Hey guys, let's dive into the critical reception of Alien: Covenant on Rotten Tomatoes. When a highly anticipated film like this drops, everyone's buzzing about what the critics are saying, and Rotten Tomatoes is usually the first stop for a quick temperature check. So, what did the reviewers make of Ridley Scott's return to the Alien universe after Prometheus? Did it live up to the legacy, or did it fall flat? We're going to break down the Rotten Tomatoes score for Alien: Covenant, explore the general sentiment, and see if the audience scores matched the critics. This is your go-to for understanding how this sci-fi horror flick was received by the folks who watch movies for a living.

What's the Verdict? The Rotten Tomatoes Score

Alright, let's get straight to it: the Rotten Tomatoes score for Alien: Covenant landed with a bit of a mixed reaction. The film currently sits at a 51% Tomatometer score, which means it's officially Rotten. Ouch. This score is based on a significant number of reviews, so it's not just a fluke. It indicates that, on average, critics were divided, with a slight lean towards a negative consensus. For a franchise with such a dedicated fanbase and a rich history, a 'Rotten' rating is always a tough pill to swallow. It suggests that while some critics found elements to praise, a substantial portion felt the film didn't quite hit the mark. This is often the case with sequels that try to expand a universe – they can either elevate the lore or get lost in their own ambition. In the case of Alien: Covenant, the critics seemed to lean towards the latter, leading to this middling score. It's important to remember that Rotten Tomatoes aggregates a lot of different opinions, so within that 51%, there are definitely some positive reviews that appreciated specific aspects, but the overall trend pointed towards disappointment for many.

Critical Consensus: What Were the Main Criticisms?

So, why did Alien: Covenant end up with a Rotten Tomatoes score that wasn't exactly stellar? Diving deeper into the critical consensus reveals a few recurring themes. Many critics felt that while the film delivered on the gore and creature feature elements that fans expect from the Alien franchise, it struggled with its narrative coherence and character development. Some reviewers pointed out that the film felt like a bridge between Prometheus and the original Alien, and as a standalone story, it didn't quite stand on its own two feet. The philosophical musings, a hallmark of Ridley Scott's recent sci-fi endeavors, were also a point of contention. While some appreciated the attempt to delve into deeper themes of creation, faith, and humanity, others found them heavy-handed, overly expositional, or simply unoriginal, especially following Prometheus. The pacing was another common critique; some felt the film dragged in parts, while others found the explosive moments not quite impactful enough. Michael Fassbender's dual performance as the androids David and Walter was frequently highlighted as a strong point, often saving scenes from falling completely flat. However, even his compelling performance couldn't entirely lift the film above its perceived narrative weaknesses for a majority of critics. The disappointment often stemmed from expectations; fans were hoping for a return to the visceral terror of the original, or at least a satisfying continuation of the Prometheus storyline, and many felt Covenant missed the mark on both fronts, leaving them wanting more substance and less predictable scares.

Audience Score vs. Critic Score: How Did Viewers React?

Now, let's talk about how the general audience chimed in. Often, there's a significant gap between what critics think and what the moviegoing public enjoys, and the Rotten Tomatoes score for Alien: Covenant shows this divide, though perhaps not as dramatically as some might expect. While the critics' score sits at a 'Rotten' 51%, the Audience Score for Alien: Covenant is a slightly more favorable 65%. This means that while a majority of critics weren't thrilled, a larger percentage of audiences actually found the film to be at least decent. This 14% difference is quite telling. It suggests that perhaps the film's strengths, like its visual style, its creature effects, and its sheer intensity, resonated more with general moviegoers than with critics who might be looking for deeper thematic resonance or more innovative storytelling. Some viewers might have appreciated the callbacks to the original Alien and the exploration of the xenomorph's origins, even if critics found these elements derivative. The visceral horror and the suspenseful sequences likely provided the thrills many fans were seeking. However, a 65% audience score still isn't exactly a ringing endorsement. It hovers in the 'fresh' but not 'certified fresh' territory, indicating a lukewarm reception from the masses as well. So, while the audience score is higher than the critic score, it still implies that Alien: Covenant wasn't the universally beloved sequel many hoped for, leaving a significant portion of the fanbase somewhat underwhelmed, despite enjoying certain aspects more than the critics did.

