Alien: Covenant
Release: March 23, 2017 Director: Ridley Scott Writer: Neil Gaiman Producers: Geraldine Layne, Dan Lin, J.J. Abrams, Colin Trevorrow Starring: Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Danny McBride, Amy Acker, Demián Bichir, and Bonnie Hunt
Plot
The film is a sequel to the 1979 film Alien and the fifth installment in the Prometheus series. The story takes place about 10 years after the events of Prometheus, and follows a group of humans who are sent to investigate the origins of humanity.
The crew, led by Elijah J. Knight (Michael Fassbender), a genetically engineered Superhuman created as part of Project Noah, arrive on LV-223, a remote planet inhabited by the creators of the Human Host Design. The crew soon discovers that the planet is home to various Alien species and that they are being hunted by a powerful and ancient entity known as the “Worm Queen”.
The humans soon learn that the Worm Queen is not just a simple creature but a highly advanced being with technology and capabilities far beyond anything humanity has ever seen before. The crew must fight for survival against the Worm Queen’s deadly agents, while also uncovering the secrets of their own pasts.
Characters
- Elijah J. Knight: A genetically engineered Superhuman created as part of Project Noah, who is tasked with leading the human expedition to LV-223.
- Ash: A young and awkward member of the crew, who becomes increasingly unhinged during the mission.
- Dr. Elizabeth Shaw: The leader of the human expedition, who is driven by a desire for knowledge and revenge against the Alien species that killed her family.
- Ian Holm’s voice role as Dr. Noah Hawking: A scientist who was on board the Prometheus before it vanished.
Production
The film was produced by Ridley Scott, Geraldine Layne, Dan Lin, J.J. Abrams, Colin Trevorrow, and James Mangold (uncredited). The script was written by Neil Gaiman, based on his novel of the same name. The film features a unique blend of sci-fi and horror elements, with a strong emphasis on action and suspense.
Reception
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with many praising its visuals and action sequences but criticizing its storytelling and character development. However, it has since been recognized as a solid addition to the Alien franchise.
Box Office
- Worldwide Gross: $435 million
- Domestic Gross: $142 million
Awards and Nominations
The film was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing. However, it did not win any of these awards.
Legacy
Alien: Covenant is widely regarded as a solid addition to the Alien franchise, offering a fresh take on the sci-fi horror genre. While it received mixed reviews from critics, fans have come to appreciate its unique blend of action and suspense elements. The film’s visuals and production design were also praised for their innovative use of practical effects and CGI.
Trivia
- The film was initially intended to be a three-part series, with each part released in theaters.
- The Special Effects team spent over 100 hours per day creating the Alien creatures and settings.
- Michael Fassbender’s character, Elijah J. Knight, was originally supposed to have a more complex backstory than what is revealed in the film.
References
- Alien: Covenant (2017). Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6854449/
External Links