The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
FeaturedFilmThe Latest

Film Review: ‘Alien: Covenant’

by Riyad Mammadyarov May 7, 2017
by Riyad Mammadyarov May 7, 2017 0 comments
2.7K

Ridley Scott sure does love his xenomorphs–but maybe he should have written about them in a book instead.

Before I dive into this review, I think it necessary to state that I am a huge fan of the “Alien” franchise–huge. I’ve been enamored with the series ever since my cinephilic father first introduced me to the creepy-crawly xenomorphs all those years ago. From the film’s slasher-cum-sci-fi approach to its percipient reliance on lighting (or lack thereof), “Alien” was a breath of fresh air for my (admittedly) young filmic sensibilities. Never had a film so adeptly walked a tightrope of reveal, teasing the viewer with disturbing flashes of violence and death that were seldom exposed long enough to be fully absorbed.

While other films like “The Thing” and “The Fly” count heavily on its special effects team to construct elaborate creatures and gloppy, visceral messes, “Alien” stuck to its lack of reveal and confrontation to build tension and unease. It was an astute way of keeping budgets down while using the mind’s inherent paranoia against itself. Ridley Scott depended on the viewer’s psyche to construct the image. In a Gestalt-like approach that relies on saccadic eye movement and optokinetic responses, Scott seemed to be incorporating perceptual psychology in his breakout film. It was a hallmark approach that soon signaled to the rest of the cinematic world that this was indeed how to construct a great sci-fi horror flick.

Ridley

But perhaps the most fascinating and enchanting aspect of the “Alien” film series is it’s mysterious, yet richly detailed backstory. Ridley Scott had constructed a universe that lived and breathed on its own. Whether it is Peter Weyland, the trillionaire man-turned-god figure that was monomaniacal in his attempts at finding the origins of life or humanity’s ongoing space colonization missions and battle against extinction, “Alien” has a lot more going for it than a simple B-movie plot about monster(s) terrorizing spaceship crew members. Those underlying stories and the overarching universe is what Ridley Scott realizes are the meat and potatoes of this franchise. Now pushing eighty, it appears that the the Academy Award-nominated filmmaker has a great deal more to say about where, what and how this all began nearly forty years ago.

Fresh off his Oscar-nominated sci-fi adaptation The Martian, Ridley Scott returns with Alien: Covenant, the sequel to the prequel “Prometheus.” Set ten years after the tragic Prometheus expedition, a colony mission is poised to begin life anew. With Earth deteriorating and overpopulation becoming an increasingly burdensome problem, colony missions have began exploring remote regions of the galaxy in the hopes of finding a new home. Bound for an Earth-like planet named Origae-6, the crew of the Covenant chances upon an untouched paradise that they predict could cut their trip down by several years. But upon further inspection, the planet becomes paradise lost. Soon, the Covenant crew is beleaguered with hybrid xenomorphs and an unhinged android from the derelict Prometheus named David.

Ridley

With more sequels, reboots and tie-ins than a Peter Jackson project, Alien: Covenant continues Hollywood’s incessant need to add to a franchise’s long history. But while so many of the series’ expansions have focused on the future, the original film’s creator has instead looked to the past to develop Alien’s fascinating lore. Having already begun his new narrative journey five years ago with the release of Prometheus, Alien: Covenant is the second film in what Scott imagines to be a three-part prequel trilogy that explains the xenomorph’s origin and how the Nostromo’s unfortunate crew came to be besieged by the terrifying creatures. Unfortunately as much as I love this series (and who seems to be one of a handful of people who thoroughly enjoyed “Prometheus”), this prequel sequel is a rather pallid addition to a much beloved franchise.

Which is really too bad for I was gleefully waiting to be blown away by the film. Ridley Scott originally conceived these prequels as a means of expanding on a mysterious backstory that has seldom been touched upon, save for the occasional hint. But it appears that Mr. Scott would have been better suited creating a series of tie-in novels to do so for “Alien: Covenant” does more to confuse than to elucidate. While “Prometheus” explores the origin of man and alien through the introduction of a higher-being race called The Engineers, the sequel rarely revisits this plot. Not wanting to spoil too much of the film, all I’ll say is that there appears to be a somewhat obtuse pivot in the narrative that is more mad scientist than creation versus creator.

