart from recent Alien films is its focus on psychological tension over body count. The film dials back on over-the-top action in favor of slow-burning dread, tight corridors, and a constant sense of impending doom.
The Horror, The Atmosphere, The Xenomorphs
Fede Álvarez knows horror, and he nails the paranoia-fueled terror that made the original Alien (1979) a masterpiece. Romulus thrives on claustrophobic environments, flickering lights, and the terrifying reality that something is always watching.
The Xenomorph itself is pure nightmare fuel—brought to life with top-tier practical effects that keep things looking real, slimy, and utterly terrifying. Álvarez uses CGI sparingly, ensuring that when the creature lurks in the shadows, it feels real.
Characters That Actually Matter
Unlike many horror films (including some Alien sequels), Romulus actually gives us characters worth caring about.
🔹 Cailee Spaeny leads the ensemble, delivering a strong, emotional performance that grounds the chaos.
🔹 The rest of the cast is diverse, well-acted, and full of personality, making their inevitable fates all the more impactful.
🔹 The script gives just enough character depth to invest in their survival without bogging down the pacing.
A Few Light Scratches on the Spacecraft…
No movie is perfect, and Romulus does have a couple of minor issues:
✖ Some pacing hiccups – The second act slows down a bit too much for a franchise known for its relentless tension.
✖ Familiar territory – While it brings a fresh take, it still relies on a lot of classic Alien tropes (which may feel predictable to longtime fans).
Final Verdict: 4/5 – A Terrifying, Worthy Return
Alien: Romulus doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it sure makes it spin fast. It’s a nerve-wracking, atmospheric entry that honors the franchise while injecting fresh terror into its veins. Fede Álvarez delivers, the Xenomorph is horrifying, and if you love deep-space nightmares, this is one hell of a ride.
Recommended for: Hardcore Alien fans, sci-fi horror lovers, and anyone who enjoys watching humans make terrible survival decisions in space.
