Alien: Covenant: A Messy, Mythical Sequel Worth Revisiting

Ridley Scott's *Alien

franchise has endured longer than most horror series, boasting a pedigree unmatched by any other horror property. From James Cameron's *Aliens* to David Fincher's *Alien 3*, the franchise has attracted some of the best talent in Hollywood. Furthermore, unlike other horror series that rely on annual releases, the *Alien* timeline is punctuated by significant gaps. Seven years separated the first two films, followed by another six-year hiatus before the arrival of *Alien 3*. *Alien Resurrection* was released five years later, followed by the *Alien vs. Predator* duology in 2004 and 2007. *Prometheus*, the first in the prequel series and Scott's return to the franchise, premiered in 2012, a full 33 years after he helmed the original *Alien*. It was another five years before *Alien: Covenant* landed in 2017.

The film's release was a significant event, anticipated by fans and touted as Scott's definitive return to the *Alien

universe. While *Prometheus*, for all its posturing, wasn't really about the franchise's iconic Xenomorphs, *Covenant* promised to directly address the origins of these creatures. However, despite the hype, *Alien: Covenant* ultimately divided audiences and critics.

While the film holds a 65% Critic Score and a 55% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes, its box office performance fell short of expectations, grossing a paltry $240 million worldwide against an estimated $110 million budget. This financial disappointment contributed to the cancellation of Neill Blomkamp's planned *Alien 5*, which would have brought Sigourney Weaver's Ripley back to the screen.

*Alien: Covenant

can be viewed as two films intertwined. The first half leans heavily into the *Alien* aesthetic, with a focus on creature horror and suspense. The second half, however, shifts gears, becoming more of a *Prometheus* sequel, delving into the philosophical and existential questions that intrigued audiences in the previous film. This shift in tone, along with its convoluted narrative, likely contributed to the film's mixed reception.

Despite its flaws, *Alien: Covenant

is undeniably watchable. The extended med-bay sequence and the subsequent birth of the neomorph are among the most terrifying moments in the franchise. Scott even pays homage to *Jurassic Park* with a nighttime field attack reminiscent of Spielberg's raptors.

Ultimately, *Alien: Covenant

failed to capture a new generation of fans. The film demanded a deep understanding of the franchise's lore, making it inaccessible to viewers unfamiliar with the original *Alien* and its extended universe. This, coupled with its messy narrative and lack of focus, hampered its potential. However, it is important to note that *Alien: Covenant* is a visually stunning film, showcasing Scott's masterful command of the language of cinema.

As we await the release of *Alien: Romulus

and the forthcoming television series, only time will tell if the *Alien* franchise can regain its former glory. Regardless of its shortcomings, *Alien: Covenant* dared to venture into new territory, offering a unique and provocative take on the established mythology. Whether you embrace its boldness or find it messy and disjointed, *Alien: Covenant* remains a film worthy of discussion and debate.