This article contains spoilers for Alien: Romulus.
The Brutal Deaths in Alien: Romulus
Alien: Romulus delivers some of the most graphic and intense deaths seen in the franchise, pushing the boundaries of horror further than before. Set between the original Alien and its sequel Aliens, this latest installment showcases a fresh narrative that pits a group of young scavengers against the galaxy’s most notorious predator— the Xenomorph. The film expertly intertwines classic series tropes with new twists, raising the stakes and intensifying the horror elements.
Unlike previous films, Alien: Romulus does not solely rely on familiar death sequences. While it pays homage to its predecessors by presenting some well-known character deaths, it also introduces innovative, gruesome fatalities that heighten the film’s terrifying atmosphere. In this article, we rank the deaths that occur by the film’s conclusion based on their brutality.
7. Rook
Rook, Played by Daniel Betts
Rook’s demise is one of the more harrowing moments in Alien: Romulus, but perhaps not the most visceral. Rook, an android similar to the infamous Ash from the original film, suffers severe damage during a Xenomorph attack. Despite being torn in half, his robotic nature permits him to be reactivated and remotely controlled. Rook initially avoids confrontations by staying in the lab, but ultimately prioritizes a serum over human lives, leading to his fate.
As the station descends into Jackson’s planetary rings, Rook is left behind to face destruction, leaving viewers with a chilling reminder of the deadly environment that characterizes the Alien saga. Although given his android status, his pain may differ from the human experience, Rook’s gruesome ending remains significant.
6. The Xenomorphs
The Xenomorph, Played by Trevor Newlin
Early on, Alien: Romulus establishes that Xenomorphs are present on the research station, having remained dormant since the massacre of the crew. Tensions rise as Rain and her companions discover an overwhelming Hive. Only by utilizing a pulse rifle does Rain manage to fend off the burgeoning Xenomorph threats, effectively shooting several of them in the head.
Despite the shots of acidic blood spattering throughout the fight, highlighting the carnage, the colorful nature of the gore creates a different experience compared to previous films. Although there are many Xenomorph deaths, they lack the intense brutality found in other vicious deaths in the franchise.
5. Navarro
Navarro, Played by Aileen Wu
Navarro is the first among the main characters to meet a tragic fate, falling victim to the legendary Chestbuster phenomenon. This iconic moment harkens back to the roots of the franchise. After being restrained by a Facehugger while aiding her friends’ escape, Navarro becomes a host for the Xenomorph embryo.
The subsequent emergence of the creature from her chest is slow and harrowing, emphasizing the gruesome nature of her death. The prolonged agony of this transformation serves as a potent reminder of the gruesome origins of the Xenomorph and aligns itself closely with previous franchise lore.
4. Bjorn
Bjorn, Played by Spike Fearn
Bjorn’s death unfolds in a tense emotional clash. After realizing that Navarro is effectively dead due to her Xenomorph embryo, he seeks revenge by using an electric taser on the nearly-hatched creature, only to be caught in its deluge of blood. This moment underscores how the chain of events leads to his demise and showcases the emotional stakes at play.
3. Tyler
Tyler, Played by Archie Renaux
As the group leader, Tyler displays great courage, doing everything to protect his team. In a harrowing moment, he sacrifices himself as he lunges to save Rain from a Xenomorph attack, becoming impaled on its tail. The scene culminates in Tyler being dragged into the hive, where his screams fill the air while a Xenomorph’s tongue pierces through his head.
This shocking incident reflects the immersive horror theme that Alien: Romulus provides, showing Tyler’s gruesome end without shying away from the horrific visuals that characterize the franchise’s core.
2. The Offspring
The Offspring, Played by Robert Bobroczkyi
The Offspring represents the film’s ultimate threat and is born from Kay, who, in a desperate attempt to save herself and her child, inadvertently initiates its horrific growth. This chilling representation of a creature turning against its creator showcases the horror of maternal betrayal, as the Offspring evolves rapidly into a formidable foe.
In a climactic showdown, Rain ejects the creature into the atmosphere of a nearby planet, which gruesomely obliterates it. The scene ultimately offers a twisted sense of victory, as viewers see the creature that caused so much suffering meet a gruesome demise.
1. Because
Kay, Played by Isabela Merced
Among all the characters, Kay’s death stands out as the most grotesque and heart-wrenching. Near the brink of death, her attempts to save her life and her unborn child lead to a ghastly outcome—she lays an egg that matures into the deadly Offspring. Although viewers do not witness her death directly, the aftermath reveals her in a pallid, lifeless state, drained by the creature she brought into the world.
This horrifying realization, paired with Kay’s ultimate fate, illustrates profound themes of sacrifice and horror, demonstrating how dreadfully twisted the cycle of life can be within the universe of Alien.
Comparative Gore in Alien: Romulus
Alien: Romulus emerges as one of the most graphic entries in the Alien series to date. This installment leverages advancements in CGI to deliver a more visceral horror experience compared to the original films. However, while Kay’s gruesome end is a highlight, it is not the goriest film overall.
Interestingly, the title for the goriest film in the series belongs to Alien 3, often considered one of the weakest entries. This film showcases shocking moments of violence that take place in grimy realism, with practical effects illustrating horrific deaths, such as acid-blinded characters meeting fatal ends. While Alien: Romulus provides abundant gore, the gritty intensity of Alien 3 stands unmatched.
Despite this, Alien: Romulus does deliver some incredibly memorable and chilling deaths, promising a thrilling experience for horror fans. Moreover, with hints of a sequel, future films may approach or even surpass the visceral intensity presented in this latest installment.
Leave a Reply