Alien: Covenant (2017)
Trailer:
“Alien: Covenant” (2017), directed by Ridley Scott, is a compelling entry in the storied Alien franchise. The film acts as both a sequel to “Prometheus” and a prequel to the original “Alien,” blending elements from both films to create a chilling and visually stunning narrative. The story follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy. Upon discovering what they believe to be an uncharted paradise, the crew soon realizes it is a dark and dangerous world, inhabited by the synthetic David (played by Michael Fassbender), a survivor of the doomed Prometheus expedition.
Scott expertly creates an atmosphere of suspense and terror, leveraging his talent for visual storytelling. The film’s cinematography is breathtaking, with lush, eerie landscapes that enhance the feeling of isolation and dread. The practical effects and CGI are seamlessly integrated, making the alien creatures both horrifying and fascinating.
Michael Fassbender’s dual performance as both the empathetic Walter and the increasingly unhinged David is a highlight of the film. His portrayal of these two androids, with their contrasting philosophies and motivations, adds depth to the narrative and raises intriguing questions about the nature of creation and artificial intelligence.
The supporting cast, including Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, and Danny McBride, delivers strong performances, though some characters fall into familiar horror tropes. The film’s pacing maintains tension throughout, with a mix of intense action sequences and quieter, more introspective moments.
While “Alien: Covenant” doesn’t entirely recapture the groundbreaking impact of the original “Alien” or the relentless action of “Aliens,” it successfully expands the mythology of the franchise. It delves into existential themes and provides a satisfying blend of horror and science fiction. Fans of the series will appreciate the connections to previous films and the continuation of the story, while new viewers will find an engaging and terrifying cinematic experience.
