Alien: Monday – A Haunting Retro-Futuristic Fan Film That Captures the Essence of a Classic
It’s a universally accepted truth that Mondays suck. But not all of us take our Mondays working in space, and even less of us take them with the surprise, horrifying arrival of a Xenomorph. So some Mondays definitely suck more than others.
That’s the premise behind "Alien: Monday," a brilliantly creepy fan film that captures the essence of Ridley Scott’s 1979 masterpiece, "Alien," and transports it to a retro-futuristic anime-inspired world. Co-directed by Paul "OtaKing" Johnson and Claudia "Maki" Montealegre, the nearly 20-minute short took Johnson six years to animate, and it’s a testament to his dedication to capturing the visual language of both classic science fiction and the golden age of anime.
Johnson’s previous viral smash hit "TIE Fighter," a tribute to the legendary "Star Wars" simulator video game released in 2012, showcased a similar blend of bright and bold anime coloration and retrofuturistic design. "Alien: Monday" further solidifies his mastery in this style, offering a unique and compelling interpretation of the "Alien" universe.
"Alien: Monday" starts with a group of astronauts aboard the "Essex", a spacefaring vessel reminiscent of the "Nostromo" from the original film. The crew’s Mondays are anything but routine, however. As they head towards LV-426, the infamous moon where the first Xenomorph was discovered, their communication system malfunctions, and their mission quickly devolves into a struggle for survival against a deadly, unknown creature.
"Alien: Monday" cleverly uses the retrofuturistic aesthetic to build atmosphere and tension. The animation style, heavily influenced by anime masters like Yoshiaki Kawajiri and Hideaki Anno, juxtaposes vibrant, almost cartoonish visuals with a chilling sense of dread. The film’s color palette is rich and saturated, reminiscent of 1980s sci-fi films and anime, with shades of blue, red, and yellow dominating the visuals. This visual language creates a sense of unease, as the characters navigate the vessel’s corridors and deal with the ever-present threat of the lurking Xenomorph.
The film also excels in its sound design. The atmospheric score, a haunting blend of electronic and orchestral music, constantly builds tension, punctuated by the chilling screech of the Xenomorph and the clatter of the ship’s machinery. The film’s sound design perfectly complements the visuals, creating a truly immersive experience for the viewer.
"Alien: Monday" also expertly captures the essence of the original "Alien" film through its narrative. It explores themes of isolation, paranoia, and the inherent dangers of space exploration, all while paying homage to the original film’s iconic elements. The characters, while not directly based on the original film’s crew, are all engaging and relatable, and the film effectively explores their fear and determination as they face their inevitable confrontation with the monstrous Xenomorph.
The short also cleverly incorporates iconic imagery from "Alien," including the "Nostromo" and the "Space Jockey", albeit redesigned in the film’s retrofuturistic style. These subtle nods to the original film further enhance the film’s nostalgic charm and appeal to fans of the franchise.
"Alien: Monday" also showcases strong character development. The story centers on a group of astronauts, each with their own motivations and personalities. While we only get a glimpse of their backstories, we can feel their camaraderie, their fear, and their struggle to survive against the terrifying alien threat.
"Alien: Monday" isn’t just a fan film; it’s a meticulously crafted exploration of the "Alien" universe. Its retrofuturistic aesthetic and strong narrative make it a unique and captivating addition to the franchise’s lore. It successfully captures the essence of the original film while forging its own path, offering a fresh perspective on the familiar themes of alien horror.
Beyond its artistic merit, "Alien: Monday" also showcases the potential of independent filmmaking in the age of digital technology. The film is a testament to the power of passion and creativity, proving that with the right vision and dedication, even a fan project can achieve profound artistic merit.
"Alien: Monday" is a must-watch for fans of the "Alien" franchise and admirers of retrofuturistic anime. It’s a haunting, visually stunning, and narratively engaging short film that reimagines the classic "Alien" narrative while retaining its core essence: the terrifying encounter with a creature that embodies the ultimate otherness.
As "Alien: Romulus" prepares to take audiences on a new journey into the "Alien" universe, "Alien: Monday" provides a compelling and nostalgic reminder of what makes this franchise so enduring. Its focus on a group of astronauts and their struggle against a deadly alien creature resonates with audiences today, and its unique style showcases the beauty and power of independent filmmaking.
"Alien: Monday" is a captivating testament to the enduring appeal of the "Alien" franchise – a reminder that no matter where we are in the universe, Mondays still suck, especially when a Xenomorph is lurking around the corner.