Ridley

It is a narrative jolt that is so frustrating and anti-climactic that one cannot help but feel robbed of a satisfactory origin story. Coupled with the film’s self-sabotaging one-dimensional characterizations, “Alien: Covenant” comes off as a jumbled mess that convolutes the already multi-threaded plot even further. And while many would point to the feminist overtones of the series, this film seldom showcases the same quality that it did all those years ago. Filmgoers and fans will be disappointed to see such a hyped feature fall flat of its promises to illuminate further the Alien franchise story.

Nonetheless, the film is not all bad. It does deliver on a few Scott-necessitated notes such as gorgeous set designs and an epic scope that will leave one gawking in awe. Furthermore, the series’ trademark use of lighting and menacing pace have a pronounced return, lending itself to being a demonstrative exercise in building tension and horror. It most certainly is an entertaining popcorn movie but one that regrettably cannot rest on its profilmic laurels to rescue itself from mediocrity.

Maybe this long-term narrative venture by Scott was ill-advised. Most fans were foaming at the mouth upon hearing Scott’s pronounced return to the series. After all, we’d all finally find out just what in the hell the xenomorphs are and where they came from. But perhaps not knowing the origin of the aliens and the infamous “space jockey” from the 1979 original is exactly what this series needed to remain fresh. Nothing terrifies one more than the unknown, the darkness, and the mysterious. Much like the original film’s reliance on not showing the monster, perhaps not showing the origins of the beast would have been more petrifying (and thus satisfying) to the viewer. Instead, Scott has dived face first into the increasingly pedantic world of xenomorphs, the Weyland Corporation and The Engineers. It is a tale that becomes progressively more labyrinthine as more is explained.

Ridley

It’s an approach that comes off like a television filler episode in which plots, catalysts and events are set up to be explored more lucidly in future episodes. But perhaps that lack of direction is due to Ridley Scott’s ambitious trilogy approach. Maybe the next film will be the final piece to the narrative puzzle that Alien: Covenant desperately tries to unfold. In any case, my fandom for the series is seldom diminished by the addition of this tripe conceit of a film. Instead, one can only hope that the next picture of this prequel trilogy lives up to the lauded Alien name.

Alien: Covenant is slated to be released May 19.

alien
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Riyad Mammadyarov

I am a graduate of New York University and am currently pursuing my master's degree in cinema studies at the same institution. My passion for films knows no bounds! It warms my heart and inspires zeal to talk movies with fellow cinephiles. Have any questions, comments or just want to chat? Email me at riyad.mamedyarov@gmail.com

previous post
On The Scene: Live Nation’s Annual Concert Day
next post
Film Review: ‘Manifesto’

Related Posts

Super-Meh: James Gunn’s Superman Feels Like It’s Trying...

July 11, 2025

Inside the Star-Studded Gurus Beauty Awards Hosted by...

July 10, 2025

The 2025 Gayming Awards Blessed WeHo with Star...

July 9, 2025

Baekhyun ‘Climbs Up Our Hearts’ with Dreamy ‘Reverie’...

July 8, 2025

Julian Lerner: Leading a New Era of Disney...

July 8, 2025

A Garden in the Sky: Fourth of July...

July 8, 2025

Splendid Summer with Peroni and Giada De Laurentiis

July 8, 2025

The Death of Rasputin Was a Dark Dream...

July 7, 2025

Julia Melim’s One-Woman Show #MESSY (The Brazilian Hour)

July 7, 2025

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Sparkle Bright at...

July 5, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Diana Ross defines an icon. A national treasure w Diana Ross defines an icon.  A national treasure with a magnificent legacy that has changed the course of music history and popular culture. Get ready for an incredible night at the Hollywood Bowl on July 24 +25. We’ve teamed up with #HollywoodBowl and #LAPhil for a ticket giveaway! This is a show you won’t want to miss! 

