Sequel is not so great, Scott

(Noomi Rapace) will also be left feeling cold at the resolution to her storyline.

However, Londoner Katherine Waterston (Daniels) delivers a far more convincing leading lady performance here; she may clearly be modelled on Sigourney Weaver’s iconic Ripley, but her grief-ridden, resilient “terraforming expert” works as her own beast.

The star of the show, though, is Michael Fassbender, who pulls double duty as returning Prometheus film-stealer David and fellow android Walter.

You’re never sure exactly what direction the Irishman is going to take you in and, ironically given he’s playing robots, Fassbender plays the most well-rounded characters in the film.

The supporting cast – including Billy Crudup’s (Oram) first mate, Danny McBride’s (Tennessee) pilot and a couple of surprise stars – play their roles well and make for a more likeable ensemble than Prometheus’ gang.

Scott takes the series back to its original horror roots with some genuinely creepy sequences and doesn’t hold back on the claret and gore.

Franchise favourites the facehuggers, Chestbursters and Xenomorphs all make a welcome return, alongside memorable newbies the Neomorphs.

The pitch black-toned climax works really well and resonates more than anything in its predecessor.

But while it’s one of the better post-1986 Alien movies, Covenant – inevitably – pales in comparison to the untouchable first two flicks.