A saga continues: we reflect on failed interpretations of the Alien franchise and react to the Romulus trailer. Perhaps the buck should have stopped with its first sequel?
The latest Alien: Romulus trailer is here, and it’s safe to say that perhaps it’s ruined before it’s even released.
The director, Fede Alvarez, has chosen to go with a tone more in line with James Cameron’s Aliens, minus the practical effects, as evident from the latest trailer released a little over an hour ago.
A familiar look with too much going on
Sticking to the formulaic casting of American and British actors, the trailer features an array of what we presume are what have come to be known as space truckers, battling against the Xenomorphic entities. Largely showing fane-huggers tearing their way through the ship, the Xenomorph rears its elongated head later on.
Despite there being a lot of action in the trailer, that is exactly how Alien movies fail. The first instalment was successful thanks to its pensive strokes of anticipation and slow pacing, allowing the film to leave a terrifying image with audiences. This time around, it feels (at least from the perception of the trailer) as if much of it is on the nose, fuelled by its greatest hits rather than by an original screenplay.
Aliens, though having more action, was still produced in the same vein. But much is to be decided upon watching the movie, though the trailer is probably suited to short attention spans and non-fans of the franchise.
When is it out?
The film is due for release in UK cinema’s on the 16th August 2024, and will be distributed by 20th Century Pictures, a division of Walt Disney Pictures.
What is the verdict?
Despite it being just a trailer, there’s definitely mixed opinion regarding what we can expect. Alvarez has allegedly said he doesn’t wish to give away too much in the trailer, but it seems there’s too much going on for it to be a purists dream of an Alien movie.
It’s great there is another movie due for release, but most directors (including Ridley Scott) are missing the mark when it comes to creating something that feels even remotely part of its DNA.
Based on this snippet, the pros are that it continues with the practical studio and Xenomorph designs intrinsic to the authentic established way back when, minus a few CGI no nos. The downside is it looks a little on the nose: some guy’s eyes are rolling back in his head (this is a horror trope that needs to stop), and the part where one crew member discovers the creature is gestating inside her is simply put – cringey.
I’m excited for it, but not as an Alien fan.
Stanisland Magazine 
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.