Prometheushas been one of theAlienfranchise’s most underrated entries for over a decade, and I’m glad it’s finally getting the appreciation it deserves. WhenPrometheusarrived in 2012, it was one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year. It was the firstAlienmovie in 15 years, and it markedRidley Scott’s long-awaited return to the franchise. The series really needed a win after thedisappointment of 1997’sAlien Resurrection, andPrometheusset out to revitalize the film series with a prequel storyline digging into the complicated origin story of the xenomorph species.
AlthoughPrometheuswas a box office success, it was met with a polarized response from both fans and critics.Prometheushas a 73% critics score and a 68% audience scoreonRotten Tomatoes. These aren’t terrible ratings, but they indicate a much more mixed response than the near-perfect 90-something scores forAlienandAliens. In the years since,Prometheushas remained one of the most underappreciated films in theAliensaga. Now, thanks to a couple of well-placedreferences inAlien: Romulus, however,Prometheusis finally getting the admiration it deserves – and I couldn’t be happier.
Why Prometheus Was Met With Mixed Reactions Upon Release
The xenomorphs didn’t need an origin story (and the characters make stupid decisions)
There were a few reasons whyPrometheuspolarized audiences upon its release. The biggest complaint aboutPrometheus– and one that I kind of agree with – is that the premise is fundamentally flawed. The xenomorphs worked perfectly well as a mysterious otherworldly killing machine that exists in the deepest depths of outer space. Explaining where they came from eliminated all the mystery surrounding these iconic monsters. On top of that,someAlienfans were disappointed thatPrometheusis more of a philosophical science fiction epic than a straightforward horror filmlikeScott’s well-loved originalAlienmovie.
Prometheus: Why The Engineers Were Heading To Earth
In Ridley Scott’s Prometheus, why were the primordial beings known as the Engineers planning on heading to Earth before they were attacked?
Although the actors were praised for their performances,Prometheus' characters were criticized for making stupid decisions: a supposedly intelligent botanist decides to pet an angry space cobra. Meanwhile, apparently brilliant scientists run in a straight line while a narrow spaceship falls on them instead of turning to the left or the right. When the plot relies on smart characters doing stupid things, it tends to distract the audience. Plus, while it promised to answer all theAlienfranchise’s unanswered questions,Prometheusended up asking more questions than it answered.
Prometheus Was A Massively Underrated Chapter In The Alien Franchise
Prometheus isn’t perfect, but it’s much better than its reputation would suggest
While the criticisms levied atPrometheusare certainly valid, it’s not a bad movie by any means. Regardless if the xenomorphs needed an origin story or not, it’s a delight to see a large-scale sci-fi extravaganza directed by Scott. He is one of the masters of the genre, and inPrometheus, he transports audiences to a truly alien world with stunning visuals.Michael Fassbender gives a captivating performanceasthe crew’s cold, calculating android, David, and Noomi Rapace is a worthy stand-in for Ellen Ripley as the sole survivor, Elizabeth Shaw.
Prometheusset up anAlienprequel trilogy, but it was canceled after its second installment,Alien: Covenant,was released in 2017.
Body horror has always been a key element of theAliensaga. The first film’s chestburster scene practically defined the subgenre. Interestingly,Prometheushas one of the franchise’s most chilling body horror sequences. When Shaw is impregnated with a creepy squid creature, she performs a gruesome abortion procedure on herself. Scott’s command of the tension and gore in this scene makes it every bit as terrifying as that ofthe original chestburster. It might not be perfect, butPrometheusis a lot better than its reputation would suggest.
Why Prometheus Is Finally Getting More Appreciation Now
Alien: Romulus has vindicated some Prometheus lore
Thanks to the blockbuster success ofAlien: Romulus,Prometheusis finally starting to get the appreciation it deserves.Alien: Romulushas a nod toPrometheuslorewhen the Renaissance station’s android Rook describes the xenomorph-human hybrid DNA as “Prometheus fire.” This suggestion that Weyland-Yutani was experimenting with xenomorph DNA to create the perfect organism tied back to Scott’s underrated prequel. That isn’t the only way thatAlien: Romulushas vindicatedPrometheus.Ironically, theflaws ofAlien: Romulushave highlighted the strengths ofPrometheus, too.
The Fate of Prometheus' First Xenomorph Was Too Gruesome For The Movie
The fate of Alien’s first Xenomorph, the Deacon, was left open-ended in the film Prometheus, but the comic book sequel explained what happened to it.
For the most part,Alien: Romulusis a greatAlienmovie– the jump scares, the used-future production design, and the third-act twist are all spot-on. If I have one complaint, however, it’s that it’s overly reverent of the previous movies. With recycled shots and repeated lines of dialogue,Alien: Romulusplays as a sort of greatest-hits montageoftheAlienfranchise’s best moments. So, while it’s a weak narrative on its own, these homages and references have made it easier to appreciatePrometheus.
Prometheus
Cast
Prometheus, released in 2012, is a science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott. It follows a team of explorers as they uncover clues about humanity’s origins, embarking on a perilous interstellar expedition where they confront formidable challenges to secure the future of mankind.
