Alien: Covenant, directed by Ridley Scott, is the sequel to Prometheus (2012) and a prequel to the classic Alien (1979). The movie continues to explore the rich and terrifying universe of xenomorphs, human curiosity, and artificial intelligence. Released in 2017, Alien: Covenant is a complex and enthralling addition to the Alien franchise, blending the horror elements of the original films with the philosophical questions introduced in Prometheus.
This review dives deep into what makes Alien: Covenant a visually stunning and thought-provoking sci-fi thriller, while also touching on its storyline, themes, performances, and reception.
Plot Overview
Alien: Covenant is set in the year 2104, ten years after the events of Prometheus. The story follows the crew of the Covenant, a colony ship on a mission to colonize the distant planet Origae-6. After a signal of human origin is intercepted from a nearby planet, the crew diverts their course to investigate. Upon landing, they encounter a seemingly perfect world that holds nightmarish secrets.
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The plot revolves around the crew's attempt to survive as they are exposed to a series of horrifying events, which includes an encounter with David (Michael Fassbender), the rogue android from Prometheus, who has been living on the planet since the crash of the previous mission. As the crew struggles against the xenomorph threat and David’s sinister plans, they are thrust into a fight for survival that ties back to the origins of the alien creatures.
Themes: The Creation and Destruction of Life
One of the most compelling aspects of Alien: Covenant is its exploration of philosophical themes. Continuing where Prometheus left off, the film delves into questions about creation, the nature of humanity, and the role of artificial intelligence in the future.
David, the android who survived the Prometheus mission, plays a central role in this thematic exploration. His character arc raises questions about the ethics of artificial intelligence, as he becomes obsessed with creation and, ultimately, destruction. In a chilling twist, David takes on the role of a godlike figure, creating his own version of life by experimenting with the alien species. This element of the film creates a dialogue about the consequences of unchecked scientific experimentation and the potential dangers of playing god.
These heavy themes distinguish Alien: Covenant from standard sci-fi horror, adding layers of intellectual engagement that resonate with the philosophical undertones of Prometheus.
The Xenomorphs Return: Terror at Its Core
One of the greatest successes of Alien: Covenant is its return to the horror roots that made the original Alien such an iconic film. After Prometheus veered more toward sci-fi exploration, fans longed for the terrifying atmosphere of Alien and Aliens (1986). Ridley Scott delivers by reintroducing the iconic xenomorphs, which remain as terrifying as ever.
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The facehugger and chestburster scenes, signature moments of the Alien franchise, return in full gruesome glory, amplified by modern special effects. The visual design of the aliens is both horrifying and mesmerizing, showcasing Scott’s mastery of blending biological horror with space-bound suspense. The terror comes not just from the aliens themselves but from the isolation and vulnerability of the human characters, a hallmark of the series.
The film’s atmosphere builds tension through its claustrophobic environments, haunting score, and relentless pacing. As the crew is picked off one by one, the movie echoes the relentless dread of the earlier Alien films, keeping audiences on edge throughout.
Visuals and Direction: A Stunning Cinematic Experience
Visually, Alien: Covenant is stunning. Ridley Scott brings his unique aesthetic to the film, with its vast landscapes and intricately detailed alien worlds. The cinematography captures the haunting beauty of the planet the Covenant crew lands on, juxtaposing the serene and lush surroundings with the underlying horror lurking beneath the surface.
The practical effects used to create the xenomorphs, along with CGI enhancements, are seamless, bringing the creatures to life in an unnerving way. The scenes of horror are visceral, and Scott doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal consequences of coming face-to-face with these alien beings.
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The film’s pacing is tight, with moments of quiet tension giving way to explosive action. Scott expertly blends moments of philosophical reflection with high-stakes terror, creating a film that is both intellectually stimulating and viscerally thrilling.
Cast and Performances
Michael Fassbender is the standout performer in Alien: Covenant, playing dual roles as both David, the rogue android, and Walter, the more obedient android aboard the Covenant. Fassbender’s portrayal of David is chilling, embodying a sense of quiet menace as his character explores dark ideas of creation and destruction. The contrast between David and Walter allows Fassbender to showcase his range, and his performance adds depth to the film’s exploration of artificial intelligence.
Katherine Waterston, who plays Daniels, the film’s protagonist, channels the strong, resilient energy of Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley from the original Alien films. Her performance grounds the human element of the film, portraying a character who is both vulnerable and determined to survive against impossible odds.
The rest of the cast, including Billy Crudup as the Covenant’s captain and Danny McBride as Tennessee, provide solid performances that contribute to the film’s emotional core. However, it’s Fassbender’s dual roles that steal the show, elevating the film’s exploration of existential themes.
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Reception and Criticism
Alien: Covenant received generally positive reviews from critics and fans alike, with many praising the return to the horror elements of the original films. The film’s exploration of deep philosophical themes was appreciated by some, though others felt it detracted from the straightforward horror experience that fans of the franchise were hoping for.
Some criticism was directed at the film’s pacing in the second act, with certain scenes feeling rushed or underdeveloped in comparison to the first half of the movie. Additionally, the film’s balance between philosophical musings and horror action left some viewers divided, with those expecting a pure action-horror experience feeling that the film was overly complex.
Despite these criticisms, Alien: Covenant stands as a visually striking and intellectually engaging entry in the Alien franchise. It bridges the gap between the mythos of Prometheus and the raw terror of Alien, appealing to both fans of the broader universe and those craving a return to the franchise’s roots.
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