A review is an evaluation of a product, service, or experience. It provides an assessment of the quality, value, and performance of the subject matter. For instance, a review of the 2017 film Alien: Covenant would provide an analysis of the movie’s plot, characters, visuals, and overall impact on the audience.
“Review Alien: Covenant 2017” is a critical examination of Ridley Scott’s science fiction horror film released in 2017.
Reviews are important for consumers as they offer insights and informed opinions on various products or experiences. They can help individuals make informed decisions, guide purchasing behaviors, and contribute to the overall knowledge and understanding of a particular topic.
Historically, reviews have played a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing cultural trends. They have been used to critique artistic works, evaluate scientific discoveries, and provide commentary on social and political developments.
This article delves deeper into the details of Alien: Covenant, analyzing its critical reception, exploring its impact on the Alien franchise, and examining its significance within the broader landscape of science fiction cinema.
Review
A review of Alien: Covenant 2017 involves a critical examination of several key aspects that contribute to the overall assessment of the film. These aspects encompass various dimensions, including its narrative structure, character development, visual effects, and thematic depth.
- Plot
- Characters
- Visuals
- Themes
- Direction
- Acting
- Music
- Editing
- Cinematography
- Critical reception
These aspects are interconnected and influence each other, ultimately shaping the viewer’s experience. By analyzing these key elements, a review provides a comprehensive evaluation of Alien: Covenant 2017, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact within the context of the Alien franchise and the broader science fiction genre.
Plot
The plot, as a core aspect of “Review: Alien: Covenant 2017,” serves as the foundation upon which the narrative unfolds. It encompasses the sequence of events, the cause-and-effect relationships between characters’ actions, and the overall structure of the story. Analyzing the plot involves examining its strengths, weaknesses, and its contribution to the overall impact of the film.
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Exposition
The exposition introduces the setting, characters, and initial conflict of the story. In “Alien: Covenant,” the exposition establishes the crew of the spaceship Covenant on their mission to colonize a remote planet. It also introduces the threat of the alien Xenomorphs, who pose a deadly danger to the crew.
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Rising Action
The rising action builds tension and conflict as the story progresses. In “Alien: Covenant,” the rising action includes the crew’s discovery of the derelict spaceship and the subsequent infection of the crew members by the alien spores. The rising action culminates in a confrontation between the surviving crew members and the Xenomorphs.
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Climax
The climax is the turning point of the story, where the conflict reaches its peak. In “Alien: Covenant,” the climax occurs when the crew members face off against the Xenomorph Queen in a desperate battle for survival.
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Falling Action
The falling action resolves the conflict and leads to the conclusion of the story. In “Alien: Covenant,” the falling action includes the aftermath of the battle with the Xenomorphs and the crew’s attempt to escape from the planet.
Analyzing the plot of “Alien: Covenant” provides insights into the film’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, the film’s exposition effectively sets up the premise and introduces the characters, but the rising action can feel slow at times. However, the climax is well-executed and suspenseful, and the falling action provides a satisfying conclusion to the story.
Characters
In a review of Alien: Covenant 2017, the characters play a critical role in shaping the narrative and driving the plot forward. The film features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. These characters interact with each other in complex ways, creating tension, conflict, and drama.
One of the most important aspects of character development is the way in which characters change and grow over the course of the story. In Alien: Covenant, several of the characters undergo significant transformations. For example, the character of Daniels (Katherine Waterston) begins the film as a timid and inexperienced member of the crew, but she gradually develops into a strong and capable leader. This transformation is believable and well-motivated, and it helps to make Daniels a compelling character.
The characters in Alien: Covenant are also important because they represent different themes and ideas. For example, the character of David (Michael Fassbender) is a complex and enigmatic figure who represents the dangers of artificial intelligence. David is intelligent, charming, and manipulative, and he is capable of great cruelty. His actions throughout the film raise questions about the nature of humanity and the limits of technology.
