A truly brilliant venture from Scott with a few (forgivable) rough spots.

Rating: 10/10 (11 September 2017)

The 'ones (and very low scores)' from the nostalgia-weepers that cling to this franchise more tenaciously than face-clinging monstrosities are shameful, as fanboy-ism and nostalgia are the very reasons why mediums never evolve and exist in the quagmire of repetition. Pitiful and sad.
Yes, I gave it a ten. Why? Because this movie is actually a retelling of Paradise Lost (PL) in more ways than one. But you will have to study PL to understand the nuances that center on David as this perfect, ultimate creation and its inherent flaws: an absolute entity destined to be obsolete since its conception.
Not only that but Shelly's and Byron's works are important just the same. It is such a movie where 'lyrical-depth' finds its mark within 'visual-depth' as never have I come across a movie this beautifully realized in regards to the reflection of the narrative and the concepts at hand.
So, no wonder this movie whooshes over the heads of an 'average viewer:' an average cinema goer is too stupid to grasp the literary depth behind the visual flair. Perhaps, Scott should have watered down this movie and made it dumb enough for a common man's understanding. Then, I suppose, everyone would have been ecstatic.
Whilst the third act does falter a bit but man is it a beautiful story: a tale of the flaw of creation. It really delves into the questions of creationism--questions that other Alien movies barely touched upon. And they are touched upon in such a subtle manner here that one is left wondering as to who is truly responsible for the creation of a deadly force: God (Wayland) or his creation (David; an allusion to Satan)?
Most people simply put this down on the basis of Shaw's fate, and I can't seem to understand why--Prometheus and Covenant were never about her; they are about the myth of Gods and Men. Seriously, Shaw (or any other character in such a setting) was always replaceable. Prometheus' story was never about her.
It's very idiotic to assume that the story was ever about her. It wasn't. She was just a piece in a much bigger picture, and I am really glad that Scott took a risk and broke the mold of 'tough female heroine that overcomes all odds' that goes hand in hand with such movie- genres. 'Life' was another such venture that went against this trope with excellent results.
Visually, the movie is breath-taking with Scott putting out his best camera work to date. I haven't seen anyone match this with the same craft. Only The Reverant dares to offer a challenge. The movie truly is wonderful to behold. Lighting is used to tell the story rather than just for the sake of it. The sound compliments the struggles of the characters and the dreary and moody atmosphere of the film.
And there is always a sense of dread and self-preservation just around the corner. One has to wonder as to whether this truly is about creating something or preserving a legacy. David really puts such beautiful and thought-provoking questions on the table ... really, this movie is made for those who want to 'think' and 'ponder' over things. It's too philosophical to be treated in such a simple manner.
The movie faltered in the third act due to an introduction of something, which, I believe, Scott did purely on fan-demand and childish outrage following Prometheus. Then Scott should know that the vocal ones are never too bright--quite the opposite, actually.
I can't wait to see where Scott takes this as this is so much more than a mere monster movie Alien was. Heck, Aliens is more of a shoot-shoot-pew-pew affair as well. It ain't anything special. The American audience's obsession with it is hilariously comical.
Anyhow, if you are a fan of thought-provoking material, then this is right up your alley. But if you are looking for some cheap monster action like Aliens, then you won't like this. Skip it. This movie is truly made for those who love the idea of 'change.' And this is what Covenant is: a step towards change for all of humanity. Brilliant stuff.