‘Alien: Romulus’ Takes Place Between These Two ‘Alien’ Films

Over the weekend, ‘Alien: Romulus’ debuted in theatres, adding a new chapter to the beloved sci-fi franchise that now encompasses seven feature films. One of the crucial decisions for director Fede Álvarez was finding the right spot in the timeline for this instalment, placing it between 1979’s ‘Alien’ and 1986’s ‘Aliens’. This placement allowed the film to introduce a fresh cast while still paying homage to the iconic universe created by Ridley Scott.

In a detailed discussion with Collider’s Steve Weintraub, Álvarez explained his vision for the film’s setting. He aimed to capture the technological era of the original ‘Alien’ and parts of ‘Aliens’, steering clear of modern, glossy aesthetics. Instead, he wanted to evoke the gritty, retro feel of the original films, including period-appropriate language. For instance, Álvarez intentionally had Cailee Spaeny’s character use phrases like “You son of a bitch” to maintain the film’s authentic 1980s vibe.

Image Courtesy: People

Álvarez cited Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction’ (1994) as a major influence, noting how Tarantino’s film successfully blended past styles with modern sensibilities. He saw it as a way to connect with audiences by reviving classic elements while offering something new. This approach, Álvarez believes, makes the film feel both nostalgic and contemporary, similar to how Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Dracula’ (1992) merged 1950s monster movie aesthetics with modern filmmaking techniques.

Álvarez’s goal was to create a movie that felt true to the era of the original ‘Alien’ films, enhancing the story’s authenticity and resonance within the franchise’s timeline.

–Farheen Ali