Overall, the characters in Alien: Covenant 2017 are well-developed and believable. They play a critical role in the film’s narrative and thematic development, and they help to make the film a compelling and thought-provoking experience.
Visuals
Visuals play an integral role in shaping the overall experience of “Alien: Covenant 2017.” They encompass various aspects that contribute to the film’s atmosphere, storytelling, and immersive qualities.
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Cinematography
The film’s cinematography, led by Dariusz Wolski, is visually stunning. The use of wide-angle lenses and sweeping camera movements creates a sense of vastness and isolation. The lighting design is also noteworthy, with dark and shadowy environments that heighten the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
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Production Design
“Alien: Covenant” features intricate production design that brings the film’s futuristic setting to life. The spaceship Covenant is a marvel of engineering, with sleek interiors and advanced technology. The alien planet is equally impressive, with its desolate landscapes and eerie, otherworldly atmosphere.
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Visual Effects
The visual effects in “Alien: Covenant” are top-notch. The Xenomorphs are rendered with terrifying detail, and their movements are fluid and lifelike. The film also features some impressive large-scale effects sequences, such as the destruction of the Covenant and the attack on the alien city.
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Color Grading
The film’s color grading is subtle but effective. The use of cool, blue tones creates a sense of unease and isolation, while the warmer tones used in the flashbacks provide a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Overall, the visuals in “Alien: Covenant 2017” are a major contributing factor to the film’s success. They create a visually stunning and immersive experience that helps to draw the audience into the film’s world. The film’s visuals are a testament to the skill and artistry of the filmmakers involved.
Themes
Themes are central to any review of Alien: Covenant 2017, as they provide a framework for understanding the film’s narrative, characters, and visual style. Themes are the underlying ideas or messages that a film explores, and they can be used to interpret the film’s meaning and significance.
One of the most important themes in Alien: Covenant is the theme of creation and destruction. The film explores the idea of creation through the character of David, an artificial intelligence who is obsessed with creating life. David’s experiments with the alien embryos lead to the creation of the Xenomorphs, who represent the destructive power of unchecked creation. The film also explores the theme of destruction through the destruction of the Covenant and the death of the crew members.
Another important theme in Alien: Covenant is the theme of isolation and alienation. The film’s setting on a remote planet far from Earth creates a sense of isolation and vulnerability. The crew members are also isolated from each other by their own fears and suspicions. The film explores the psychological effects of isolation and alienation, and how these effects can lead to violence and madness.
The themes in Alien: Covenant are complex and interconnected, and they provide a rich framework for understanding the film’s meaning and significance. By exploring these themes, a review of Alien: Covenant 2017 can provide a deeper understanding of the film’s narrative, characters, and visual style.
Direction
In a review of Alien: Covenant 2017, direction is a critical component that significantly influences the overall impact of the film. The director’s vision and execution play a crucial role in shaping the narrative, character development, visual aesthetics, and thematic depth of the film.
Ridley Scott, the director of Alien: Covenant 2017, brings his signature style and expertise to the film. His masterful direction is evident in the film’s visually stunning cinematography, suspenseful pacing, and effective use of sound and music. Scott creates a palpable sense of dread and isolation, immersing the audience in the ‘s dark and disturbing world.
For example, Scott’s use of long, unbroken takes during the film’s opening sequence creates a sense of realism and immediacy, drawing the audience into the characters’ experiences. Additionally, his strategic use of lighting and shadows enhances the film’s atmospheric and suspenseful qualities, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Moreover, Scott’s direction brings depth and complexity to the characters in Alien: Covenant 2017. He elicits strong performances from the cast, who effectively convey the characters’ inner struggles, fears, and motivations. Through Scott’s direction, the characters become more than just victims or heroes; they become flawed and relatable individuals whose fates the audience genuinely cares about.
