Alien - Review

“In space, no one can hear you scream” – A review of Alien. 

Ridley Scott has directed some of the most influential and best cinema of all time. From Thelma and Louise to Blade Runner, you know that if you’re watching a Ridley Scott film, you’re about to witness something truly special, and at over 40 years old, Alien remains one of the most influential films in both the sci fi and horror genre. From the terrifying creature design to the tense, claustrophobic atmosphere, Alien is a masterpiece that I cannot recommend enough.

The plot of Alien is actually quite simple. A crew onboard the spaceship Nostromo is awakened from hypersleep in order to investigate a distress signal from a seemingly desolate and empty planet. However, this is far from a simple mission; when a terrifying and aggressive alien enters their ship, the mission changes from an investigation to one of pure survival. This is a relatively simple plot which is delivered masterfully, as you feel genuinely afraid and tense throughout the film, and the claustrophobic, isolated atmosphere stays with you long after you’ve seen the credits roll.

Despite its age, Alien still has some incredible direction and visual effects. Not only is the alien itself an instantly recognisable terror, but the set design is also brilliant as well; the Nostromo appears to be grimy, shadowy and industrial, a far cry from the sleek and modern designs of other spaceships in science fiction. The practical effects and shadowy shots add a truly unsettling atmosphere, and the pacing is slow and deliberate, meaning that tension builds throughout and makes the horror moments even scarier.

The casting and performances are incredible too. The supporting cast includes Ian Holm and John Hurt, who are both amazing actors, but you cannot ignore the impact of Sigourney Weaver. Weaver’s Ellen Ripley is an iconic figure in the science fiction world for good reason; her performance was highly believable and deeply nuanced, and she came across as strong, independent and likeable, a protagonist you never struggle to relate to or cheer for.

I truly love this film, and I am certainly not alone in that. Alien was so successful that it spawned multiple films and an entire franchise, it inspired other filmmakers, and its influence can be found in several other films and even video games. One of my favourite scenes from any film is the chestburster scene, which is truly terrifying, shocking, and incredibly impactful all these years later.

This is a genuinely entertaining, scary and intelligent film which I adore and would compel you to watch. The way it blends science fiction and horror is genius, and despite its age it’s still a truly scary watch. Iconic design of both sets and creatures, memorable performances from an incredibly talented cast and a type of creeping horror which keeps you on the edge of your seat are just some of the reasons why Alien has secured its place as one of the best science fiction films of all time.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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