“In space, no one can hear you scream,” was the tagline for the original “Alien” in 1979, a chilling notion on multiple levels.

There might be a scientific basis for a space scream being inaudible, but isn't it more terrifying to simply recognize that no one is around to hear you? That was the reality for Sigourney Weaver's Ripley, when she became the sole survivor against the formidable Xenomorph. No one could hear her scream — no human, that is — because, obviously, everyone else was dead.

In any case, hearing won’t be a problem here on Earth at any multiplex showing “Alien: Romulus,” the highly anticipated new installment to the “Alien” franchise (not a sequel, but we’ll get to that in a minute.) This is a very large, very (very!) loud, very jumpy horror flick, and the screams will come, and they’ll be audible. Which is precisely what “Alien” fans are surely waiting for.

And speaking of Ripley, neither she (nor Weaver) is present in this new iteration by Fede Álvarez, more akin in tone to the horror roots of Ridley Scott's original than James Cameron's more action-oriented 1986 “Aliens.” But now we have Rain Carradine, portrayed by rising star Cailee Spaeny (“Priscilla”), a new-generation Ripley in everything but name. Spaeny embraces the role of a tough space warrior with confidence, and is easily the highlight of a film that, like the 1979 original, lacks in character development.

There are numerous other parallels (and knowing winks) to the original (Scott is a co-producer here). But as we said, don't label it a sequel. In fact, it's an “interquel,” which wouldn't be a bad horror film title in itself. The dictionary defines it as neither sequel nor prequel, but rather a “middlequel” between installments, known as “quels.”

Just kidding! It's not in the dictionary. But it's worth noting that Álvarez, by placing his movie between existing versions to form a new trilogy, while also aiming for standalone entertainment, risks some tonal inconsistency. Not that you'll be able to hear your thoughts, if this happens to you.

The concept is fresh, in a way. Álvarez, who co-wrote the script with Rodo Sayagues, has mentioned he drew inspiration from a deleted scene in Cameron's film, depicting young children among workers in a mining colony, and pondering what their lives would be like as adults.

From the start, we learn: life is bleak indeed in the colony on Jackson’s Star, owned by the exploitative Weyland-Yutani corporation.

Rain’s parents, miners, have passed away from respiratory illnesses. They’ve left her a caring brother, Andy, who is actually a “synthetic,” or humanoid robot. The “human” aspect is essential because it allows David Jonsson, in the role, to connect with the audience in a way that otherwise only Spaeny does — the rest of the cast is given virtually no opportunity to shine.

In any case, their time on Jackson’s Star is short-lived. After Rain is denied a travel permit to finally escape the harsh conditions of the colony, she and Andy join a risky endeavor.

There’s a (supposedly) decommissioned space station hovering above, and if they can plunder it for equipment and other valuables, they can bypass the agonizing wait for permits and finally reach a new home. So, reluctantly, the two join the others — Rain’s former boyfriend Tyler (Archie Renaux), his sister Kay (Isabela Merced), Bjorn (Spike Fearn) and Navarro (Aileen Wu) — on a turbulent journey to the Renaissance station.

Surely we’re not revealing too much to say that it’s best not to get too attached to anyone.

We all know what's waiting in the shadows, right? The opening scene gives us a glimpse with the dilapidated space station, bearing a striking resemblance to the doomed USCSS Nostromo from the original film.

We didn't need any hints, though. This is an "Alien" movie, and it's all about the Xenomorph, the terrifying creature known for its diabolical perfection. It thrives in any atmosphere and, of course, multiplies in the most unsettling ways.

The real party, or the real movie, starts when the creatures arrive. And they do. There's been a lot of talk about the film's reliance on practical effects, instead of CGI. The actors have said this, along with shooting the film linearly, helped them truly capture the horror needed for their roles.

Does this elevate the film above its predecessors? Like many franchises that depend on a devoted fanbase, that really depends on your perspective. Fans of the original will appreciate the numerous homages to the first film (and perhaps be relieved to see no gratuitous skimpy panty scenes this time). Fans of Cameron's vision will enjoy the action that unfolds later in the film.

Some will applaud the wild, outlandish, creative, and possibly ridiculous twist of those final moments, though I won't spoil it for you. Others might even laugh instead of scream.

It's all good, though. In the vastness of space, probably no one can hear you laugh either.

“Alien: Romulus,” a 20th-Century Studios release, has received an R rating from the Motion Picture Association “for graphic violence and strong language. “ Running time: 119 minutes. Two stars out of four.