Romulus’ Director Fede Álvarez’s Past Hits and Where to Watch Them

Alien: Romulus, which is set between Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979) and James Cameron’s Aliens (1986), is already making waves at the box office after its preview night. If you’re excited for more from the franchise after watching the Fede Álvarez-directed film and are waiting for FX’s Alien TV series, there’s more from this horror maestro to explore.

The Uruguayan director, known for his terrifying onscreen creations, has written, produced, and directed numerous Spanish-language titles and shorts. He’s also delivered several U.S.-based hits that are worth streaming.

Álvarez’s skill in building tension is evident in the thriller Don’t Breathe (2016). The film follows a trio of burglars who encounter more than they expected when they break into a blind veteran’s home, played by Stephen Lang. The movie features Jane Levy as Rocky, a character you’d both want to rely on and be wary of. Co-stars include Dylan Minnette, Daniel Zovatto, and a memorable, cursed turkey baster. The film grossed $157 million worldwide on a $9.9 million budget and is available for rental on Prime Video/Amazon and Apple TV+. Try not to hold your breath while watching.

Another notable work by Álvarez is Evil Dead (2013), a reboot that successfully reinvigorated the franchise. The film stars Jane Levy as a drug addict whose experiences with the Necronomicon’s ill effects are dismissed by her friends and family as hallucinations. While it might not feature the best chainsaw use in the franchise, it does provide a gasp-inducing moment. Evil Dead grossed $97 million worldwide on a $17 million budget and is available to stream on Max and Hulu.

For those interested in exploring more of Álvarez’s work, The Girl In The Spider’s Web (2018) is a worthy addition. Although it didn’t achieve blockbuster success or critical acclaim, it offers a brutal and shocking continuation of the Lisbeth Salander saga. Claire Foy takes on the role of Lisbeth, pitted against her twin, Camilla, portrayed by Sylvia Hoeks. This film can also be streamed on Hulu.