A tension-filled and suspense-driven claustrophobic horror regarded as a classic for good reason.

Rating: 8/10 (5 March 2018)

A tension-filled, suspense-driven claustrophobic thriller that wisely takes its time establishing the characters and eponymous extra-terrestrial before the killing starts, 'Alien (1979)' is regarded as a true masterpiece of both science-fiction and horror for good reason. The emphasis is never on overt gore or relentless bloodshed (though blood isn't exactly lacking, here), rather it is always placed on the terror of not knowing exactly where the alien is or what it is truly capable of. The film expertly relies on slow-burning suspense and terrific tension to make sure its short bursts of skin-crawling shock pierce through the nail-biting atmosphere with ease, creating a sense of palpable dread right from the off that that never eases even when the crew seem at their safest. 8/10