Alien: Romulus, the latest entry in the Alien franchise, throws a wrench into the established viewing order with its unique placement on the timeline. This article explores the complexities of watching the franchise chronologically, the impact of the prequels, and the best approach for both newcomers and seasoned fans.
Alien: Romulus , the latest installment in the beloved sci-fi franchise, presents a unique challenge to fans familiar with the series' intricate timeline. While the film doesn't directly connect with previous entries through characters or locations, certain narrative elements are deeply enriched by a broader understanding of the Alien saga.
For instance, the origins of the Xenomorphs are fully elucidated only after viewing Prometheus, adding another layer of complexity to the already convoluted viewing order. The franchise's intended chronology has always been convoluted, and Alien: Romulus further muddies the waters. The universe possesses a clear historical progression, yet some prequels benefit from knowledge gained through later films in the timeline, making a strict chronological marathon less effective. With discussions of a potential sequel to Alien: Romulus taking place, deciphering the optimal viewing order becomes increasingly crucial. Alien: Romulus deviates from the linear timeline, placing itself between Ridley Scott's original sci-fi horror film, Alien, and James Cameron's action-packed sequel, Aliens. Despite not directly engaging with either story, the film offers subtle references and Easter eggs that pay homage to both Alien and Aliens, albeit in a manner that can be confusing due to the temporal displacement.Adding further complexity, Alien: Romulus also establishes clear connections to the prequel movies, intertwining it with the narrative threads of Prometheus and Covenant. The film's temporal setting, many years after these prequels, is evident through the presence of Xenomorphs. Moreover, direct links are woven through elements like the black goo used by the Engineers to create humanity in Prometheus, albeit in a transformed form within Alien: Romulus. Therefore, Alvarez's film acts as both a sequel (to Prometheus, Covenant, and Alien) and a prequel (to Alien 3 onwards). Choosing a specific viewing order depends on individual preferences. For newcomers to the franchise, starting with the original Alien followed by its sequels in release order provides the most straightforward and immersive experience. This approach allows viewers to fully grasp the Easter eggs and narrative connections woven throughout the series, avoiding any potential confusion arising from the offspring reveal in Romulus' concluding sequence. However, for seasoned fans who have already traversed the entire Alien universe, a chronological viewing order might prove more compelling. This approach offers a deeper and more continuous immersion into the story, emphasizing the evolution of the universe over time. In this scenario, Prometheus and its direct sequel Alien: Covenant provide the ideal starting point, followed by the main series, incorporating Alien: Romulus after the original film and seamlessly transitioning into Aliens. Regardless of the chosen viewing order, one principle remains paramount: Ridley Scott's prequel films, Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, should precede Alien: Romulus. While lacking direct character or plot connections, understanding the Engineers from Prometheus is essential for fully appreciating the impact of the shocking revelation in Romulus' final act. This finale draws heavily upon the prequels' black goo and significantly alters the franchise's overarching lore, leaving viewers who haven't witnessed Prometheus and Covenant with a diminished understanding of its ramifications.Incidentally, Alien: Romulus' final act stands as some of the most compelling filmmaking within the franchise, showcasing Fede Alvarez's masterful transformation of the survival thriller into a chilling, visceral piece of body horror.
ALIEN ROMULUS XENOMORPHS PROMETHEUS COVENANT TIMELINE VIEWING ORDER HORROR
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