Alien Covenant is a perfect example of making a plan and sticking with it, because if you don’t you may be infected by an alien organism that will explode out of your chest. Graphic, I know, but informative, right? The latest installment in the Alien franchise picks up sometime after Prometheus and continues to pursue the critical question that was posed in the previous film: who created life? An intergalactic colonial expedition comes to face to face with their worst nightmare. It’s ironic how a mission to preserve life results in so much death.
Fifteen years after the events of Prometheus, a colony ship named Covenant is bound for a remote planet with thousands of colonist and embryos when they are struck by a neutrino burst (think of it as a power space storm) which damages the ship as well as results in the death of several colonists as well as members of the crew, including the ship’s captain (James Franco). Thrust into the leadership role, Christopher Oram (Billy Crudup) finds himself overwhelmed by his new position and dissent among the crew.
After reestablishing communications, the crew intercepts a radio transmission from a nearby planet, which appears to be more habitable than the planet they are currently bound for. Against the advice of his second in command, Dany (Katherine Waterston), the group changes course to investigate the planet. At first everything appears to be great; the planet is hospitable, and there is even human vegetation. Before long, the group find themselves under attack by a parasitic organism that attempts to use them as hosts. A familiar face returns to aid the group, but will they be the group’s salvation or damnation?
So to say the least, I think I was a bigger fan of Alien Covenant than I was of Prometheus. With Prometheus, there was always that air of how was this going to relate to the other films in the Alien franchise. With this film you know that off the bat; I mean, it is right in the title. That said, there are a few moments where the plot was very predictable, especially the biggest twist of the film. Another pitfall is the lack of development of the cast. Barely anything was known about them before we were thrown into the scenario, which made it difficult to identify with any of the characters, with the exception of Waterston’s character. Not to mention, in my most humble opinion, Billy Crudup’s character was a certifiable idiot. Given that I am sure that Crudup possesses an above-average intelligence, this portrayal was not believable, as I had a difficult time believing that this character could possibly occupy the station of captain.
Aside from that, Alien Covenant was a thrill ride, especially when the action kicked off and the colonist found themselves doing battle with a genetically engineered superior being, as stated by the only familiar face in the film. Alien fans may experience a throwback to the original films with Sigourney Weaver when they watch Katherine Waterston in action. As the primary character we get to experience this new world through her eyes, and she without question experiences the biggest arc: going from sort of a mousy character in the beginning to the badass in a very quick and organic span. The only other notable character would be Danny McBride’s Tennessee; he doesn’t’ really have the same journey as Waterston, but he grows through some things as well. McBride gives an above-average performance and is one of the most human characters of the film.
Hands down going to be the box office winner for the weekend, Alien Covenant bridges the gap between the original films and reboot quite well as well as leaves us dying to know what comes next. Though predictable in certain areas, the action sequences will keep you on the edge of your seat. I already have plans to see it again, which should tell you that it is worth seeing.
