To This Day, the Xenomorph Design in the ‘Alien’ Franchise Remains Unmatched
The science fiction genre in film often relies on humanoid forms for alien life, with most extraterrestrials depicted as having two arms, two legs, and a torso, similar to humans. Whether it’s the small, furry Ewoks or the tall, furry Wookiees, these aliens are generally variations of Earth creatures or simply less imaginative designs like Star Trek’s Tribbles.
However, the ‘Alien’ franchise has consistently broken this mold by delivering truly otherworldly beings, a trend that continues with ‘Alien: Romulus’. No other franchise has managed to match the terrifying originality of the xenomorphs and face-huggers created in ‘Alien’, a testament to the franchise’s commitment to creating believable extraterrestrials through a blend of practical effects, talented actors, and the nightmarish vision of artist H.R. Giger.
Image Courtesy: Collider
What sets the ‘Alien’ series apart is its dedication to crafting creatures that are truly alien, in stark contrast to the often homogenous portrayal of intelligent life in other sci-fi films. While most sci-fi movies depict bipeds breathing Earth-like atmospheres, ‘Alien’ introduces beings that are anything but familiar, a result of Giger’s disturbing and unique designs. His influence, beginning with the original 1979 film, extends to the entire production, ensuring that the creatures seamlessly blend into the terrifying world they inhabit.
Director Fede Álvarez continued this tradition in ‘Alien: Romulus’ by employing practical effects, animatronics, and puppetry to bring the xenomorphs and other creatures to life. This commitment to real, tactile effects enhances the visceral horror of the films, something CGI alone cannot replicate.
Image Courtesy: Collider
The ‘Alien’ franchise’s aliens succeed not just because they look and act otherworldly, but because they embody a fully realized biological cycle that taps into deep-seated human fears. The xenomorphs are terrifying, intelligent, and dangerous, setting a standard that no other sci-fi franchise has yet surpassed.
–Farheen Ali
