It’s been 45 years, and horror fans will forever remember that in space, no one can hear you scream, but scream they did, as 400 fans of the iconic Alien franchise were among the first to catch Alien: Romulus, the latest chapter in the long-running film franchise, courtesy of a highly anticipated fan screening organised by Geek Culture, the region’s leading online entertainment, tech and gaming media.
This invitation-only event at Singapore’s Shaw Lido IMAX on 15 August at 6.30 pm, was a spectacle, providing hundreds of Singapore fans the opportunity to experience the terror and thrill of the Alien universe on a grand scale, something last seen in 2017’s Alien: Covenant. Set between the original Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), Alien: Romulus delivered an intense blend of horror and sci-fi elements, which led to plenty of screaming by excited fans, prepared to be taken on a trip by horror auteur Fede Álvarez (The Girl in the Spider’s Web).
Excitement was palpable among attendees as they not only got to watch the suspense unfold on the massive IMAX screen but also participated in a giveaway of exclusive, limited-edition Alien: Romulus merchandise. Five lucky winners walked away with prizes that included a Metal Luggage Tag, a T-shirt, and a unique Facehugger Phone Holder, enhancing the fan experience and providing memorable keepsakes from the event.
The atmosphere was electrified by the presence of dedicated cosplayers dressed as Colonial Marines from the Aliens sequel. These enthusiasts, clad in meticulously crafted armour and wielding 3D-printed replica pulse rifles as seen in the latest movie, brought an authentic and spirited vibe to the event. Their impressive attention to detail in replicating the iconic military gear and their enthusiastic participation added an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia for fellow fans. The cosplayers not only posed for countless photos with attendees but also enhanced the immersive experience, making the screening a memorable homage to the Aliens universe.
Alien: Romulus follows a group of young space colonists who face unimaginable horrors aboard a desolate space station. The narrative injects new life into the series, with the young crew’s survival instincts tested against the most formidable alien creatures. The cast, featuring rising stars like Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu, brought an energetic and engaging dynamic to the storyline, promising a continuation of the franchise’s legacy of suspense and horror.
Adding to the film’s appeal was the direction by Álvarez, renowned for his work on horror hits like Evil Dead (2013) and Don’t Breathe (2016). Álvarez’s expertise in crafting gripping horror narratives was evident, as he imbued Alien: Romulus with a fresh and intense perspective, making it a standout addition to the Alien series.
“As a lifelong Alien fan, it became my personal goal to one day bring the excitement and thrill of the franchise to a new generation of fans, much like when director Ridley Scott first showed that there’s a place for great sci-fi, and amazing horror in his first movie,” said Geek Culture co-founder, Yonk.
“To hear that first scream in the hall today, followed by many more throughout the screening has further reinforced my belief that movies can have a long-lasting impact on the audience, and I’m forever thankful that 20th Century Studios has placed the trust in us, to deliver this incredible experience to fans in Singapore.”
The fan screening of Alien: Romulus was not just a showcase of a new chapter in the beloved series but also a celebration of its enduring legacy. Fans left the cinema thrilled and eager for more, marking the event as a significant success in the continuation of the Alien saga. With its official release on the same day, Alien: Romulus is set to be a must-watch for both new and longtime fans of the franchise.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
Kevin Low