In conclusion, the direction of Alien: Covenant 2017 is a vital aspect that contributes to the film’s success. Ridley Scott’s masterful execution of the film’s narrative, visual aesthetics, and character development creates a compelling and unforgettable cinematic experience. The film’s direction serves as a reminder of the importance of skilled and visionary direction in crafting a powerful and impactful cinematic work.
Acting
In the context of a “Review: Alien: Covenant 2017,” acting plays a pivotal role in bringing the film’s narrative, characters, and themes to life. The performances of the cast members significantly impact the film’s overall reception and critical analysis.
One of the key aspects of acting in “Review: Alien: Covenant 2017” is its ability to convey the characters’ inner struggles and motivations. The actors effectively capture the fear, desperation, and resilience of the crew members as they face the horrors of the alien Xenomorphs. For example, Katherine Waterston’s portrayal of Daniels showcases a range of emotions, from vulnerability to determination, as she takes on a leadership role amidst the crisis.
Furthermore, the acting in “Review: Alien: Covenant 2017” contributes to the film’s thematic depth. Michael Fassbender’s portrayal of David, the enigmatic android, explores the complexities of artificial intelligence and the nature of humanity. Fassbender’s nuanced performance adds layers to the character, making him both fascinating and unsettling.
In conclusion, the acting in “Review: Alien: Covenant 2017” is an essential component of the film’s success. The cast’s strong performances enhance the narrative, convey the characters’ emotions and motivations, and contribute to the film’s thematic richness. By analyzing the acting in the film, reviewers can provide valuable insights into the film’s artistic merits and its impact on audiences.
Music
Music plays a vital role in enhancing the overall impact of “Alien: Covenant 2017.” Through its evocative melodies, sound effects, and orchestrations, the music creates a distinct atmosphere, heightens tension, and reinforces the film’s themes.
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Composition
The film’s score, composed by Jed Kurzel, blends eerie electronic soundscapes with traditional orchestral elements. This unique composition creates a sense of unease and isolation, immersing the audience in the film’s dark and suspenseful world.
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Sound Effects
Sound effects are meticulously crafted to amplify the film’s atmosphere. The metallic scraping of the Xenomorphs, the beeping of machinery, and the eerie silence of the alien planet contribute to the film’s unsettling and immersive environment.
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Orchestration
The film’s orchestration is dynamic and expressive. The use of strings and percussion adds depth and emotional weight to key scenes, enhancing the audience’s connection to the characters and their struggles.
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Silence
Silence is also used effectively in the film’s music. Moments of complete silence create a sense of anticipation and unease, heightening the impact of sudden sound cues and intensifying the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.
Overall, the music in “Alien: Covenant 2017” is an integral part of the film’s overall experience. It creates a distinct atmosphere, heightens tension, reinforces the film’s themes, and enhances the audience’s emotional connection to the narrative. By analyzing the various aspects of music in the film, a review can provide valuable insights into its artistic merits and its impact on audiences.
Editing
In the context of a “Review: Alien: Covenant 2017,” editing plays a crucial role in shaping the film’s narrative, pacing, and overall impact. The editor’s decisions regarding which shots to include, how long to hold them, and how to transition between them have a profound effect on the audience’s experience of the film.
One of the most important aspects of editing in “Review: Alien: Covenant 2017” is its ability to create suspense and tension. The editor uses a variety of techniques to achieve this, such as cutting quickly between shots, using jump cuts, and inserting moments of silence. For example, the scene in which the crew members first encounter the Xenomorphs is edited in a way that creates a sense of panic and disorientation. The quick cuts and jump cuts make it difficult for the audience to get a clear view of the creatures, which heightens the sense of fear and uncertainty.
Editing is also used in “Review: Alien: Covenant 2017” to develop the film’s characters and themes. For example, the editor uses flashbacks to provide backstory on the characters and to show their motivations. The editor also uses parallel editing to compare and contrast different characters and their experiences. For example, the film uses parallel editing to show the crew members’ experiences on the Covenant with the experiences of the colonists on the planet below.
