Alien: Romulus's story is middling. Its retread plot is diluted by a convoluted call to adventure, an unnecessary conspiracy reveal, and distracting fan service. The saucy finale is just a slight variation of established franchise ingredients. Any themes feel like incidental echoes. There's occasionally stilted dialogue, stagnant side characters, little resolution, and excessive homages. However, the central relationship holds everything together, offering motivation, internal conflicts, and growth. The acting reflects this through Spaeny's vulnerability, Jonsson's range, and their combined chemistry. Even though it's primarily stale and shallow, Romulus lands adequate heart.

Technically, Romulus's atmosphere is weakened by its repetitive tones and set pieces. The beautifully lit cinematography can devolve into drab murkiness. Despite its respectable pacing, the editing has uneven structure and fizzling momentum. Genre elements, silence, distortions, stings, and a questionable voiceover make a complex soundscape. Its cast has rising talent and diversity. The extensive effects are undermined by an uncanny valley character. Although fittingly moody, its music remains secondary. While never wholly original, the production design provides dystopian sci-fi, analog technology, and an interesting new creature. Ultimately, Romulus is functional.

* Writing: 5/10
* Direction: 6/10
* Cinematography: 8/10
* Acting: 8/10
* Editing: 6/10
* Sound: 8/10
* Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
* Production Design: 8/10
* Casting: 7/10
* Effects: 7/10

Overall Score: 7.0/10

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