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 colonists and embryos when they are struck by a neutrino burst (think of it as a power space storm) which damages the ship and 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 colonists 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.
Video
Alien: Covenant is presented in its original aspect ratio of 2.40:1. The ultra-high-definition 2160p image is arrived at by an HEVC codec with an average bitrate of 65 mbps. In keeping with the traditional franchise atmosphere, this film is washed of most of its colors. Notable exceptions come in the form of bright blue monitor displays that create a nice reflective effect on character faces. Everything else is quite dark and nearly colorless. There’s a white version of the creature that comes out more as a light gray. Whites do not play out well in this ultra-high-definition image presentation. There is a nice element of sharpness and detail. Again this is most notable in the display screens where you can make out details that are merely blurs on the Blu-ray. Black levels are fair and at times really show up. There are others where too much of the shadow definition is lost. There’s nice contrast. The white ship against the blackness of space stands out rather nicely and is the best white presentation in the image.
Audio
The Dolby Atmos presentation defaults to a 7.1 track. You can expect surrounds to become aggressive when there is a creature about. Those subtle ticks and shrieks are all intended to leave you feeling hopelessly surrounded by the creatures. Subs kick in nicely, particularly as the ships are crashing through the atmosphere. The score blends flawlessly, becoming almost invisible. That’s actually the mark of a truly superior score. Dialog comes through most of the time. Yes, there are moments of extreme mayhem that leave you struggling for a word or two.
Special Features
The extras are all on the Blu-ray copy of the film:
Deleted And Extended Scenes: (17:37) There are 12 with a handy play-all option.
USCSS Covenant: Here you’ll find a series of three “lost footage” pieces from the events of the film. One includes the selection trials the crew are submitted to hooked up to a computer system. One is a music video.
Sector 87 – Planet 4: These short features act as a bridge from the film Prometheus. The David character narrates the three segments.
Master Class – Ridley Scott: (55:20) This is the making-of feature that is obviously focused on Director Ridley Scott and his thoughts/plans for the franchise. There’s plenty of behind-the-scenes footage and lots of storyboards drawn by Scott. The feature is split into four parts covering story, characters, setting, and creatures. You can use the play-all option to watch it as a single piece.
Gallery and Trailers round out the extras.
Final Thoughts:
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.
Parts of this review were written by Gino Sassani