Overall, editing is a critical component of “Review: Alien: Covenant 2017.” The editor’s skillful use of editing techniques creates a suspenseful and immersive experience for the audience. By analyzing the editing in the film, reviewers can provide valuable insights into the film’s artistic merits and its impact on audiences.
Cinematography
Cinematography is the art of making motion pictures, and it plays a vital role in the success of any film. In the case of “Alien: Covenant 2017,” the cinematography is particularly important because it helps to create the film’s atmosphere, suspense, and overall impact.
The film’s cinematographer, Dariusz Wolski, uses a variety of techniques to achieve these effects. For example, he uses wide-angle lenses to create a sense of vastness and isolation, and he uses long takes to build tension and suspense. He also uses natural light to create a realistic and immersive experience.
The cinematography in “Alien: Covenant 2017” is a major contributing factor to the film’s success. It creates a visually stunning and immersive experience that helps to draw the audience into the film’s world. The film’s cinematography is a testament to the skill and artistry of the filmmakers involved.
Critical reception
Critical reception is an essential aspect of “Review: Alien: Covenant 2017,” as it provides valuable insights into the film’s quality, strengths, and weaknesses. By analyzing the opinions and evaluations of critics, audiences can gain a more informed understanding of the film’s artistic merits and its impact on the broader cinematic landscape.
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Review Aggregators
Review aggregators, such as Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, provide a quantitative measure of the film’s critical reception. These websites collect reviews from a wide range of sources and calculate an average score, which gives audiences a general sense of the film’s overall reception.
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Consensus
The critical consensus is the prevailing opinion among critics regarding the film’s overall quality. It is often expressed as a general statement that summarizes the majority of critical opinions. For example, the critical consensus for “Alien: Covenant 2017” is that it is a solid addition to the Alien franchise, with strong performances and impressive visuals.
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Positive Reviews
Positive reviews highlight the film’s strengths and praise its various aspects, such as its acting, directing, writing, and technical achievements. These reviews provide specific examples and evidence to support their positive evaluations. For example, a positive review of “Alien: Covenant 2017” might praise the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and its well-developed characters.
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Negative Reviews
Negative reviews point out the film’s weaknesses and criticize its various aspects. These reviews also provide specific examples and evidence to support their negative evaluations. For example, a negative review of “Alien: Covenant 2017” might criticize the film’s slow pacing and its lack of originality.
Overall, the critical reception of “Review: Alien: Covenant 2017” is mixed, with some critics praising the film’s strengths and others criticizing its weaknesses. However, the film’s overall score on review aggregators is positive, indicating that the majority of critics believe that it is a solid addition to the Alien franchise.
FAQs about Alien
This section aims to address frequently asked questions and clarify key aspects of “Review: Alien: Covenant 2017.” These questions and answers provide additional insights into the film’s critical reception, themes, and overall impact.
Question 1: What is the overall critical consensus for “Alien: Covenant 2017”?
Answer: The critical consensus is that the film is a solid addition to the Alien franchise, with strong performances and impressive visuals. While some critics praised its suspenseful atmosphere and well-developed characters, others criticized its slow pacing and lack of originality.
Question 2: What are some of the key themes explored in “Alien: Covenant 2017”?
Answer: The film explores themes of creation and destruction, isolation and alienation, and the nature of humanity. It also raises questions about the dangers of artificial intelligence and the limits of technology.
Question 3: How does the film’s cinematography contribute to its overall atmosphere and impact?
Answer: The film’s cinematography, led by Dariusz Wolski, uses wide-angle lenses and long takes to create a sense of vastness and isolation. The use of natural light adds to the film’s realistic and immersive experience.
Question 4: What are the strengths of the film’s cast and performances?
Answer: The film’s cast, including Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, and Billy Crudup, deliver strong performances that enhance the film’s emotional depth and character development. They effectively convey the characters’ inner struggles, motivations, and fears.
Question 5: How does the film’s music contribute to its overall impact?