Box Office Performance: Did It Make a Splash?

Following the critical reception and audience scores, it's natural to wonder how Alien: Covenant performed at the box office. Unfortunately, the financial results were also somewhat disappointing, especially considering the film's budget and the power of the Alien franchise. The film grossed approximately $240 million worldwide against a production budget of around $97 million (before marketing costs). While this might sound like a decent return, it's considered a underperformance for a major studio tentpole like this. Sequels, especially in established franchises, are expected to perform significantly better than their predecessors, and Covenant fell short of Prometheus's worldwide gross of $403 million. This box office performance is often a direct reflection of the buzz and positive word-of-mouth generated by a film. A mixed-to-negative critical reception and a lukewarm audience score rarely translate into blockbuster numbers. The Rotten Tomatoes score undoubtedly played a role in deterring some potential viewers, as many moviegoers do consult review aggregator sites before deciding to purchase tickets. For a film aiming to revitalize a beloved franchise and pave the way for future installments, its financial performance raised concerns about the future direction of the series. The perceived failure to capture a broad audience's imagination meant that discussions about subsequent Alien films became uncertain, leaving fans in limbo about what to expect next from Ridley Scott's ambitious prequel saga.

Legacy and Future of the Alien Franchise

So, where does Alien: Covenant leave the iconic Alien franchise? Given its mixed Rotten Tomatoes score, underwhelming box office performance, and divisive reception among fans, the future of Ridley Scott's prequel series seemed uncertain for quite some time. Initially, Scott had plans for multiple sequels to Covenant, aiming to bridge the gap more directly to the original 1979 film. However, the film's performance put those ambitious plans on hold. The subsequent acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney also cast a shadow over the R-rated horror franchise, as Disney's brand is typically associated with more family-friendly content. While Disney has stated they are open to R-rated films from their acquired studios, the financial realities of Covenant likely tempered enthusiasm for further exploration of this specific narrative path. Instead, the focus seems to have shifted. We've seen a Predator franchise revival and, more recently, a new Alien movie directed by Fede Álvarez, titled Alien: Romulus, which is reportedly set between the events of the first two films and aims to recapture the original's horror-centric feel. This new direction suggests a move away from the philosophical complexities of Prometheus and Covenant and a return to the survival-horror roots that made the franchise a legend. Whether Covenant's legacy will be revisited or if it simply stands as a cautionary tale in the franchise's long history remains to be seen, but its impact on the series' trajectory is undeniable.

Final Thoughts on Alien: Covenant's Reception

In conclusion, guys, the Rotten Tomatoes score for Alien: Covenant tells a story of a film that tried to do a lot but ultimately left critics and a significant portion of the audience wanting more. Landing in 'Rotten' territory with a 51% Tomatometer score, it faced criticism for narrative issues and pacing, despite acknowledging strong performances, particularly from Michael Fassbender. The audience score offered a slightly more forgiving view at 65%, suggesting some viewers connected with the film's horror elements and visual spectacle. However, neither score was a resounding success, and this translated into a box office performance that failed to meet expectations, casting a shadow over the planned sequels. The Alien franchise has since pivoted, with new projects aiming to recapture the franchise's original terror. Alien: Covenant remains a fascinating, albeit flawed, entry that sparked debate about where the series should go. It's a prime example of how even beloved franchises can struggle to find their footing in modern cinema, and how critical reception, audience scores, and box office results all intertwine to shape the future of Hollywood blockbusters. It definitely gives us plenty to chew on when discussing the evolution of sci-fi horror cinema.