Join the hosts as they dive into the enchanting world of 'Alien: Romulus,' exploring its fresh take on character depth and horror elements. They reminisce about the influential films of the 80s and 90s while discussing cinematic nostalgia. The debate heats up as they compare high-octane action from franchises like 'Extraction' and 'John Wick.' With personal stories and wit, they reflect on mental health, captivating performances, and their hopes for future films in the Alien universe. The conversation is packed with insights and entertainment!
The podcast highlights how Alien: Romulus shifts storytelling focus to a younger generation under the control of Weyland-Yutani.
Fede Álvarez's direction effectively utilizes classic horror techniques, enhancing suspense through pacing, sound design, and visuals.
While the film introduces new characters, some lack depth, impacting audience connection compared to richer character relationships in earlier installments.
Callbacks to iconic lines from previous Alien films received mixed reviews, as some feel they detract from the film's originality.
Deep dives
Reimagining the Alien Franchise
The podcast discusses how the latest addition to the Alien franchise, Alien Romulus, represents a shift in storytelling by focusing on a younger generation grappling with the constraints of living under the powerful corporation Weyland-Yutani. This fresh perspective brings a new depth to the narrative, showcasing the struggles and aspirations of those who essentially have no agency in their lives. The film's exploration of themes such as economic hardship resonates with modern audiences, drawing parallels to contemporary challenges faced by younger generations. This shift adds relevance to the franchise and sets it apart from earlier installments, providing a timely commentary on socio-economic issues.
Praising Direction and Cinematic Techniques
The conversation highlights Fede Álvarez's directorial skills and how his approach to building tension and fear in Alien Romulus is reminiscent of classic horror techniques. His effective use of pacing and visual storytelling captures the excitement and suspense that fans expect from an Alien film. Moments of suspense are accentuated by the strategic deployment of sound design and quiet scenes, which serves to heighten the emotional stakes for the characters. The visual aesthetics, including the film's cinematography and practical effects, are praised for creating an immersive experience for the audience.
Character Development and Player Dynamics
The podcast notes that while Alien Romulus introduces a vibrant cast of characters, there are moments where character development could have been more substantial. Although the leads, particularly Kaylee Spaney and David Johnson, deliver compelling performances, secondary characters sometimes rely on familiar tropes, limiting their impact on the story. The discussion points out that audiences may not fully resonate with the characters due to a lack of depth, which is often found in prior Alien films where character relationships were more richly developed. However, the film still manages to provide enough context for viewers to feel invested in the characters and their survival.
The Use of Iconic References
The filmmakers' attempts to reference iconic lines and moments from previous Alien films garnered mixed reactions from the podcast hosts. While some viewers appreciate callbacks to established lines like 'get away from her, you bitch,' others find the reliance on quotes detracts from the film's originality. Critics argue that openly quoting iconic phrases can feel disjointed when not well integrated into the narrative, serving more as nostalgia than effective character dialogue. This aspect, described as an 'unforced error,' highlights the delicate balance between honoring the source material and creating a fresh experience for new audiences.
Innovative Use of Technology
The podcast discusses the innovative introduction of technology in Alien Romulus, notably the aim assist feature in firearms, which sparks discussion on its role within the film's context. This futuristic tech enhances the characters' survival capabilities and adds a layer of excitement to their encounters with the xenomorphs. The filmmakers creatively leverage this technology to facilitate dynamic action sequences that maintain tension throughout the film. While some may find it questionable, the overall execution and the blend of sci-fi elements are praised for keeping the audience engaged and entertained.
AI Reimagining with Ian Holm
One of the podcast's notable discussions centers around the controversial inclusion of a digitally resurrected Ian Holm, playing a similar character to his role in the original Alien film. Álvarez takes the time to explain the respectful handling of Holm's depiction, emphasizing the character's robotic nature rather than attempting to feign a living presence. Despite mixed feelings on the matter, many audience members appreciate the nostalgia factor and the connection established through this character. The podcast emphasizes that this choice serves a specific purpose within the story, aligning it with the themes and questions raised by the franchise regarding artificial intelligence and humanity.
Final Showdown and Audience Reception
The final act of Alien Romulus captivates listeners as the hosts recount thrilling moments of suspense, especially during the climactic showdown with a colossal xenomorph hybrid. The sequence is marked by exceptional tension, where characters navigate danger while trying to escape the alien threat. The combination of visual effects and practical stunts draws the audience into the chaos and heightens the stakes for each character involved. The podcast hosts express excitement over how the film successfully maintains suspense until the conclusion, ensuring satisfaction for both newcomers and long-time fans.
Conclusion and Hopes for the Franchise
In wrapping up the discussion, the podcast reinforces a shared enthusiasm for Alien Romulus, characterizing it as a significant return to form for the franchise. There is hope that the positive reception will encourage studios to continue exploring this refreshed direction and possibly further expand on the themes of the film. Fans express a desire to see Álvarez take more creative swings with this universe, appealing to both nostalgic sentiments and new interpretations of the beloved series. The consensus is clear: Alien Romulus offers a compelling and thrilling experience that breathes new life into an iconic franchise.
David, Devindra, and Jeff take flight with Batman: Caped Crusader, take a closer look at Pictures of Ghosts, and try to tame Bad Monkey. Then they get some face time with the latest installment in the Alien universe, Alien: Romulus.
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Shownotes (All timestamps are approximate only) What we've been watching (~00:11:29)
David - Batman: Caped Crusader, Rebel Moon - Part One: Director’s Cut, Rebel Moon - Part Two: Director’s Cut
Devindra - Bad Monkey, Pictures of Ghosts, Batman: Caped Crusader
Jeff - Bad Monkey, Cirque du Soleil: Without a Net
Featured Review (~01:01:17)
Alien: Romulus SPOILERS (~01:19:50)
Support David's artistic endeavors at his Patreon and subscribe to his free newsletter Decoding Everything. Check out Jeff Cannata’s podcasts DLC and We Have Concerns. Listen to Devindra's podcast with Engadget on all things tech. You can always e-mail us at slashfilmcast(AT)gmail(DOT)com, or call and leave a voicemail at 781-583-1993.
Credits:
Our theme song is by Tim McEwan from The Midnight. This episode was edited by Noah Ross who also created our weekly plugs and spoiler bumper music. Our Slashfilmcourt music comes from Simon Harris.
