amazon Alien Covenant reviews
Alien Covenant opens with dialogue between character David (Michael Fassbender) with his creator. Then, the film quickly switches to the Covenant spacecraft with a character quite similar to David, along with actor, named Walter. The spacecraft on the way brings mankind to live in a new planet. Unfortunately, on the way there was a sudden incident, to wake the crew up. From there they discovered a viable planet along the way. So they decided to approach to learn about it.
To read here, there are some friends who may be familiar with the content. This is not only true but also very accurate. If you have ever seen Prometheus, you will find a lot of ideas to be used in new movies, both content and story. Therefore, movie content is easy to guess. It’s just a bit more dramatic with the new cast, except for David. This certainly can not satisfy the viewer like me.
One thing that I did not like about the Alien Covenant was that it was slow, so it was moving forward. Around the first half of the film made me to yawn, to the point where I wonder if it is wrong to go to this movie. Most of these episodes are intended to give the viewer a clear insight into the “aliens”. If you do not know, Prometheus is a new series, taking content that happened before the Alien trio in 1979.
The content of the movie, but the plot is more boring. Among them, many of them have probably become the common motifs of Hollywood movies so inevitably boredom. For example, when a character requests to go to the toilet, usually you know there is going to be tragedy for him. Alien Covenant did not do much better than this one. Most of the content is pretty predictable as soon as the episodes appear. Even if you look at Prometheus, you’ll soon realize where the villain is in the movie when the details do not match the previous movie that the character mentions.
Except for the character David, played by former Michael Fassbender and Daniels (Katherine Waterston), the new cast of Alien Covenant does not make me happy. Their performance was just above average, not impressive. Most of the scenes take place in dark or evening, so there is not much to comment. However, Daniels character did not have much land left so impressed not to leave too much, not enough to me much evaluation.
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Alien: Covenant: Buy it now
Alien: Covenant [Blu-ray]: Buy it now
The footage does not have many impressive or grandiose effects to look forward to. Actually, Alien Covenant is not the action movie you expect the magic skill. But in terms of horror, there are only a few bloody scenes, not a sense of fear. The plot also has some points that make it hard to understand when the character reacts quite dramatically. For example, the character in the back of the film is said to be not the kind of faint hearted, or fearful. So before that, it was a bit too much like aliens at first.
Alien Covenant also tries to make humor in place, perhaps to create more nuanced films. But maybe because of cultural differences, or I have not enough to understand so not funny. In general, the film’s content is both inheritance, copying the content from the movie Prometheus, is quite a bit disappointed. However, the sound of the noise made me quite impressed, especially the fire scene. Not to mention, there are moments that are used to sound good sound to scare the viewer jerky. And as to prepare for the surprise of the end, the Alien Covenant continues to leave answers to many of the questions of viewers. Unfortunately, the cinema turned off the projector at the end of the movie so it was unclear what was in the “after credits”.
Alien Covenant made me quite disappointed in content. The film does not leave much to be desired except for the questions pending in the next section. Not to mention, compared to the beginning Prometheus, the film also has no creativity. The first half of the film is too slow to make viewers lose inspiration and focus. Even showing the film is not really epic. If you are not curious about questions after the Prometheus end, you probably do not even need to watch the Alien Covenant. Although not seeing the previous movie did not affect the experience much, but I think the main question in the previous movie was the motivation for you to see the Alien Covenant.
Plot Summary
Alien: Covenant follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant, which is bound for a remote planet to establish a new human settlement. After a neutrino burst damages the ship, the crew is awakened from cryosleep. While repairing the ship, they receive a transmission from a nearby habitable planet that seems more suitable for colonization than their original destination. Captain Oram (Billy Crudup) decides to investigate this new planet, despite the objections of the ship’s first officer, Daniels (Katherine Waterston).
Upon arriving at the planet, the crew discovers a seemingly idyllic world, but soon encounter terrifying creatures and a sinister plot. They meet David (Michael Fassbender), the synthetic android from the Prometheus mission, who has been living alone on the planet since the events of that film. As the crew members are picked off one by one by the deadly Neomorphs and Xenomorphs, they uncover David’s horrifying experiments and his obsession with creating the perfect life form.
Characters
Daniels (Katherine Waterston)
Daniels serves as the film’s protagonist and is reminiscent of Ellen Ripley from the original series. She is a capable and determined crew member who gradually takes on a leadership role as the situation deteriorates. Waterston’s performance is strong, bringing both vulnerability and resilience to her character.
David / Walter (Michael Fassbender)
Michael Fassbender delivers a standout performance in dual roles as David, the android from Prometheus, and Walter, a more advanced but emotionally muted android aboard the Covenant. David’s evolution into a mad scientist figure, driven by a god complex, contrasts sharply with Walter’s loyalty and sense of duty. Fassbender’s nuanced portrayal of these two characters is one of the film’s highlights.
Captain Oram (Billy Crudup)
Captain Oram is thrust into a leadership position following the death of the original captain. His religious faith and uncertainty about his decisions create a complex character. Crudup effectively conveys Oram’s inner conflict and ultimate downfall as he unwittingly falls into David’s trap.
Tennessee (Danny McBride)
Tennessee, the ship’s pilot, provides a bit of comic relief and humanity amidst the horror. Danny McBride’s performance adds a layer of relatability to the crew, and his determination to save his colleagues provides some of the film’s more heroic moments.
