Introduction

Alien Covenant, a sci-fi film directed by the legendary Ridley Scott, poses a series of intriguing questions about plot construction and its impact on storytelling. This essay seeks to delve into the Publishers Weekly-documented aspects of the film's plot, particularly focusing on the controversies surrounding its narrative choices and the implications for narrative coherence.

The Plot of Alien Covenant

The plot of Alien Covenant revolves around a spacecraft encountering multiple ailments, both physical and existential, leading to a narrative that some find lacking in substance. Critics often invoke the term PDBS: Plot Driven By Stupidity, suggesting that the film relies heavily on the characters’ actions being unreasonably stupid to move the story forward. For instance, the ship's inability to store excess power and the crew's failure to hear distress signals until outside the spaceship are prime examples of PDBS.

The Space Journey and Coincidence

The journey of the crew on the Covenant to a new planet is often seen as a massive stroke of luck. The ship happens to stumble upon the planet where Walter’s brother David is, seemingly out of one in a trillion chances. This coincidence is a central element of the plot, but it’s often questioned whether such a significant event was premeditated or simply a consequence of PDBS. Moreover, the Exomorphs', despite their inhuman intelligence, are used as a catalyst for PDBS, rather than as an engaging narrative element. The reason for the Exomorphs not laying a trap in space is left vague, further emphasizing the lack of rational explanation in the plot.

Character Motivations and Development

The characters, particularly Walter and David, are often viewed as different versions of the same android line, with Publishers Weekly suggesting that their relationships are symbolic rather than grounded in complex character interactions. The film's portrayal of David and Walter's interactions, even their flute solo, is often seen as a disjointed narrative episode rather than a meaningful development in character dynamics. The random characters going off and dying one by one further reinforces the impression that events in the film occur due to PDBS rather than deeper narrative significance.

Revisiting Ridley Scott’s Intentions

While the film has been criticized for its reliance on PDBS, it is worth noting that Ridley Scott and his co-writer David Lindloff had their reasons for crafting the narrative in such a manner. In Alien Covenant, they aimed to create a space horror experience that hinges on elements such as surprise, suspense, and the unexpected. The ship's encounter with David and the subsequent events are part of a larger, albeit flawed, narrative aimed at engaging the audience with its unique blend of suspense and alien terror.

Nevertheless, the film's reliance on coincidence and PDBS does detract from what could have been a more cohesive and meaningful narrative. This raises a broader question: how much reliance on plot PDBS can a filmmaker have in creating a compelling and engaging story?

Conclusion

Alien Covenant is undoubtedly an entertaining entry in the Alien franchise, offering a unique and terrifying experience. However, its reliance on PDBS to drive the plot raises questions about narrative coherence and the impact of such storytelling techniques. While critics may find fault with the script, the underlying intent—creating a thrilling space horror movie—remains clear. This analysis serves as a critical examination of the film's narrative structure and its impact on the overall viewing experience.

Please note: The content is based on the provided context and does not necessarily reflect the actual author's viewpoint or the official stance of Ridley Scott or any other copyright holders.