Jakarta. Since its inception in 1979, the Alien cinematic universe has expanded into various media, including comics, video games, and even the Alien vs. Predator crossover. With six main films under its belt, the franchise has built a complex, dark world.

However, for newcomers and casual viewers, watching all previous Alien movies isn’t necessary before diving into Alien: Romulus. The film is a direct sequel to Ridley Scott’s original 1979 classic, so revisiting the seminal film is all you need to catch up.

Alien: Romulus introduces us to a group of young space colonists—siblings Rain (Cailee Spaeny) and Andy (David Jonsson), alongside Tyler Harrison (Archie Renaux), Kay Harrison (Isabela Merced), Navarro (Aileen Wu), and Bjorn (Spike Fearn). As they seek refuge on an abandoned space station, hoping to scavenge cryogenic fuel for their journey to the distant planet Yvaga, they stumble upon a horrifying alien presence.

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Andy, the only one capable of accessing the station due to his status as a Weyland-Yutani android, is tasked with protecting Rain. But when Rain inserts a chip into Andy that grants him access to restricted areas, the tension escalates. The suspense intensifies as Andy’s previously clear directives to protect Rain clash with his evolving programming, which now aligns with the Weyland-Yutani's corporate interests: forcing the evolution of mankind.

The film masterfully builds suspense, maintaining a rhythm of tension that grips the audience from start to finish. The fear of the unknown is palpable, with expertly timed jump scares that keep viewers on edge. Romulus explores the chilling contrast between human empathy and the calculated logic of an artificial intelligence. This dynamic has been a recurring theme in the franchise, but Romulus presents it in a fresh, gripping manner.

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David Jonsson delivers a compelling performance, transitioning from a timid synthetic human to a resolute, enigmatic android. While Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley remains the gold standard for strong female protagonists, Cailee Spaeny’s portrayal of Rain—empowered yet vulnerable—holds its own. The film’s reliance on practical effects over CGI pays homage to the aesthetic of the 1979 Alien, creating a sense of nostalgia.

Set aboard a space station teetering on the brink of destruction, infested with aliens, and under the watch of an unreliable AI, Alien: Romulus stands as a worthy and thrilling sequel. It successfully revives the eerie atmosphere and suspense of the franchise's early days while introducing new layers of intrigue and terror.