The new Alien installment, Alien: Romulus, from the direction of Fede Álvarez, sets aside the sci-fi horror tradition that defines the series. Since this film has not been released, I will give a hypothetical act structure about what is known and recognizable series features.
Cast:
Director: Fede Álvarez
Writers: Fede Álvarez and his frequent collaborator Rodo Sayagues
Known Cast:
Cailee Spaeny – Role not yet specified
Isabella Merced – Undecided
David Jonsson – Undecided
Archie Madekwe – Undecided
Plot Review
Act 1: The Arrival and the Discovery
Place: The setting used in the movie is presumably a far-off planet or a space colony. The audience is, therefore, made to understand that significant colonization or research efforts have gone into that setting.
Inciting Incident: The crew or colonists come across mysterious signals or artifacts that point to alien life, which leads them to investigate further.
Rising Action:
Discovery: The crew or colonists stumble upon an abandoned or derelict spacecraft or installation belonging to aliens. Proof of an alien species is found that may or may not relate to the Xenomorphs.
Initial Threats: Bizarre events, inexplicable phenomena start to affect the crew or colonists. The tension builds up when some of the crew members commence to experience dangerous events or disappearances.
Turning Point:
Alien Encounter: The first direct encounter with the Xenomorph or another alien entity occurs. It is now obvious that the alien species is a great threat to the crew or the colonists.
Act 2: Conflict and Escalation
Development:
Survival Struggles: The crew or colonists now have to face mounting dangers as the alien presence becomes hostile. They engage in bloody battles with the Xenomorphs, trying at all costs to outmaneuver or outrun them.
Alliances and Conflicts: The survivors begin to turn on each other as a result of fear and distrust. Characters could make some morally questionable decisions, or even turn against each other to survive.
Climax:
Major Confrontation: The last survivors finally engage in a major confrontation with the Xenomorphs. The act is characterized by high-stake combats and strategic maneuvers to save themselves from this otherworldly threat.
Revelation:
Alien Origins: A big revelation concerning the aliens’ origins or the nature of the danger is made. It may be a connection to the greater mythology of Alien or the discovery of a hidden agenda.
Act 3: Resolution and Aftermath
Falling Action:
Final Battle: The remaining Xenomorphs or the central threat engage in a final, climactic battle with the survivors. This is a proof of their needing to be resolved and resourceful to the fullest.
Conclusion:
Survival or Sacrifice: The movie resolves with the resolution of the immediate threat. The surviving characters either find a way to escape or face a final, poignant sacrifice. The fate of the colony or the ship is resolved.
Denouement:
Set Up Future Stories: The film may end with an ambiguous or open ending that hints at further dangers or unresolved mysteries. This could set the stage for more films in the future or continue the larger Alien narrative.
This structure gives a rough general outline based on common elements of the Alien franchise and what is known of Alien: Romulus. The actual film may well have its own unique twists and turns!
Rating:
Rotten Tomatoes: 72% Critics
Audience Score: 82%
IMDb: 7.5/10
