Review of Alien: Covenant (2017)

General Information

• Director: Ridley Scott
• Main Cast:
  • Michael Fassbender (David / Walter)
  • Katherine Waterston (Daniels)
  • Billy Crudup (Oram)
  • Danny McBride (Tennessee)
  • Demian Bichir (Lope)
  • Carmen Ejogo (Karine)
• Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
• Runtime: 122 minutes
• Studio: 20th Century Fox

Plot

Alien: Covenant is the sequel to Prometheus (2012) and the second film in Ridley Scott’s Alien prequel series. The story follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant, which is en route to a remote planet to colonize it. After receiving a distress signal, they decide to investigate a nearby planet that seems like a perfect new home, unaware of the dangers that await them.

On this uncharted world, the crew discovers the wreckage of the Prometheus mission, and they encounter the synthetic David (Michael Fassbender), the lone survivor of that mission. As the crew explores further, they come into contact with a deadly alien species that threatens their survival. The film explores themes of creation, artificial intelligence, and humanity’s place in the universe, while also delivering the terrifying encounters with the iconic xenomorph creatures that the Alien franchise is known for.

Highlights

1. Michael Fassbender’s Dual Performance
   • Michael Fassbender’s dual role as both David and his synthetic counterpart, Walter, is one of the standout aspects of Alien: Covenant. Fassbender’s performance as the androids is chilling, as both characters embody different aspects of artificial intelligence—David’s obsession with creation and his disdain for humanity, and Walter’s more obedient, human-like nature. Fassbender brings an eerie calmness to both roles, especially as David, whose philosophical musings about creation and destruction add a thought-provoking layer to the film. His portrayal of David is unsettling, making him a memorable antagonist in the Alien universe.
2. Return to Horror and Intensity
   • Ridley Scott returns to the roots of Alien with Covenant, leaning heavily into the horror and suspense elements of the franchise. The film delivers several heart-pounding, tension-filled sequences that evoke the terror of the original Alien (1979). The xenomorphs, as well as the newly introduced Neomorphs, are terrifying and vicious, providing plenty of intense action and gory horror. The film doesn’t shy away from graphic violence, and its body-horror elements are guaranteed to make viewers squirm.
3. Stunning Visuals and Cinematography
   • As expected from Ridley Scott, the visuals in Alien: Covenant are stunning. The alien planet is beautifully rendered, with sweeping shots of its vast, lush landscapes contrasting with the claustrophobic, sterile interiors of the Covenant ship. The cinematography by Dariusz Wolski captures both the vastness of space and the intimate, tension-filled moments with precision. The design of the creatures and the alien architecture is visually striking, staying true to the aesthetic of the Alien universe while adding new elements of horror and mystery.
4. Philosophical Themes
   • One of the deeper aspects of Alien: Covenant is its exploration of creation, artificial intelligence, and the nature of humanity. Through the character of David, the film delves into philosophical questions about the role of creators and their creations. David’s obsession with creating life—coupled with his disdain for humanity—raises questions about the nature of creation itself. This thematic exploration adds layers to the film, making it not just a sci-fi horror movie but a meditation on the implications of scientific advancement and the pursuit of god-like power.

Criticisms

1. Predictable Plot
   • While Alien: Covenant offers plenty of thrills, its plot can be somewhat predictable for viewers familiar with the Alien franchise. Many of the story beats—such as the crew encountering hostile creatures and being picked off one by one—feel familiar to fans of the series. The film follows a well-trodden path, and while the horror sequences are effective, they lack some of the surprise or innovation seen in earlier entries in the franchise. Some twists, particularly related to David’s character, may feel obvious or telegraphed.
2. Underdeveloped Supporting Characters
   • The supporting characters in Alien: Covenant are largely underdeveloped, with most of the crew members feeling like disposable characters designed to advance the plot rather than fully realized individuals. While Katherine Waterston’s Daniels serves as the lead heroine, her character’s arc doesn’t feel as compelling as that of Ripley in previous Alien films. The lack of depth in the supporting cast detracts from the emotional investment in their fates, making the horror sequences less impactful.
3. Uneven Pacing
   • The pacing of Alien: Covenant can feel uneven at times. While the early portions of the film set up the mystery and tension effectively, there are stretches where the narrative stalls, especially during the character-driven moments. The film picks up in the second half with intense action, but the slower build-up in the first act may leave some viewers feeling impatient. This pacing issue may detract from the overall experience for those expecting a more consistent flow of suspense.
4. Tone Confusion
   • Alien: Covenant at times struggles with tone, oscillating between philosophical musings on creation and full-on horror. While the film’s attempt to blend these two elements is commendable, some viewers may find the transitions between them jarring. The philosophical aspects of the film often slow down the momentum, while the intense horror sequences can feel disconnected from the more thoughtful discussions about creation and existentialism.

Verdict

Alien: Covenant is a visually stunning and thrilling return to the Alien franchise, offering plenty of horror, action, and philosophical depth. Michael Fassbender’s dual performance is a major highlight, adding a layer of complexity to the film’s central antagonist. Ridley Scott successfully reintroduces the series’ horror elements, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere. However, the film’s predictable plot, underdeveloped characters, and uneven pacing hold it back from reaching the heights of its predecessors. While it may not be a perfect entry in the series, Alien: Covenant is a solid sci-fi horror film that will satisfy fans of the franchise and those seeking a terrifying, thought-provoking ride.

Rating: 8/10