It’s no secret that the Alien franchise has been a mixed bag, but Fede Álvarez’s Alien: Romulus seems to have struck a chord, partly because it taps into the nerve-wracking tension that fans loved in the 2014 video game Alien: Isolation. Though it’s not a blockbuster on the scale of a Marvel movie, Romulus has managed to hold its own, thanks to Álvarez’s meticulous craftsmanship and a commitment only found in Alien Stans.
Set between the events of Alien and Aliens, Romulus carves out its own space in the franchise’s storied timeline, threading together both new and nostalgic elements. The film is rife with references that pay tribute to Alien: Isolation, a game that turned the terror of the Xenomorph into an art form. The movie’s director of photography, Galo Olivares, told Variety that Álvarez’s love for Alien: Isolation was a significant influence on the film’s visual and narrative style.
A nod to Isolation’s dread-soaked atmosphere
Álvarez’s approach to Romulus wasn’t just about recreating the feel of Isolation, but about embedding the game’s DNA into the film’s very fabric. Olivares said that the team aimed to replicate the game’s tension and immersive experience: “Fede loved that, so we brought a lot of things from that because it’s amazing — the tension. At some point [in the film], you feel like you’re in a video game, this first-person feeling lost in the video game, it’s that.”
This directorial choice brings a unique flavor to Romulus, blending traditional cinematic storytelling with the visceral, player-driven experience of the game. The result is a film that feels as much like a survival horror game as it does an entry in the Alien saga.
The echoes of Amanda Ripley’s journey
In Alien: Isolation, players follow Amanda Ripley, Ellen Ripley’s daughter, as she searches for her mother aboard the Sevastopol space station. The station, like the Nostromo before it, becomes a claustrophobic nightmare, filled with deadly threats, from the relentless Xenomorph to the malfunctioning Working Joe synthetics. This setting provided the blueprint for many of the suspenseful moments in Romulus.
Álvarez and Olivares didn’t just borrow from Isolation; they infused Romulus with its spirit. The Renaissance space station in Romulus mirrors the Sevastopol’s oppressive atmosphere, with its narrow corridors, flickering lights, and constant sense of impending doom. Fans will notice several Easter eggs, from the save point phone consoles to the headsets reminiscent of Amanda Ripley’s communication device.
The first-person survival horror experience
One of the most striking aspects of Alien: Romulus is how it incorporates the first-person perspective that defined Isolation. In one scene, the film’s protagonists cautiously navigate a corridor swarming with Facehuggers, a sequence that feels ripped straight from a stealth mission in the game. The tension is palpable, with every creak and shadow threatening imminent danger, much like the survival mechanics that kept players on edge in Isolation.
This immersive approach doesn’t stop there. Without giving too much away, one of the film’s climactic moments channels the first-person jump scares that made Isolation such a standout in the survival horror genre. It’s a moment designed to make audiences feel as though they’re holding the controller themselves, with a sudden, in-your-face scare that might just have some viewers reaching for the pause button.
Beyond the game: Crafting a new chapter in the Alien saga
While Romulus clearly draws inspiration from Alien: Isolation, it also stands on its own as a distinct chapter in the Alien universe. The film doesn’t merely mimic the game; it builds on it, weaving together elements of survival horror with the larger mythos of the franchise. The use of practical effects, combined with Álvarez’s signature tension-building techniques, creates a film that feels both fresh and familiar, a balancing act that has endeared it to fans of the series.
The film also benefits from its talented cast, led by Cailee Spaeny, whose performance as the lead is both fierce and vulnerable, much like Amanda Ripley in Isolation. Alongside her, Archie Renaux brings a grounded presence, instructing Spaeny’s character in the use of a pulse rifle, a weapon as iconic to the Alien series as the Xenomorph itself.
A fitting tribute to a fan-favorite
Alien: Romulus doesn’t just nod to Alien: Isolation; it honors it. The film captures the essence of what made the game so beloved: the relentless tension, the claustrophobic fear, and the thrill of surviving against impossible odds. For fans of the game, Romulus offers a cinematic experience that feels like a reunion with an old friend, familiar yet with new surprises in store.
For those new to the Alien franchise or Isolation, Romulus serves as a thrilling entry point, offering a taste of the horror that has defined the series for decades. Whether you’re a veteran of Sevastopol’s haunted halls or a newcomer to the Xenomorph’s deadly game of hide and seek, Alien: Romulus promises a ride that’s as terrifying as it is exhilarating.
Where to watch
Alien: Romulus is currently playing in theaters and is expected to be available for streaming on [streaming service]. Fans of Alien: Isolation might want to revisit the game to fully appreciate the film’s intricate nods and references.
