Alien: Covenant is a 2017 science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott, serving as the sequel to Prometheus (2012) and the sixth main installment in the Alien franchise. The film is set in 2104, a decade after the events of Prometheus, and follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant, which is bound for a remote planet on the far side of the galaxy. The crew, consisting of married couples and androids, discovers what they believe to be an uncharted paradise but soon realizes it is a dangerous world inhabited by the synthetic David, a survivor of the doomed Prometheus expedition.
The film stars Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, and Carmen Ejogo, among others. It blends intense sci-fi action with horror elements, exploring themes of creation, humanity, and survival. Alien: Covenant is rated R for sci-fi violence, bloody images, language, and some sexuality/nudity, making it unsuitable for younger audiences. Parents should be aware of the graphic content, including scenes of gore, intense violence, and brief sexual material.
The movie has been praised for its visuals and suspenseful sequences but criticized for its dark and depressing tone. It serves as a prequel to the original 1979 Alien film, bridging the gap between Prometheus and the classic Alien storyline. However, due to its mature themes and graphic content, parents are advised to exercise discretion when deciding whether to allow their children to watch it.
Key points for parents to consider include:
- Graphic violence and gore, including scenes of aliens bursting from body cavities and bloody deaths.
- Some sexual content, such as a brief nude scene in a shower and suggestive dialogue.
- Strong language and mature themes that may not be appropriate for younger viewers.
Alien: Covenant is a thrilling yet unsettling addition to the Alien franchise, offering fans of the series a deeper understanding of the origins of the deadly xenomorphs. However, its intense and mature content makes it a film that requires careful consideration for family viewing.