Themes and Analysis
Creation and Destruction
Alien: Covenant delves deeply into themes of creation and destruction, examining the motivations behind both. David’s character embodies this duality; his desire to create life comes with a willingness to destroy existing life. This theme is echoed in the biblical references throughout the film, particularly in the naming of the ship Covenant and the characters’ frequent discussions of faith and destiny.
The Nature of Humanity
The film questions what it means to be human through its exploration of androids like David and Walter. David’s rebellion against his creators and his quest to surpass humanity highlight the dangers of playing god and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Walter, on the other hand, represents the obedient creation, raising questions about free will and purpose.
Survival and Sacrifice
True to its horror roots, Alien: Covenant is also about survival and the sacrifices necessary to achieve it. The crew’s struggle against the alien creatures is visceral and relentless, showcasing the primal fight for life. Daniels’ character arc, in particular, emphasizes the personal losses and sacrifices made in the face of overwhelming odds.
Visual and Sound Design
Cinematography
Alien: Covenant is visually stunning, with Ridley Scott’s trademark attention to detail evident in every frame. The cinematography by Dariusz Wolski captures the eerie beauty of the alien planet, blending lush landscapes with foreboding environments. The film’s use of practical effects and CGI to bring the Xenomorphs and Neomorphs to life is particularly effective, maintaining the grotesque aesthetic that fans expect.
Production Design
The production design of the Covenant ship and the alien environments is meticulous. The ship’s interior feels lived-in and functional, grounding the science fiction elements in a believable reality. The alien planet’s design, with its hauntingly beautiful yet deadly flora and fauna, creates an unsettling backdrop for the unfolding horror.
Sound Design and Score
Jed Kurzel’s score for Alien: Covenant adds to the film’s tension and atmosphere. The music ranges from eerie, ambient sounds to intense, orchestral pieces that heighten the suspense. The sound design, particularly the unsettling noises made by the alien creatures, plays a crucial role in building the film’s horror elements.
Reception and Critique
Critical Reception
Alien: Covenant received mixed reviews from critics. While many praised the film’s visuals, performances (especially Fassbender’s), and return to horror, others criticized its convoluted plot and reliance on familiar tropes. Some fans appreciated the film’s attempt to answer questions posed by Prometheus, while others felt it failed to live up to the high standards set by the original Alien films.
Audience Reception
Audience reactions were similarly divided. Longtime fans of the franchise had mixed feelings about the film’s direction and its blending of Prometheus‘s philosophical elements with traditional horror. Newcomers to the series found the film entertaining but were sometimes confused by its connections to the broader Alien mythology.
Analysis of Key Scenes
The Neutrino Burst
The film opens with a dramatic scene where a neutrino burst damages the Covenant, forcing the crew out of cryosleep. This scene effectively sets the tone for the film, showcasing the dangers of space travel and the vulnerability of the crew.
First Encounter with the Neomorphs
The first encounter with the Neomorphs on the alien planet is a standout moment. The sudden, brutal appearance of these creatures heightens the tension and establishes the immediate threat. The scene’s visceral horror, combined with the crew’s desperate attempts to survive, captures the essence of the Alien franchise.
David’s Laboratory
The revelation of David’s laboratory, filled with grotesque experiments and alien creatures, is both fascinating and horrifying. This scene provides insight into David’s twisted psyche and his obsession with creation. It also sets the stage for the film’s climactic confrontations.
Final Showdown
The final showdown between Daniels and the fully-formed Xenomorph on the Covenant ship is a thrilling sequence that pays homage to the original Alien. The tension and suspense are palpable as Daniels fights for her life, culminating in a satisfying yet ominous conclusion.
Connection to the Alien Franchise
Bridging Prometheus and Alien
Alien: Covenant attempts to bridge the gap between the philosophical inquiries of Prometheus and the horror of the original Alien. It addresses some of the unanswered questions from Prometheus, such as the fate of Dr. Elizabeth Shaw and the origins of the Xenomorphs. However, it also raises new questions and leaves certain plot threads unresolved.
Evolution of the Xenomorphs
The film explores the evolution of the Xenomorphs, tracing their origins to David’s experiments. This explanation adds a layer of depth to the creatures’ mythology but also changes the nature of their threat. Some fans appreciated this expansion of the lore, while others felt it undermined the mysterious, unknowable terror of the original Xenomorphs.
Legacy and Impact
Alien: Covenant continues the legacy of the Alien franchise by pushing its narrative boundaries and experimenting with new ideas. While it may not reach the heights of the original films, it contributes to the ongoing story and keeps the franchise relevant. The film’s exploration of creation, artificial intelligence, and survival ensures that it remains a significant entry in the series.
Final Thoughts
Alien: Covenant is a visually stunning and thematically rich film that seeks to blend the philosophical musings of Prometheus with the horror elements of the original Alien. While it succeeds in many areas, including performances, cinematography, and sound design, it also faces criticism for its convoluted plot and reliance on familiar tropes. The film’s attempt to bridge different aspects of the Alien franchise results in a mixed reception from both critics and audiences.
Ultimately, Alien: Covenant is a compelling entry in the Alien series that offers a unique take on familiar themes. Its exploration of creation, destruction, and the nature of humanity adds depth to the franchise, while its intense horror sequences deliver the thrills that fans expect. Whether you view it as a worthy continuation or a flawed experiment, Alien: Covenant is a film that demands attention and invites discussion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alien: Covenant stands as a fascinating, if divisive, chapter in the Alien saga. It grapples with big ideas and delivers visceral horror, all while pushing the franchise in new directions. For fans of the series and newcomers alike, it offers a unique blend of terror and thought-provoking themes, ensuring its place in the ongoing story of humanity’s encounters with the unknown.