“Alien: Romulus,” the seventh installment in the iconic Alien franchise, directed by Fede Álvarez, has been making waves at both the box office and among critics. Released in 2024, the film brings a fresh yet terrifying chapter to the beloved sci-fi horror series. Here’s a detailed look at the movie’s box office performance, reviews, cast, and other important aspects.
Box Office Collection
“Alien: Romulus” has had a steady performance at the box office, particularly in India, where the film has drawn significant interest among sci-fi and horror fans. Here’s a breakdown of its collection over the first weekend:
| Day | India Net Collection (₹ Crore) | Worldwide Collection ($ Million) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (1st Friday) | 0.80 | 16 |
| Day 2 (1st Saturday) | 1.30 | 18 |
| Day 3 (1st Sunday) | 1.19 | 20 |
| Total (Opening Weekend) | 3.29 | 225 |
Globally, “Alien: Romulus” has grossed $226.8 million, making it a commercial success and placing it as the third highest-grossing film in the Alien franchise. This impressive performance is bolstered by strong showings in key markets, particularly in China, where it was well-received. The film’s release in Japan, scheduled for September 2024, is expected to further boost its global earnings.
Reviews
“Alien: Romulus” has garnered generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Here’s a snapshot of the reception across major review platforms:
- IMDb: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 80% (Certified Fresh)
- Metacritic: 64/100
Critics have praised the film for its suspenseful atmosphere, strong performances, and Álvarez’s direction, which manages to capture the horror essence of the original films while introducing new elements that keep the franchise fresh. The film’s ability to blend classic horror with modern sci-fi storytelling has been highlighted as one of its strongest points. However, some reviewers have noted that while the film is thrilling, it doesn’t break new ground in terms of plot or innovation within the franchise.
Cast
“Alien: Romulus” features a talented ensemble cast, with several rising stars delivering standout performances:
- Cailee Spaeny as Rain: An orphaned miner who becomes the film’s central character. Spaeny’s portrayal of Rain, a determined and resourceful survivor, has been widely praised.
- David Jonsson as Andy: A reprogrammed synthetic human and Rain’s adoptive brother. Jonsson brings a nuanced performance to the role, capturing the conflict between Andy’s programming and his loyalty to Rain.
- Archie Renaux as Tyler: Rain’s ex-boyfriend and Kay’s brother, who persuades Rain to join the ill-fated expedition.
- Isabela Merced as Kay: Tyler’s pregnant sister, who faces unimaginable horrors as the story unfolds.
- Spike Fearn as Bjorn: Tyler and Kay’s cousin, whose fate becomes one of the film’s more harrowing moments.
- Aileen Wu as Navarro: The pilot and Bjorn’s girlfriend, who plays a crucial role in the group’s attempt to survive.
- Daniel Betts as Rook: An android science officer with a likeness to Ash from the original Alien film, brought to life using advanced animatronics and CGI.
Plot Summary
Set in 2142, “Alien: Romulus” follows a group of young space colonists from Jackson’s Star who, in pursuit of better life conditions, embark on a perilous mission to scavenge a derelict Weyland-Yutani research station. Unbeknownst to them, the station, divided into Romulus and Remus, is home to deadly xenomorphs. The colonists’ struggle for survival takes them through terrifying encounters, betrayal, and a race against time as the station hurtles toward destruction.
Rain, the film’s protagonist, is forced to confront not only the xenomorphs but also the treachery of those she once trusted, including the synthetic Andy, whose programming is altered to serve the sinister interests of Weyland-Yutani. The film culminates in a gripping showdown where Rain must use every ounce of her strength and cunning to survive.
Behind the Scenes
“Alien: Romulus” was developed following the 2019 acquisition of 21st Century Fox by The Walt Disney Company, with production starting in March 2022. Álvarez was brought on board as the director after pitching a story that, while connected to the franchise’s roots, offered a fresh take. The film is notable for its use of practical effects, particularly in the creation of the android Rook, whose likeness to Ian Holm’s Ash was achieved through a combination of animatronics and deepfake AI technology.
Here are some FAQs that you can use based on the search terms and the context of “Alien: Romulus”:
FAQs about Alien: Romulus
1. Is “Alien: Romulus” a sequel?
Yes, “Alien: Romulus” is part of the broader Alien franchise. It is a sequel that is set between the events of the original “Alien” (1979) and “Aliens” (1986), expanding on the story and universe introduced in those films.
2. Is “Alien: Romulus” successful at the box office?
Yes, “Alien: Romulus” has been a commercial success. As of now, it has grossed over $225 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films in the franchise.
3. How can I watch “Alien: Romulus”?
“Alien: Romulus” is currently available in theaters. It is expected to be released on streaming platforms later, but specific dates and platforms will depend on your region. Keep an eye on announcements from 20th Century Studios for updates.
4. Is “Alien: Romulus” connected to “Prometheus”?
Yes, “Alien: Romulus” contains connections to “Prometheus” (2012) and the broader Alien mythology. While it is not a direct sequel to “Prometheus,” it shares elements and themes that tie into the larger narrative of the Alien universe.
5. Should I watch the original “Alien” before watching “Romulus”?
While “Alien: Romulus” can be enjoyed on its own, watching the original “Alien” (1979) and “Aliens” (1986) will enhance your understanding of the storyline and the universe in which “Romulus” is set.
6. Where does “Alien: Romulus” fit in the Alien timeline?
“Alien: Romulus” is set between the original “Alien” and “Aliens.” It serves as a bridge between these two iconic films, exploring events and characters that add depth to the overall story.
7. Will David be in “Alien: Romulus”?
David, the android character played by Michael Fassbender in “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant,” does not appear in “Alien: Romulus.” The film introduces new characters and storylines while maintaining connections to the broader franchise.
Conclusion
“Alien: Romulus” stands as a strong entry in the Alien franchise, combining the familiar terror of the xenomorphs with a fresh narrative and compelling performances. Its success at the box office and the generally positive critical reception indicate that the film has resonated with both longtime fans and newcomers to the series. As it continues to roll out in additional markets, “Alien: Romulus” is poised to cement its place as one of the standout sci-fi horror films of 2024.
