This latest instalment in the Alien series is now in cinemas, starring Michael Fassbender. Here is what critics have been saying about it…
Slash Film: “Even if the twists and turns in the plot aren’t too hard to see coming, there’s a distinct joy that Scott takes in setting up and setting off each of those traps.”
Variety: “As acts of creation go, Scott has made an “Alien” movie for that segment of the audience that has always rooted for the monster.”
uk.ign.com: “Covenant’s framework and exciting action put enough new spins on the series’ most reliable touchstones that the cast is able to carry it through to a satisfying end.”
The Telegraph: ***** “Scott’s Alien: Covenant is a mad scientist film – arguably, one of the maddest.”
Rolling Stone: *** “Ridley Scott’s philosophical, perverse addition to sci-fi franchise is the best movie in the series.”
Consequence of Sound: “If there’s anything to take away from Covenant, which is what it might have been called if Hollywood had a spine worth cracking, is that the most intriguing facets have zero to do with anything from the original series.”
NME: **** “If you’ve ever enjoyed an Alien film, this one is worth spending two hours in space for.”
RTE.ie: **** 1/2 “It’s familiar, and sometimes predictable, but it is definitely one that fans have to see and it’s enjoyable despite its flaws.”
AV Club: “One can’t help but wish that Covenant did more with the Lovecraftian aspects of H.R. Giger’s designs for the series’ extraterrestrial creatures and environments. The gaunt, hideous, flesh-ripping xenomorphs seem to hold minimal visual interest for Scott, which makes for an unimaginative climax.”
Hollywood Reporter: ” Gripping through its full two hours and spiked with some real surprises, this beautifully made sci-fi thriller will immeasurably boost fan interest in the run of prequels.”
Empire: *** “Scott is still good at this sci-fi malarkey, be it the big stuff (the Covenant sprouting sails to harness power) or the telling details (alien atoms get highlighted in smoke rings).”
The Daily Mail: **** “This film, with its dripping gore and its nasty frights, is much truer to the spirit of the original Alien.”
Evening Standard: *** “In attempting to play off nostalgia — Alien’s stomach-churning suspense, the electrifying action of Aliens, and the religious gravitas of Prometheus — Scott takes on more than one film could handle, and misses all three.”