Click the link 🔗 in our bio to enter

Giveaway ends on Friday @ 11:59PM EST - Good Luck!
#knockgiveaway #losangeles
Sweet as “Candy,” and as high as an “Elevato Sweet as “Candy,” and as high as an “Elevator…” 🍬

On July 6th, at the iconic Kia Forum in Los Angeles, the beloved Korean idol @baekhyunee_exo took the stage for the last U.S. stop of his first ever solo tour under his own label, @inb100_official. ✨

🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/baekhyun/ 

#Baekhyun #INB100 #Kpop #KpopConcert #ReviereTour #Reviere #EXO
✨ Red, white, and boom! ✨ Macy’s iconic @mac ✨ Red, white, and boom! ✨
Macy’s iconic @macys Fourth of July Fireworks lit up the night sky over the Brooklyn Bridge in a dazzling display of light, sound, and celebration. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/macys-fourth-of-july-fireworks-sparkle-bright-at-brooklyn-bridge/

-
#MacysFireworks #BrooklynBridge #FourthOfJuly #NYCSummer
@lorde “Virgin” is more than an album — it’s an aural snapshot of an artist on the brink of redefining pop music. Step inside Lorde’s world, with us. 🎧🩻

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/virgin-an-x-ray-of-lordes-sonic-arrival/

✍️: Jesse Kosierowski

-
#Lorde #Virgin #MusicReview #PopCulture
Meet @dominiquethorne , the rising star behind “ Meet @dominiquethorne , the rising star behind “Ironheart”, @marvelstudios newest @disneyplus show. From Wakanda to a tech-powered hero, she shares the journey, challenges, and excitement of suiting up as Riri Williams. Get ready for a fresh take on heroism! 🔥💥

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/dominique-thorne-talks-new-marvel-tv-show-ironheart-on-disney/

✍️: OJ Williams

-
 #Ironheart #MarvelTV #DisneyPlus #DominiqueThorne
Taron Egerton’s range is unreal, and in his late Taron Egerton’s range is unreal, and in his latest project, he’s turning up the heat, literally! We chatted with him for Smoke at @tribeca! 💨🔥
Real fire, real life, Smoke on @appletv has it all Real fire, real life, Smoke on @appletv has it all! We chatted with director Dennis Lehane at @tribeca! 🔥💨
Anna Chlumsky talks working with Dennis Lehane (an Anna Chlumsky talks working with Dennis Lehane (and real fire!) at the world premiere of Smoke on @appletv @tribeca!
The Future of Black Music is NOW! 🎶🎵🎤 We The Future of Black Music is NOW! 🎶🎵🎤

We got the chance to profile 5 amazing new artist and, just know, BLACK music is in great hands!

Check out our profiles on @thefcknartist @niko.noir @babyfaceray @veezeworst @ynjay_ 

Detroit, don’t miss out! Come experience the Future of Black Music live! 🎧🎸🥁🎹🎺🎻

With live performances of today’s best emerging artists. 

RSVP now in the bio to come visit the culture. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Detroit! Are you ready to experience the Future of Detroit! Are you ready to experience the Future of Black Music! 🎶🎵🎤

Presented by Smirnoff Lemonades & BCode, curated by The Basement Series. Come see the movement move forward! 

RSVP now in the bio to come experience the culture. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Cutting-edge scares, killer dance moves, and AI ch Cutting-edge scares, killer dance moves, and AI chaos 💃🤖
@m3gan 2.0 is the wild ride your summer needed. Read our full take! 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/m3gan-2-0-is-ridiculous-over-the-top-fun-but-also-poses-important-questions-about-ai/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala

-
#M3GAN2 #AIHorror #SciFiThriller #HorrorComedy #SummerMovies #TechTerror #AIQuestions #MovieReview #CampyHorror
Mini fashion moments, major throwback energy 👛 Mini fashion moments, major throwback energy 👛
@shopcider x @pollypocket took over @alfred with tiny accessories, buttery croissants, and all the Y2K feels 💅☕

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/tiny-fashion-big-nostalgia-cider-x-polly-pocket-pops-up-in-beverly-hills/

✍️: Ashley Lopez

-
#CiderxPollyPocket #ShopCider #PollyPocket #CiderGirls #CiderStyle #Alfreds
☀️Summer just kicked off with @dearsummerfesti ☀️Summer just kicked off with @dearsummerfestival. The HBCU kickback inspired festival that grew from a cultural campus phenomenon into becoming the latest and fastest-growing black-owned music festival. 🔥

