Movie Review: Alien: Covenant (2017), directed by Ridley Scott

Rating: 6/10 (29 May 2017)

Now with twice the Fassbender!
There is a high risk of disappointment when expanding the established lore of a franchise so ingrained in pop culture. As such, Alien: Covenant was poised for disappointment from the start, in much the same way it's predecessor Prometheus was. Don't worry, this time you'll get to see beloved icons like the facehugger, chestburster, and Xenomorph. Or do worry. How many times now has the original Alien film been remade, in spirit? The answer needs no number. Too many.
Covenant follows a group of pioneers hauling precious embryos in order to jump start a colony on a planet far removed from our own. The world they ultimately land on is deceptively inviting. Lush forestation, breathable air, and comfortable gravity. Indeed, this is when the crew begins to die one at a time from alien creatures they are sorely unprepared to combat. If it's not already apparent, the premise will not distinguish this film amidst the series. There are great scenes within, however, especially through its middle when it's more willing to exhibit originality.
Wherever else he may falter, Ridley Scott still has an eye for gorgeous photography. The natural landscape is tantalizing and vast, while the interior spaces are claustrophobic and impeccably detailed. As for the "monsters," they are suitably nasty, tearing through tender humans in shocking displays of gore. But perhaps I'm spoiled on the practical alien effects of the original film; there is something about the sleekness of CGI that dampens tension.
The new alien creature, the Neomorph, is fleshier, faster, and more frenzied than its famous kin. Its extensive introduction is harrowing, for sure, then once the recognizable Xenomorph makes its entrance things become too predictable. Focusing not on what matters for story progression but on stoking the embers of nostalgia. For all their effort, neither of these "morphs" are as monstrous as the android David.
Similar to Prometheus, Michael Fassbender's portrayal of David, provides the most stimulating moments. He is not so subtly compared to Milton's Satan, forgoing his creator to liberate himself and amass his demons (read: Xenomorphs). I never found myself rooting for any of the humans in the same way I wanted David to survive. Thankfully, this whole prequel series is hinged on the character.
We actually get two Fassbender roles to relish. The other being a newer model of android named Walter. The light to David's dark. Other standout performances, lest I neglect to mention, comprise Katherine Waterston's grief-stricken endurance, Billy Crudup's uptight man of faith, and Danny McBride's surprising subtlety. Oh, and for his single scene, Guy Pierce is splendid.
Nevertheless, there is a shortage of characterization that is, curiously, only elaborated in promotional material. Prior to the theatrical release, Fox unveiled a YouTube video referred to as "Prologue: Last Supper," which depicted the crew in a state of relaxation before hypersleep. The cast is given just minutes of additional screen time and yet its a far more effective introduction than any of them get from the final product. Between viral marketing and "extended cut" releases, how often do we pay for a complete film when going to the theater anymore?
The second act gives a glimpse of what I thought we'd get after Prometheus. That film's protagonist, Elizabeth Shaw, and David heading for a new destination, seeking answers that Alien: Covenant is disinterested in granting. Apparently, the next film Ridley Scott has planned for the franchise, titled Alien: Awakening, is to take place between Prometheus and Covenant. It's possible that this proposed film could focus on Shaw and David's relationship, the android's descent, and the mysterious Engineers. Of course, Scott could also change his mind and continue from Covenant's conclusion.
So many modern blockbusters are obsessed with capturing nostalgia by emulating past glories. Alien: Covenant falls into many of the same traps while also managing to evade others. With so much retreaded ground it hardly feels as if we've moved forward all that far. I, for one, am not yet convinced we needed these prequels. At the same time, Covenant is an enjoyable romp in a hostile universe and I can't help but remain curious of where the next film is headed.
Verdict: Moderate Recommendation
P.S. Why is no one wearing a helmet while exploring the alien planet? Are humans more resilient to microbial organisms in the future? Did they forget to pack their helmets? Is it like when someone tells me I should wear a coat when it's cold out and I decide to endure the weather in a t-shirt instead?
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