‘Covenant’: Scott back at the helm
DIRECTOR Ridley Scott returns to the universe he created, with Alien: Covenant, a new chapter in his groundbreaking Alien franchise.
The crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy, discovers what they think is an uncharted paradise, but is actually a dark, dangerous world. When they uncover a threat beyond their imagination, they must attempt a harrowing escape.
Alien: Covenant is a return to form for Ridley Scott and sees him reinvigorating the Alien franchise.
I have a complicated relationship with the franchise since I watched most of the movies out of order. Unfortunately, I started with the horrible
Alien vs Predator crossover films, which was long after had Scott left the franchise. Prometheus, which was the first Alien prequel, wasn’t that bad a watch for me, although die-hard fans disliked it.
The latest addition picks up 10 after the events of Prometheus and the egomaniacal android David (Fassbender) has been very busy.
Fassbender doubles as both David and David’s later model Walter, who is the helper android on the Covenant colony spaceship, and here he flexes his acting muscles. He truly is an amazing actor and brings very distinct approaches to each character. There are only a handful of Hollywood actors that have the emotional range to pull off such a feat.
As with all Ridley Scott films, the cinematography is breathtaking and his overall story structure racks up the suspense. The only issue I had was one scene in act three that gives away the plot twist in the end. Other than that, Scott brings back the gore and shock value that has been missing since his exit from the franchise.
The creature design for the new aliens, the neomorphs, is amazing. The xenomorphs also make an appearance, but being introduced to a new variation of the Alien species is refreshing.
The acting is good overall. This is a sci-fi horror film though, so don’t get too attached to the characters – most of them meet a violent end during the film.
Warner Bros made a wise choice in getting Scott to return to this franchise and Covenant is a great addition to the saga. I’m looking forward to watching the follow-up.