Alien: Covenant opens with a mesmerizing scene that sets the tone beautifully. I loved the combination of close-ups with long shots; it felt refreshing and drew me right in. The cinematography is stunning, particularly with the use of light and shadows in darker scenes, which adds depth to the atmosphere. The space scenes are impressively real, and the shaky camera work during critical moments brings an immersive touch.
The philosophical themes mirror those of Prometheus, exploring questions about humanity, creation, and destruction. In that way, Alien: Covenant complements Prometheus well, continuing the deeper narrative threads of the franchise. The original soundtrack is another highlight - memorable and evocative, it brings a familiar but compelling atmosphere to the film.
Production design is as impeccable as ever, staying true to the eerie and iconic Alien aesthetic. The acting deserves praise too, especially Daniels (played by Katherine Waterston), whose empathetic portrayal adds a humane layer to the intense sci-fi setting. The androids' performances, in particular, are impressive, and their interactions are filled with intrigue and complexity.
However, I do feel that this film lacks the memorability compared to the original Alien. The CGI is visibly apparent, and that artificial look takes away from the overall visual impact.
The writing has its ups and downs. Initially, it feels shallow, with too much focus on panic, shouting, and reacting. However, things pick up in the second half with the conversations between the two androids. The philosophical debate between the characters was intriguing - it adds depth by exploring the duality of human nature: the ability to show both empathy and destruction, contrasted with the capacity of others to manipulate and outsmart.
Despite its flaws, Alien: Covenant offers moments of greatness, and it's worth appreciating the detailed world-building that aligns with Prometheus. It stands as a solid sequel, especially for those who enjoyed the preceding film.
