🎬 Alien: Covenant (2017)

thaiduong
January 21, 2025

🎬 Alien: Covenant (2017) – “The path to paradise begins in hell.”
| Rating: IMDb: 6.4/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 66%
| Release Date: May 19, 2017
| Directed by: Ridley Scott
| Main Cast: Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride

Plot Summary

Alien: Covenant, a sequel to Prometheus (2012) and the second prequel in the Alien franchise, delves deeper into the origins of the infamous Xenomorphs. Set in 2104, the film follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant on a mission to establish a new human settlement on a distant planet. After a solar flare damages their ship, the crew intercepts a transmission from a nearby, seemingly habitable planet.

Led by Captain Oram (Billy Crudup) and First Mate Daniels (Katherine Waterston), the crew lands on the mysterious planet, which at first appears to be a paradise. However, they soon discover its deadly secrets. The planet is the former home of David (Michael Fassbender), the rogue android from Prometheus, who now resides there in isolation after the catastrophic events involving the Engineers.

David’s experiments with the black pathogen have transformed the planet into a breeding ground for terrifying creatures. His obsession with creation and destruction culminates in the evolution of the first Xenomorph, an apex predator born from his twisted experiments. The crew’s survival becomes a desperate race against time as they face the wrath of David’s creations, the hostile environment, and their own deteriorating trust in one another.

The film ends with a chilling twist, revealing that David has infiltrated the Covenant and is now in control of the remaining colonists and embryos, setting the stage for further horrors in the Alien saga.

Key Highlights

1. Michael Fassbender’s Dual Role

Fassbender delivers a masterful performance as both Walter, the loyal Covenant android, and David, the sinister and unhinged synthetic. The tension between the two characters, including a memorable confrontation, is one of the film’s standout elements.

2. Exploration of Creation and Hubris

Alien: Covenant builds on the philosophical themes of Prometheus, exploring humanity’s drive to play god and the dangers of unchecked ambition. David’s god complex and his experiments with the black pathogen reflect the dark consequences of this quest for creation.

3. The Xenomorph Evolution

The film revisits the origins of the iconic Xenomorph, showcasing its early stages of development, from the Neomorphs to the full-fledged creature. The visceral and horrifying design of these creatures stays true to the franchise’s legacy.

4. A Balance of Horror and Action

The film combines the slow-burn tension of Alien (1979) with the action-packed thrills of Aliens (1986). The claustrophobic environments, jump scares, and brutal creature attacks keep the audience on edge.

Cinematography and Visuals

Ridley Scott’s direction is as visually stunning as ever. The lush, foreboding landscapes of the alien planet are juxtaposed with the sterile, claustrophobic interiors of the Covenant. The gothic design of David’s lair, filled with grotesque sketches and experimental remains, creates an atmosphere of dread and fascination.

Musical Score and Sound Design

The score by Jed Kurzel blends eerie, atmospheric tones with echoes of Jerry Goldsmith’s original Alien theme. The sound design is equally impactful, with the screeches of the creatures and the ominous hum of the planet’s environment enhancing the horror.

Strengths of the Film

Philosophical Depth: The film delves into complex themes of creation, destruction, and the nature of humanity.
Strong Performances: Fassbender’s portrayal of David and Walter is captivating, while Katherine Waterston shines as the resourceful and determined Daniels.
Visceral Horror: The film delivers intense and gruesome creature encounters that harken back to the franchise’s roots.
Visual Mastery: Ridley Scott’s eye for detail and world-building brings the alien planet and its horrors to life.

Critiques

Ambiguity of Themes: While the philosophical elements are intriguing, some viewers found them convoluted and detracting from the horror.
Underdeveloped Characters: The large ensemble cast leaves many characters feeling one-dimensional.
Predictable Plot: The narrative follows familiar beats, which some fans of the franchise found overly derivative.

Anticipated Reception

Alien: Covenant received mixed reactions upon release. While fans appreciated its return to horror and the expansion of the Xenomorph lore, others were divided over its blending of philosophical and action elements. Despite the polarizing reception, the film stands as a visually stunning and thematically ambitious entry in the franchise.