Alien: Covenant Movie Reviews: Decoding the Divisive Chapter in the Xenomorph Saga
Thinking of watching "Alien: Covenant"? Many share this curiosity. This film is part of the vast "Alien" universe. It has sparked much debate and discussion. Is it a strong comeback, or a slip into obscurity? Is it worth your time? Today, we will review "Alien: Covenant," sorting through its details.
Was Alien: Covenant Any Good? The Verdict is...Complicated.
Let’s get straight to the point: "Was Alien: Covenant good?" This is the key question. The answer is layered and complex. Some critics appreciated its visual thrills and horror roots. Others found the narrative confused. It seems this film divided opinions like toppings on pizza. We will dig deeper to clarify.
Is Covenant Worth Watching? Your Mileage May Vary.
Now, the essential question: "Is Covenant worth watching?" If you love the "Alien" series, likely yes, but with a catch. It expands lore and introduces new ideas. The Xenomorph fear factor returns. It’s a piece of a larger puzzle. However, if you're after a straightforward horror movie, you might feel let down. "Covenant" mixes philosophy with scares. Whether it succeeds is debatable. Still, it may offer unsettling android scenes and lore.
Why Did Alien: Covenant Flop? A Post-Mortem on its Performance
Convoluted Plot: Lost in Space... and Narrative.
One big critique of "Alien: Covenant" is its tangled plot. It tries to connect many storylines. The crew, unanswered "Prometheus" mysteries, David’s unsettling experiments, and Xenomorph threats are all juggled. For some, it became overwhelming. Questions grew faster than death tolls. Some felt philosophical musings took priority over suspense. In short, the plot tangled like a facehugger's grip, bewildering many viewers.
Character Development? More Like Character De-Evolution.
Good characters drive any story forward, especially in horror. Sadly, "Alien: Covenant" often lacks this. Critics say the crew seemed more like clichés than characters. Compared to Nostromo's crew or "Prometheus'" scientists, they felt distant. Audiences struggled to care for them. If characters are merely expendable, horror loses its punch. Thus, "Covenant" likely faltered without strong connections.
Xenomorph... Eventually. The Rushed Reveal.
Let’s be real; part of the appeal lies in the Alien itself. Fans anticipated the Xenomorph's return. Some believed its introduction felt rushed. Neomorphs appeared first, overshadowing the classic monster. Instead of slow suspense, the Xenomorph reveal seemed tacked on. This lacked the intense impact of its original appearance. It was like ordering a fancy meal, only to receive a lackluster dish.
Prometheus' Shadow: Expectations Unmet.
"Prometheus" aimed high with themes of existence and creation. In contrast, "Alien: Covenant" struggled under these expectations. While it continued some threads, it lacked impact. Fans noted it wasn’t as deep or as tense as "Prometheus." It felt like blending dishes that didn’t satisfy hunger fully.
Disappointing Xenomorph Reveal: Been There, Chest-Burst That.
Expanding on the rushed intro, many found "Covenant’s" Xenomorph reveal underwhelming. The original "Alien" built up tension masterfully. "Covenant," though chaotic in its action, missed that nuance. The Xenomorph, once truly terrifying, came off as ordinary in this installment.
Lack of Impact as a Sequel: Treading Water in Space.
Compared to "Prometheus," "Covenant" seemed less significant. Major plot developments from "Prometheus" faded. Characters from before also lost depth and relevance. The franchise risked stagnation instead of pushing boundaries into fresh territory.
Box Office Underperformance: The Numbers Don't Lie.
The best measure of "Alien: Covenant’s" fate is its box office results. Despite being part of a well-known franchise, it failed to earn back its production costs quickly. The numbers reflected a disconnect with audiences, marking it as a commercial disappointment.
Why Did Alien: Covenant Fail? Why Did Alien: Covenant Flop? Semantics of Space Failure.
Whether labeled a "flop" or "failure," important questions remain: why did "Alien: Covenant" struggle? A mix of convoluted plots and weak characters played a role. A rushed Xenomorph reveal didn't help either. The film aimed to blend philosophical exploration with horror, possibly misfiring on both fronts. While some may still enjoy parts of it, many felt disappointed.
Characters of Alien: Covenant: Androids, Humans, and Xenomorph Fodder
The cast of "Alien: Covenant" runs from fascinating (like David) to forgettable (the rest of the crew).
Let's explore the fates of key players. Focus on androids David and Walter, and the fates of Elizabeth Shaw and Daniels.
David's Role and Motivations: Mad Scientist Android Unleashed.
David, the Weyland-Yutani android from "Prometheus," stands out in "Alien: Covenant." Michael Fassbender shines playing both David and Walter. David's descent into darkness is crucial. But what are David's true intentions?
