Alien: Covenant is a 2017 science fiction horror film directed and produced by Ridley Scott.
It serves as a sequel to Prometheus (2012) and the second installment in the Alien prequel series. The film was co-written by John Logan and Dante Harper, and features a cast that includes Michael Fassbender, Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, and Demián Bichir.
The plot follows the crew of the colony ship Covenant, who are on a mission to establish a human colony on a remote planet. During their journey, they discover an uncharted paradise that initially appears to be a perfect world. However, they soon uncover a dark and dangerous reality, as they encounter a synthetic android named David, who survived the events of Prometheus. As the crew faces a terrifying threat, they must fight for their survival against deadly creatures.
Alien: Covenant was produced on a budget estimated between $97 million and $111 million and was released in theaters on May 19, 2017. The film grossed approximately $240.9 million worldwide, which was considered underwhelming compared to its production costs. It received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its visual effects, atmosphere, and Fassbender's performance. However, some critics noted that the film did not significantly advance the narrative of the Alien franchise and echoed some of the shortcomings of its predecessor, Prometheus.
The film's production involved extensive visual effects and was shot in various locations, including New Zealand and Australia. The cinematography was handled by Dariusz Wolski, and the score was composed by Jed Kurzel. Ridley Scott aimed to blend horror and science fiction elements while exploring themes of creation, artificial intelligence, and the nature of humanity.
Despite its mixed reception, Alien: Covenant contributed to the ongoing exploration of the Alien universe, setting the stage for future installments. The film's themes and visuals have sparked discussions among fans and critics, furthering the legacy of the franchise and its impact on the science fiction genre.