Sequel from Prometheus, Alien: Covenant tells the story of a colony ship and its crew. Aiming to arrive at a remote planet, they divert off track and discover a new, uncharted paradise with a threat bigger than they had expected. Will this crew survive the threat and escape with their life?

Director Ridley Scott (who, may I remind you, directed the original Alien film in 1979 and the most recent film in the Alien franchise, Prometheus) returns to continue explaining the story of how these Aliens creatures came to life.

Like Prometheus, the overall visuals of Alien: Covenant are incredibly (as one would expect given the director). Although this new film is visually a lot darker, the director has still managed to pull off a strong visual film. The original sound effects and scary music we all loved from previous films managed to make a return which was respectful and enjoyable to hear.

Unlike the previous film, Alien: Covenant does introduce us to a wider range of characters from the start of the film. Character development seems be a real struggle though, as the film will ask for its audience to care when no connection to the characters is present. While key characters do come in play within the 2 hours, even by the end credits I didn’t feel any excitement for some of our key players. So much so, even as I was driving home I struggled to remember their names (It’s not because I’m old lol), but because the film’s characters here are somewhat forgettable. The biggest acting credit in this film goes out to Michael Fassbender (always amazing!) and Danny McBride (who really surprised me in this Alien film). Our leading lady did do well, but not enough didn’t win me over. But, then again, how could anyone outdo the character of Ripley?

The film also takes the path of corny kill methods. You know what I mean? When someone says I need to take a break and takes a walk randomly on their own, we all know what’s going to happen next, right? Alien: Covenant also take a very bold move and increases the total gore and violence to the next level to the point I would state this is the most violent Alien film to date. Violence isn’t the only risks taken- this new Alien film even sneaks in a touch of nudity.

In the end, Alien: Covenant has delivered what I feel many fans have been asking for since the release of Prometheus. I personally understand that when cinema crowds see returns of the Xenomorph’s on the big screens, many fans melt into their seats and supply high ratings for the film. For me personally, what may be classed as minor details to others were some of most important ones to me. The overloaded use of gore and many flat characters for me made this film challenging and holds me back from rating it as “up there” in the best in the franchise. When the film’s predictable ending occurred and the credit’s rolled down my screen I said out loud, “This film feels like it kinda missed the boat”.

6.4/10

Thank you for visiting! Walkden Entertainment is also available on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkdenentertainment/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkdenentertainment/

Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/Peter_Walkden/

Review Written by Peter Walkden