Join first-time guest Joshua Rivera, a film enthusiast, as he delves into Fede Alvarez's ALIEN: ROMULUS and its place in the iconic franchise. They dissect the thrilling visual effects and thematic layers, especially corporate exploitation and existential themes. Joshua shares insights on character representation, questioning the depth of roles in the latest installment. The conversation also touches on the nostalgia of the franchise versus the corporation's influence, all while celebrating the immersive joy of viewing horror films in a theater.
The podcast discusses how 'Alien Romulus' pays homage to the original Alien aesthetics while integrating modern filmmaking techniques, emphasizing its creative shift away from CGI.
Joshua Rivera shares his insights into the horror genre's cultural significance, highlighting its community-driven nature and the thrill it provides to audiences.
The conversation critiques character development in 'Alien Romulus', urging for deeper arcs that enhance storytelling, especially in ensemble casts.
Deep dives
Exploring the Horror Lifestyle
The podcast delves into the fascination with horror movies and the broader horror lifestyle, emphasizing the cultural and social connections tied to the genre. The hosts discuss the latest horror news, franchises, and the impact of horror films on audiences, reflecting a community that cherishes the thrill and excitement that the genre brings. They also highlight the importance of their guest Joshua Rivera, a freelance writer and critic, who shares insights from his background and expertise in the realm of horror. This sets the stage for deeper discussions on specific films and their relevance to the horror community.
Anticipating Alien Romulus
The hosts express their eagerness to discuss 'Alien Romulus', noting its significance as a fresh entry in a long-standing franchise. The conversation reveals that the film aims to reconnect with the aesthetics and themes of the original Alien movies, while also incorporating newer elements that modern audiences expect. They appreciate that the film embraces practical effects, including the use of animatronics for the xenomorph, which adds an authentic horror experience reminiscent of classic horror cinema. This production choice resonates with fans who value craftsmanship in filmmaking, marking an exciting shift from the CGI-heavy approaches seen in many contemporary films.
Visual and Thematic Depth
The podcast highlights how 'Alien Romulus' effectively marries stunning visuals with thematic depth, allowing the film to explore complex issues like corporate exploitation and the struggles of a younger generation. Discussion centers around how the film sets up engaging characters who navigate a grim reality shaped by their corporate overlords, reflecting modern societal concerns. The mention of clever visual storytelling adds to the atmosphere, enhancing audience engagement through suspenseful sequences that evoke the essence of classic horror. This approach encourages viewers to reflect on the underlying messages as they enjoy the cinematic experience.
Character Dynamics and Critiques
The hosts critique character development within 'Alien Romulus', noting that while some characters are well-developed, others feel underutilized and lack necessary backstory. Specifically, the juxtaposition of the strong leads against minor characters raises questions about effective storytelling in ensemble casts. They also discuss the thematic implications of decision-making in moral dilemmas, particularly concerning the film’s portrayal of androids and their complex relationships with humans. This analysis underscores a desire for more substantial character arcs, emphasizing how character investment plays a critical role in horror film narratives.
Looking Ahead to Future Installments
As the conversation wraps up, the hosts speculate on the likelihood of future installments in the Alien franchise and how they might build on the themes and characters introduced in 'Romulus'. They express hope for directors to continue exploring fresh narratives while retaining the series' signature horror elements. The potential for unique and innovative storytelling excites both the hosts and guests, fostering a sense of anticipation among dedicated fans. This forward-looking perspective affirms the importance of creativity in the genre, ensuring that horror continues to evolve while respecting its legacy.
Programming Note: The Crow 2 episode is out now on Patreon and will drop on the main feed whenever there's a dull moment. The Crow remake episode is next Monday, if you can believe it. Sorry for the hilariously bad scheduling and timing.
On this week's podcast, first-time guest Joshua Rivera docks his ship at the New Flesh HQ to talk Fede Alvarez's ALIEN: ROMULUS aka the Alien franchise greatest hits collection, now brought to you by the Walt Disney corporation. Will Brett & Jesse send him out of the airlock or let him say his piece?!
There's no news this week because it was recorded early. Expect double the news next week!
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