A no-holds barred nightmare

Rating: 9/10 (20 June 2020)

Alien 3 was originally centred on Aceron; a monastery satetille made of wood, inhabited by monks who had rejected all modern technology.
However, in a case of the jitters, 20th Century Fox abandoned the ambitious, left-field vision of
writer/director Vincent Ward during production.
The film released in theatres was sadly incoherent and poorly received, having been falsely marketed as a spiritual successor to Aliens.
Nearly 30 years later, and with thanks to a restored edition, Alien 3 now has a legion of admirers. It offered a welcome return to the visceral horror of the first film; was innovatively shot, deliciously mean-spirited and beautifully acted throughout.
High-octane, Hollywood thrills were replaced with gut-churning, nihilistic horror of the European variety. And the film boldly makes such intent clear very early on.
A worthy ending for the character of Lt. Ellen Ripley, for its flaws. Just a shame it was all to be undermined by the woeful Alien:Resurrection.