In 1979, the iconic film Alien premiered, catapulting Sigourney Weaver to stardom and propelling director Ridley Scott’s career to new heights. Following the typical Hollywood pattern, a series of sequels came next, some well-received and others less so. Fast forward to 2024, and a new era of the Alien franchise unfolds, with Alien: Romulus, led by a young and talented cast (including Isabela Merced) and director, Fede Álvarez. This latest installment promises to take audiences on a terrifying and action-packed journey, filled with spine-chilling horror and formidable extraterrestrial antagonists.
Fede Álvarez is the optimal candidate to bring the Alien franchise into the modern era. The 46-year-old Uruguayan director, renowned for his expertise in horror, has previously captivated audiences with films like Evil Dead, Don’t Breathe, and The Girl in the Spider-Web. For Álvarez, Alien: Romulus presents a golden opportunity to revisit the genre, artfully bridging the gap between the old and the new, ensuring that the Alien legacy endures for future generations.
Set between the events of Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), Alien: Romulus tells the story of a group of young space colonists who confront the most terrifying life form in space while exploring an abandoned space station.
On a busy day, Álvarez sat down with Latina Media Co to discuss what drew him to film. “The core concept was to draw inspiration from the first two films, Alien by Ridley Scott and Aliens by James Cameron, and create a movie that blended the essence of both. The primary goal was to evoke a heightened sense of fear, harkening back to the original’s horror movie roots,” he begins.
“The first movie’s release had an unprecedented impact on audiences worldwide, captivating them with its terrifying and unique storyline. Recognizing the significance of that cinematic experience, I felt compelled to create a new story rooted in the same world that resonated with the emotions and atmosphere of the original two films,” he continues.
In collaboration with casting directors Sydney Shirclif and Mary Vernieu, Álvarez decided to cast fresh faces for the film. Some of these actors, like Archie Renaux, have experience on smaller screens, such as in the Netflix series Shadow and Bone. However, for the majority of the cast, this is their first significant film role.
Citing the original Alien and Back to the Future, Álvarez declares. “I believe that fresh faces in movies contribute to a more immersive experience. When you don’t associate the actors with other roles, it’s easier to believe that the movie is a window into a different dimension rather than a staged performance.”
In Alien: Romulus, the invasion of extraterrestrials onto the ship serves as a backdrop to the film’s core focus: the resilience and determination of the human spirit.
“In horror films, a central theme often revolves around the lengths individuals would go to in order to survive. One’s willingness to fight for their life, how selfish or altruistic they might become in the face of danger and death, and whether they would prioritize loved ones or self-preservation come into question. To effectively explore these themes, it’s critical to create a group of characters who share a deep bond and who are more than just strangers or colleagues,” Álvarez explains.
Adding, “By building a cast of friends or siblings who grew up together and genuinely care for each other, the story can delve into the complex dynamics of their relationships and reveal their true nature when faced with extreme circumstances. This approach allows the audience to identify with the characters, question their own reactions, and wonder how they would respond in similar situations. The audience can reflect on their own values, hopes, and fears, making the horror experience more immersive and thought-provoking.”
Álvarez also expounds on how he incorporated special effects to create more tension, “In a way, dread of the unknown is more potent. Things we cannot see frequently evoke greater fear in our minds. However, while acknowledging this, I attempt to convey just enough to allow the viewer to picture the horrors hiding in the darkness. Initially, I refrain from exposing what lies beyond a locked door, allowing the audience’s imagination to conjure up the most horrifying image. The final goal is to create a scene in which the door opens, the monster appears, and its true form exceeds even the darkest depths of the audience’s imagination.”
Fede Álvarez’s meticulous attention to detail makes him the ideal choice to direct Alien: Romulus.
Alien: Romulus will be in theaters worldwide August 16, 2024.
