THE SEARCH FOR OUR BEGINNING COULD LEAD TO OUR END.

In the 2090s, the Prometheus is carrying a scientific expedition into outer space, heading for an Earth-like moon that could harbor clues to the beginning of mankind.

Director Ridley Scott’s return to the Alien franchise is in the form of a 3D prequel exploring philosophical themes (in the vein of co-writer Damon Lindelof’s TV show Lost) as well as offering fans of the franchise recognizable tidbits and a few gross-out horror sequences. Intriguing, to be sure, and exciting right up till the final half-hour when Scott almost seems to lose control of the whole enterprise.

Strikingly designed, and boosted by Michael Fassbender and Charlize Theron’s chilly performances.

2012-U.S. 123 min. Color. Widescreen. Produced by David Giler, Walter Hill, Ridley Scott, Tony Scott. Directed by Ridley Scott. Screenplay: Jon Spaihts, Damon Lindelof. Cinematography: Dariusz Wolski. Cast: Noomi Rapace (Elizabeth Shaw), Michael Fassbender (David), Charlize Theron (Meredith Vickers), Guy Pearce, Idris Elba, Logan Marshall-Green, Rafe Spall… Patrick Wilson.

Trivia: Initially, Scott worked with James Cameron on ideas for this film. Carey Mulligan, Anne Hathaway and Natalie Portman were considered for the lead role. Alien designer H.R. Giger worked on the film. Followed by Alien: Covenant (2017). 

Last word: “The similarity between Elizabeth Shaw and Ripley is only by definition – that there’s a female in the lead. I wasn’t looking to repeat anything. I came across Noomi by accident when I was watching The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo about two years ago and was pretty taken with this little punk in the lead who seemed to own the street. As a protagonist, she’s a very physical woman who’s almost as agile as an acrobat and keeps herself enormously fit.” (Ridley Scott, The Daily Beast)