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/inside-dear-summer-festival-the-black-owned-festival-gaining-national-momentum-built-by-hbcu-alumni/

✍️: Briana Boateng 
-
#MeekMill #Valiant #HBCU #DearSummerFestival
@tydollasign takes Tribeca. 🎥 The artist premie @tydollasign takes Tribeca. 🎥
The artist premiered his powerful new doc ‘Still Free TC’—a raw, emotional follow-up to his 2015 album—spotlighting family, justice, and legacy.
10 years later, the message still hits.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/ty-dolla-ign-premieres-still-free-tc-documentary-at-tribeca-film-festival/

✍️: Kadeem Lundy

-
#StillFreeTC #TyDollaSign #TribecaFestival #MusicDocumentary #HipHopCulture #JusticeForTC #Tribeca2025
ENTER TO WIN a pair of tickets to July Fourth Fire ENTER TO WIN a pair of tickets to July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with Earth, Wind & Fire at the Hollywood Bowl on July 2, 3, & 4th! Nine-time Grammy Award-winning icons and one of the best-selling artists of all - Earth, Wind & Fire brings their iconic and timeless catalog of music with hits like “September” and “Shining Star” for three thrilling nights of songs, fireworks and fun. If you don’t win the tickets…don’t worry we’ll have a 20% off code on select sections!
Here’s how to enter:
✅Follow @theknockturnal 
❤️Like this post
👯Tag the friend you want to bring with you

Giveaway ends Monday, June 23 @ 11:59PM EST/8:59PM PST ! 
#KnockturnalGiveaway #EarthWindFire #HollywoodBowl #Giveaway #Concert #LosAngeles
@squidgamenetflix Season 3 has entered the arena. @squidgamenetflix Season 3 has entered the arena. 🦑🩸

New players. Higher stakes. And a game that’s more brutal than ever.
The masks return—so does revenge. ⭕️🔺◼️

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/squid-game-season-3-premieres-in-new-york/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor 

-
#SquidGame #Season3 #NetflixOriginal #Netflix #TheGameContinues #LeeJungJae #Player456 #WiHaJoon #GongYoo #LeeByungHun
@f1movie crew makes a pitstop in NYC for their wor @f1movie crew makes a pitstop in NYC for their world premiere of their film “F1 The Movie” in Times Square and at Radio City Music Hall. 🏎️💨
-
#BradPitt #JavierBardem #DamsonIdris #AppleCEO #TimCook #JosephKosinski #JerryBruckheimer  #LewisHamilton #HansZimmer #F1 #F1Movie #F1Film
“Love doesn’t always disappear—it just chang “Love doesn’t always disappear—it just changes shape.” 🎶
In our exclusive interview, @yourfavoritecolor opens up about vulnerability, emotional distance, and the story behind their newest single, “Less In Love.”
This one hits different. 🥹

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/exclusive-interview-your-favorite-color-contemplates-connection-on-new-single-less-in-love/

✍️: Eleanor Jacobs

-
#ExclusiveInterview #YourFavoriteColor #LessInLove #IndieMusic
@saiebeauty Art of Glow pop-up bathed the city in @saiebeauty Art of Glow pop-up bathed the city in golden light with vintage lamps, curated cocktails, and radiant beauty moments—all in honor of the iconic Glowy Super Gel. A celebration of luminosity in every form. ✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/a-night-to-glow-inside-saies-art-of-glow-celebration/

✍️: Ashley Lopez

-
#SaieBeauty #ArtOfGlow #GlowySuperGel #LAEvents #CleanBeauty #GlowGoals #BeautyMeetsArt #LightUpLA
@mileycyrus steps into her pop opera era with Some @mileycyrus steps into her pop opera era with Something Beautiful — a 55-minute visual album that blurs the line between music, film, and fantasy. Premiered at Tribeca, now playing on the biggest screen: herself. 🎬✨ 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/high-energy-higher-fashion-miley-cyruss-pop-opera-something-beautiful/

✍️: Jesse Kosierowski

-
#MileyCyrus #SomethingBeautiful #VisualAlbum #PopOpera #Tribeca2025 #EditorialMoment #MusicAndFilm #FashionInFilm
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch