After going outside the box a bit for a few films, the “Alien” franchise finally returns to its roots with “Alien:Romulus.”

The result is one of the best in the franchise since “Aliens,” with co-writer/director Fede Alvarez crafting a film that feels like the early days of the franchise – a stripped to the bone, no frills, white-knuckle thriller that is very effective.

It is appropriate that “Romulus” is set snuggling in the timeline between the original “Alien” and its 1986 sequel, because this feels like a film that could have been easily made in that time period.

“Romulus” follows Rain (Cailee Spaeny), an orphaned miner living on a remote planet with a glitchy synthetic named Andy (David Jonsson). Rain is looking for a way to escape her contract for the company in charge of the minds and finally break free of this dreary planet that never sees sunlight.

Rain is given a chance to perhaps make that dream a reality when her ex-boyfriend Tyler (Archie Renaux) and his three friends approach her about boarding an abandoned space station hovering above the planet and taking the cryostasis chambers that would allow everyone a chance to travel to the other end of the galaxy.

Rain agrees to join the group, but things take a turn for the worse when they board the station and discover there is something still alive onboard – ready to feed off the unsuspecting trespassers.

Alvarez co-wrote the screenplay with longtime collaborator Rodo Sayagues (the team behind the “Don’t Breathe” films and the 2013 “Evil Dead” remake). The strength of all three of those films was the way the stories built tension, something that is a strength of “Romulus” as well.

As a director, Alvarez has shown the ability to get the most out of a claustrophobic setting, and he gets a chance to play to that strength quite well here – with a couple of fun sequences that pay homage to some of the iconic moments in the first two films in the franchise.

Spaeny continues to build a distinct resume, establishing herself as a credible action star. The rest of the cast is fine as well. Jonsson’s android grew on me as the film progressed, with the character allowed to evolve in a way that makes up for a rather tepid introduction.

Among the other crew members, Isabela Merced is the standout.

Some might object to the use of the late Ian Holm as an android on the space station (Holm’s character was recreated using A.I.). I think it works here, not just as a nod to the original film, but as a way to advance the narrative in a positive direction.

Ultimately, the success of “Alien:Romulus” boils down to one simple criteria – is it a worthy addition to a mostly successful franchise? The answer is a resounding yes – a creative new chapter that keeps the franchise moving forward.

Starring: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson

Directed by: Fede Alvarez

Rating: R for bloody violent content and language

Playing at: Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas (Glasgow)

Grade: B