Alien: Romulus – A terrifying new chapter in the iconic franchise
Spoiler Alert: This article delves into key plot points of “Alien: Romulus,” currently showing in theaters.
A fresh take on terror
In case you haven’t heard, Fede Álvarez‘s “Alien: Romulus” is a spine-chilling addition to the legendary franchise. Known for his work on “Don’t Breathe” and the “Evil Dead” reboot, Álvarez brings his unique touch to the iconic chestbursting scene, making it even bloodier and more horrifying.
Behind the scenes with Galo Olivares
Cinematographer Galo Olivares shared insights into the making of the film, revealing the straightforward yet challenging directive from Álvarez: “Go up to see what is going on; react to the scene.” This approach aimed to capture the raw, documentary-like feel of the events unfolding on screen.
The harrowing escape
Early in the film, characters Andy (David Jonsson), Tyler (Archie Renaux), and Bjorn (Spike Fearn) are on a mission to find fuel for their cryo chambers. Their quest inadvertently triggers an emergency lockdown, trapping them in a section of the ship. Unbeknownst to them, dozens of facehuggers are nearby, and as temperatures rise, they awaken. The trio narrowly escapes, only to be pursued by the relentless creatures. Rain (Cailee Spaeny) and Navarro (Aileen Wu) come to their rescue, but Navarro falls victim to a facehugger. Using fuel from their cryo chambers, they manage to freeze its tail and free Navarro, but something is amiss. Navarro soon discovers something moving inside her, setting the stage for a gruesome chestbursting scene.
Crafting the claustrophobic cockpit
Olivares described the complexity of filming in the cramped cockpit of the Corbelan ship, which was built to scale. “Fede wanted it to feel like a utility vehicle because they work in the mines,” Olivares explained. The tight space posed significant challenges, with ten people, including the chestburster puppeteer and Wu, working in a confined 3×3 area.
The out-of-control shuttle
As the chaos unfolds with Navarro, the shuttle loses control and heads towards a space station. The set was built on a gimbal to create the out-of-control effect, and Olivares constructed a large lighting rig outside to illuminate the shuttle scenes. “We had the best gaffer, Krisztian Paluch, who did ’Dune’ and ‘Terminator,'” Olivares noted. The lighting rig, initially intended to be removed, added a frenetic energy to the scene that the team ultimately embraced.
Practical effects and meticulous planning
The chestburster was a practical effect created by Alec Gillis and his team. “There were three little guys, and they injected ink… and there was the rig of the legs,” Olivares said. Wu lay in a hole in the ground with a fake floor built for her, and a large piece attached to her collarbone. “For that one, there was a lever attached to a hydro pump, and it would pop open,” she explained. The chest was hollow, allowing the chestburster puppet to emerge through the fake chest.
Cinematic influences and visual style
The entire sequence took over a week to shoot, with Olivares using Arri aspherical lenses to capture the intense moments. “We started with wider lenses, but as the movie goes on, we started going tighter and tighter,” he explained. The aspect ratio was 2.39:1 on the aspherical lens, striking a balance between the anamorphic lenses used in the original “Alien” and the aspherical lenses in “Aliens.”
Olivares revisited the first film to draw inspiration and ensure continuity within the franchise. Another significant influence was the video game “Alien: Isolation.” “Fede loved that, so we brought a lot of things from that because it’s amazing — the tension,” Olivares said. The film’s first-person perspective evokes the immersive, tension-filled experience of the game.
A new chapter in the Alien saga
“Alien: Romulus” successfully blends the visceral horror of the original films with modern cinematic techniques, creating a terrifying and immersive experience for fans. Álvarez’s vision, combined with Olivares’s cinematography and practical effects, brings a fresh yet familiar feel to the franchise.
For more details and to watch the trailer, visit Alien: Romulus.
This article aims to provide an in-depth look at the making of “Alien: Romulus,” offering personal reflections and analysis for cinema enthusiasts. By exploring the technical and creative aspects behind the scenes, it highlights the dedication and innovation that went into crafting this new chapter in the iconic franchise.