Alien: Romulus Clip Channels Director Fede Alvarez’s Past Work

The tagline for the original 1979 Alien film famously said that “in space, no one can hear you scream.” What that expression neglected to mention is that the Xenomorphs appear to have very good hearing, and they seem to pick up on almost every sound in a spaceship or colony. That ability is on full display in a new preview clip from the next film in the franchise, Alien: Romulus.

The clip features Isabela Merced as Kay, one of the ill-fated group of young people who thought it would be a good idea to scavenge materials from derelict ships. In this scene, Kay is unarmed and attempting to slip by a Xenomorph. And the alien in question seems to be actively looking for Kay and listening intently as she tries to stay as quiet as possible. It’s reminiscent of the way Jane Levy’s character hid from Don’t Breathe’s blind killer, Norman Nordstrom (Stephen Lang).

Regardless of Kay’s best efforts, she’s still caught off guard when a Xenomorph appears close by and drags away two bodies. It’s difficult to tell if the bodies came from Kay’s crew or if they were originally stationed on the ship that’s now overrun by facehuggers and Xenomorphs.

Cailee Spaeny also stars in the film as Rain Carradine alongside David Jonsson as Andy, Archie Renaux as Tyler, Spike Fearn as Bjorn, and Aileen Wu as Navarro. Don’t Breathe and Evil Dead helmer Fede Álvarez directed Alien: Romulus from a script that he co-wrote with Rodo Sayagues. The film will hit theaters on August 16.