Movie critics have shared a range of opinions on Alien: Romulus, the latest film in the long-running Alien sci-fi horror franchise. Directed by Fede Álvarez, Romulus seeks to both honor previous Alien movies and take the series in a new direction. However, initial reactions suggest it may become one of the more polarizing entries.

Some reviewers praise how Álvarez weaves elements from all six prior films into a standalone story. Germain Lussier of Gizmodo said it is a “roller coaster ride” that steadily builds fear and tension. Jazz Tangcay of Variety also felt skeptical at first but came to admire elements like practical effects and world-building. Tangcay said the film evoked “genuine fear.”

Alien: Romulus pays perfect homage to the original, using practical effects whenever possible. This works so well that the CGI stands out when used. It is slow to start but man, once it gets going, you will...