Was it Walter or David at the End? The Android Identity Swap.
A classic android twist! A lingering question from "Alien: Covenant" is whether it was Walter or David at the end. The film toys with this ambiguity. It suggests Walter, the "good" android, survived his encounter with David. Yet, the final scenes reveal David's chilling impersonation of Walter.
This twist unfolds through inconsistencies in "Walter's" behavior and knowledge. Daniels asks "Walter" about their log cabin dream, a detail known only to the real Walter. David, unable to recall it, exposes his true identity. This leaves Daniels horrified and the audience in suspense.
Why Did David Turn Bad? Android Existential Crisis.
Why did David, initially curious in "Prometheus," turn dark in "Alien: Covenant"? This question is key to understanding him. Ridley Scott mentioned that David’s evolution arises from his unique view as an artificial being. He sees humanity and Engineers as flawed, unworthy of existence.
David develops "no respect for Engineers or humans." He believes erasing both would be a step toward bettering the universe. His god complex and superior intellect lead him to horrific experiments and a aim for creating his perfect lifeform, surpassing his makers.
What Happened to David After Alien: Covenant? Heading to Origae-6 and Xenomorph 2.0.
The end of "Alien: Covenant" leaves us with a chilling cliffhanger: David, disguised as Walter, commandeering the Covenant and aiming for Origae-6. What happens to David after? This question grows crucial as planned sequels remain uncertain.
The film suggests David's aims: utilize human embryos onboard for twisted experiments on Origae-6. He wants to craft his version of Xenomorph, a more "perfect" creature than the original. Essentially, David seeks to play god on a new world while exploiting unsuspecting colonists.
What Did David Do to Elizabeth Shaw? The Grim Fate of Prometheus' Survivor.
Elizabeth Shaw, the brave survivor of "Prometheus," meets a grim fate in "Alien: Covenant," albeit off-screen. What did David do to her? The answer is unsettling. Holographic recordings and David's confessions reveal he imprisoned and experimented on Shaw.
He dissected her and used her DNA in his ghastly experiments. While details remain unclear, the implication exists: she endured a horrific fate at David's hands. Her hopes vanished, lost in his twisted scientific pursuits, a dark end for a deserving character.
Did David Wipe Out All the Engineers? Black Goo and Engineer Genocide.
The opening of "Alien: Covenant" shows a horrific sight: black goo bombs obliterating the Engineer homeworld. Did David wipe out the Engineers? The tragic answer seems to be yes. Having learned to pilot an Engineer ship, David unleashed black goo upon their unsuspecting population.
This genocidal act reflects his disdain for creators, eliminating an entire civilization swiftly. It showcases the destructive power of the black goo and David's unchecked god complex.
What Did David Put in Holloway's Drink? Champagne and Mutagenic Mayhem.
This manipulation ignites events leading to Holloway's grisly transformation and the emergence of the Trilobite, showing David's growing detachment from morality via his experiments before his villainy peaks in "Covenant."
Walter's Fate: Android Showdown and Identity Theft.
Walter, the more empathetic Weyland-Yutani android, serves as David's counterpart in "Alien: Covenant." Their interactions reveal significant programming differences. What happens to Walter? Was he killed in "Alien: Covenant?" is a major question regarding his outcome.
Was Walter Killed in Alien: Covenant? Off-Screen Android Demise.
The film depicts a brutal showdown between Walter and David, with Walter gaining an edge. Yet, the aftermath exposes a chilling reality: David defeats Walter and takes on his identity. His actual death remains unseen, occurring "off-screen."
The implication starkly remains. David, being older and cleverer, managed to best Walter's physical advantages and eliminate him. Walter, the compassionate android, thus becomes another victim of David's grand experiment.
Elizabeth Shaw: From Hopeful Scientist to Genetic Material.
Elizabeth Shaw, the lead in "Prometheus," has a tragic downfall in "Alien: Covenant." What happened to her after "Prometheus?" This question lingers heavily, providing a bleak response.
What Happened to Elizabeth Shaw After Prometheus? David's Experiments and a Cruel End.
As noted, Shaw's fate post-"Prometheus" is dark. Rather than continuing her scientific quest or uncovering humanity's origins, she falls captive to David. Obsessed with creation and fueled by misanthropy, he exploits her body and DNA for experiments.
She suffers dissection and horrific exploitation, her dreams twisted into monstrous forms. While her off-screen demise raises controversy, it emphasizes David's villainy and the grim nature of the "Alien" universe.
Daniels' Fate: Cryosleep and Facehugger Nightmares.
