‘Alien: Romulus’ is a terrifying teen horror film set in space

CEBU, Philippines — I am no “Alien” fan, but I’m familiar with its basic premise: Sigourney Weaver plays Ellen Ripley, a badass heroine who battles terrifying aliens called Xenomorphs, which eliminate any threat to their species.

My closest knowledge of the franchise’s lore comes from the 2014 video game “Alien: Isolation.” Watching gameplay videos on YouTube (with a pillow to hide from the scary parts), I was surprised by the lack of action scenes that are so prominent in clips from the Weaver movies.

Apparently, this slower, tension-filled approach was praised by critics and fans alike, as it captured the survival horror tone of the original film, rather than the action-heavy sequels we often associate with the franchise.

If you’re familiar with the video game, you’ll likely get a similar vibe from “Alien: Romulus.” Directed by Uruguayan horror filmmaker Fede Alvarez, known for “Don’t Breathe” and the 2013 “Evil Dead” sequel, it’s clear why he’s the perfect fit for the job as he also wrote the script with his frequent collaborator Rodo Sayagues.

Out now in Philippine cinemas, “Romulus” follows a group of young space explorers who stumble upon an abandoned spaceship, hoping to salvage valuables that might help them escape their dystopian colony. Their mission turns deadly when they encounter the Xenomorph.

The film stars Cailee Spaeny as Rain, David Jonsson as Andy, Archie Renaux as Tyler, Isabela Merced as Kay, Spike Fearn as Bjorn, and Aileen Wu as Navarro.

With such a young cast, “Romulus” feels like a fresh entry in the franchise, similar to 2012’s “Prometheus,” which leaned more into science fiction than action. Think of this latest installment as a teen horror movie set in space.

However, these young explorers are no Ripley. They’re utterly unprepared to deal with the alien threat, with little to no resources at their disposal. Their choices are dire and simple: run or die. This creates a tension that makes the film a heart-pounding experience in the theater.

The fear is heightened by the movie’s use of practical effects, making the aliens feel terrifyingly real. With just a bit of movie magic, you’re right there with the characters, facing these creatures up close.

The film also explores the intriguing ethical dilemma of escaping a homicidal alien. For context, Andy is an android programmed to be Rain’s brother. When his chip is switched from a depowered droid inside the spaceship, Andy is reprogrammed to ensure the group’s survival, even if it means sacrificing one member to save the rest.

Given that Rain deeply values Andy as her brother and some of the other characters harbor prejudice against androids, this creates a compelling conflict over whether their actions are justified.

The survival horror setting also offers a refreshing twist on some classic horror tropes. If you’re a fan of the genre, you might enjoy how Alvarez plays with these conventions in a space setting.

Just when you think the movie’s over, the last 20 minutes reveal that their problems are far from resolved. Without giving too much away, the alien’s final form is probably the film’s most terrifying moment, saving the scariest part for last.

“Alien: Romulus” was initially planned for a streaming release on Hulu in the US (or Disney+ in the Philippines), but it was ultimately given a theatrical release. This was the right call as the film truly deserves to be seen on the big screen.

Whether you’re a fan of the “Alien” franchise or just looking for a good horror movie to watch alone or with friends this August, “Alien: Romulus” is well worth the trip to the cinema. Three and a half stars out of five.