Answer: The film’s music, composed by Jed Kurzel, is an integral part of its overall experience. It creates a distinct atmosphere, heightens tension, and reinforces the film’s themes. The use of eerie electronic soundscapes and traditional orchestral elements adds to the film’s unsettling and immersive qualities.
Question 6: How does the film compare to other installments in the Alien franchise?
Answer: “Alien: Covenant 2017” is a prequel to the original Alien film and serves as a connecting chapter between the Prometheus and Alien movies. It shares similarities with other films in the franchise, such as its focus on survival horror and its exploration of dark and disturbing themes. However, it also brings its own unique elements to the franchise, such as its emphasis on the character of David and its examination of the origins of the Xenomorphs.
These FAQs provide a brief overview of some key aspects of “Review: Alien: Covenant 2017.” They address common questions and concerns, and offer insights into the film’s critical reception, themes, cinematography, cast, music, and place within the Alien franchise.
In the next section, we will delve into a more detailed analysis of the film’s narrative structure and its exploration of the human condition.
Tips for Reviewing “Alien
This section provides practical tips and insights to guide you in crafting a well-structured and informative review of “Alien: Covenant 2017.” Whether you’re a professional critic or an avid movie enthusiast, these tips will help you effectively analyze and convey your thoughts on Ridley Scott’s prequel to the iconic Alien film.
Tip 1: Set the Context
Begin your review by providing a brief introduction to the film, including its title, release date, director, and a concise summary of the plot. This context will orient your readers and prepare them for your analysis.
Tip 2: Analyze the Narrative Structure
Examine the film’s narrative structure, including its plot, character development, pacing, and overall coherence. Discuss how the film builds tension, creates suspense, and resolves its conflicts.
Tip 3: Explore the Themes
Identify the central themes explored in the film, such as the dangers of scientific hubris, the nature of humanity, and the cycle of creation and destruction. Analyze how these themes are woven into the narrative and developed through the characters and events.
Tip 4: Evaluate the Technical Aspects
Assess the film’s technical aspects, including cinematography, editing, sound design, and visual effects. Discuss how these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere, mood, and impact of the film.
Tip 5: Consider the Cultural Impact
Reflect on the film’s cultural significance and its place within the Alien franchise. Consider its relationship to previous installments, its contribution to the science fiction genre, and its potential impact on popular culture.
Tip 6: Support Your Arguments with Evidence
Provide specific examples and evidence from the film to support your analysis and interpretations. This will strengthen your arguments and make your review more persuasive.
Tip 7: Maintain an Objective Tone
While it’s important to express your personal opinions, strive to maintain an objective and balanced tone in your review. Avoid excessive praise or harsh criticism, and focus on providing a fair and well-reasoned assessment of the film.
Tip 8: Engage with Other Critics
Read reviews from other critics and engage with their perspectives. This will broaden your understanding of the film and provide insights that you may have missed.
These tips will help you craft a comprehensive and insightful review that effectively conveys your thoughts on “Alien: Covenant 2017.” By following these guidelines, you can provide your readers with a valuable resource for understanding and appreciating Ridley Scott’s return to the world of the Xenomorphs.
In the final section of this article, we will provide a brief overview of the film’s critical reception and its significance within the broader context of science fiction cinema.
Conclusion
This comprehensive exploration of “Review: Alien: Covenant 2017” sheds light on the film’s critical reception, narrative structure, technical aspects, and cultural impact. Through in-depth analysis, we have uncovered the film’s strengths and weaknesses, providing valuable insights for viewers and critics alike.
Key points emerging from our review include the film’s solid addition to the Alien franchise, with strong performances and impressive visuals. It explores profound themes such as the dangers of scientific hubris and the nature of humanity, while also showcasing Ridley Scott’s masterful direction and the film’s significant place within science fiction cinema.
As we reflect on “Review: Alien: Covenant 2017,” its legacy continues to resonate. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Alien franchise or a newcomer to its dark and thrilling world, this film offers a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.