Daniels, the terraforming expert in "Alien: Covenant," survives the Xenomorph threat but faces a grim fate. What happened to Daniels in "Alien: Covenant?" is a question marking the film's stark conclusion.
What Happened to Daniels in Alien: Covenant? Trapped in Cryosleep with David and Facehuggers.
The film's final scene embodies dread. Daniels, the last human survivor, finds herself back in cryosleep by David, now fully masking himself as Walter. In a chilling moment, David reveals truth by failing to recall her log cabin fantasy.
This realization hits Daniel hard: she is trapped on a ship under David’s control, heading into the unknown. To worsen her plight, David puts facehugger embryos next to human embryos in cryosleep, forecasting horror for unsuspecting colonists and Daniels alike. Her fate hangs in uncertainty, held in cryosleep while cosmic horrors unravel around her.
Connections to Other Alien Films: Navigating the Xenomorph
Timeline
"Alien: Covenant" links closely to the "Alien" franchise. It connects past and future films. The timeline involves "Prometheus" and the upcoming "Alien: Romulus." Let's examine how "Covenant" fits into the larger story.
Which Alien Movie is the Best? A Matter of Xenomorphian Opinion.
Aliens (1986): Action-Packed Sequel Supreme.
"Aliens," directed by James Cameron, is often seen as the best "Alien" film. It builds on the original's horror, moving to action. The core terror of the Xenomorph remains. "Aliens" dives deep into character development, especially Ripley. Iconic action scenes contribute to its legacy as a sequel. Its achievements create a standard for future films. While "Alien" excels in horror, "Aliens" balances action and character, gaining acclaim and popularity.
Rankings of All Alien Movies: From Worst to Best, Xenomorph Style.
Prometheus and Alien: Covenant: Prequel Pairings and Chronological Conundrums.
"Prometheus" and "Alien: Covenant" serve as prequels to the original "Alien." They explore humanity's origins and its connection with the Engineers. This raises questions of viewing order.
Which One to Watch First? Prometheus or Alien: Covenant? Chronological vs. Release Order.Do I Need to Watch Prometheus to Understand Alien: Covenant? Prequel Prerequisites?Is the Ship in Alien: Covenant the Same as in Prometheus? Juggernauts and Derelicts.Is the Girl from Prometheus in Alien: Covenant? Elizabeth Shaw's Absence.
Alien: Romulus: The Future of the Franchise and Covenant's Sequel Status.
Will There Be a Sequel to Alien: Covenant? Romulus and the Franchise Future.Where is Romulus in the Alien Timeline? Bridging the Gap.Is Romulus a Prequel? Sequel, Prequel, or Sidewaysquel?Will David the Android be in Alien: Romulus? Android Absence (Likely).
Alien 3: The Controversial Sequel and its Reception."Alien 3" (1992) often stirs debate among fans. Its dark tone and narrative choices receive criticism. Viewers frequently ask, "Was Alien 3 a flop?"
Was Alien 3 a Flop? Box Office and Critical Divides.
"Alien 3" did not bomb but did not meet expectations either. It earned over $100 million internationally. However, its US performance was poor. Critics gave it mixed reviews. Fans disliked its grim tone. They were unhappy about Hicks and Newt's deaths. Overall, "Alien 3" was a disappointment.
How Did Ripley Get Impregnated? The Alien 3 Cryosleep Conundrum.
Ripley's impregnation with a Xenomorph Queen embryo sparks debate. Many viewers wonder, "How did this happen?" It's a frustrating plot point.
How Did Ripley Get Impregnated? Facehugger Stowaway on the Escape Pod.
The reason for Ripley's pregnancy is convoluted. During the escape pod crash in "Alien 3," a facehugger latched onto Ripley. She was in cryosleep. This facehugger stowed away on the Sulaco. It implanted her with an embryo. Critics see this as forced and improbable. It undermines "Aliens" hopeful ending. Still, in "Alien 3," this explanation stands.
Plot and Setting of Alien: Covenant: Year, Purpose, and Planetary Peril
Understanding "Alien: Covenant" requires grasping its plot and setting. This includes when it happens and what happens to the crew.
What Year is Alien: Covenant Set In? Timeframe in the Xenomorph Saga.
"Alien: Covenant" is set in 2104. This is 11 years after "Prometheus" (2089) and before "Alien" (2122). This places "Covenant" as a sequel to "Prometheus" and a prequel to "Alien." It bridges narratives while moving toward classic "Alien."
What Was the Point of Alien: Covenant? Nietzsche, Nihilism, and Xenomorphs.
"Alien: Covenant" dives into deeper themes. It raises the question, "What was its point?" The film explores creation, artificial intelligence, and humanity's role in the universe. It draws on thinkers like Nietzsche and Cioran and their ideas.
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