Set 20,000 years ago during the Upper Paleolithic period in Europe, Alpha tells the story of a young man, Keda, and his unlikely friendship with a wolf that would change the course of human history. The film explores themes of survival, courage, and the origins of the bond between humans and dogs.
Keda, the teenage son of a tribal leader, is left for dead after a dangerous hunting expedition goes wrong. Struggling to survive in the harsh wilderness, Keda encounters an injured wolf who has been abandoned by its pack. As they heal together, the boy and the wolf develop a mutual trust and form an extraordinary bond. Together, they navigate unforgiving landscapes, face numerous dangers, and rely on one another to make it back to Keda’s home before the onset of winter.
Plot of Alpha
Keda (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is a young hunter-in-training, eager to prove his worth to his father, Tau (Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson), the chief of their tribe. Keda joins the men of his tribe on a bison hunt, a rite of passage to demonstrate his strength and courage. However, during the hunt, Keda is thrown off a cliff by a bison and presumed dead by the tribe.
Keda survives the fall but is left injured and stranded far from home. As he struggles to find his way back, he encounters a pack of wolves and injures one in self-defense. Unable to kill the wounded animal, Keda tends to the wolf’s injuries, naming it “Alpha.” Over time, Keda and Alpha form a bond based on trust and cooperation, helping each other hunt, find shelter, and fend off predators.
The journey is fraught with challenges, including harsh weather, treacherous terrain, and dangerous animals. Through their shared hardships, Keda and Alpha forge a friendship that transcends species, demonstrating resilience and mutual reliance. The film culminates in a triumphant return to Keda’s village, where Alpha gives birth to a litter of puppies, symbolizing the beginning of the domestication of wolves into dogs.
Review of Alpha
Alpha received praise for its stunning visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and unique premise of exploring the origins of the human-canine bond. However, the film’s slow pacing and minimal dialogue divided some viewers.
Strengths:
- Cinematography: The film’s breathtaking visuals, shot in Alberta, Canada, and Iceland, immerse the audience in the prehistoric wilderness. The sweeping landscapes and detailed depiction of survival in the Ice Age create a visually arresting experience.
- Emotional Core: The relationship between Keda and Alpha is the heart of the story, delivering moments of warmth, trust, and companionship.
- Authenticity: The use of a constructed prehistoric language (with subtitles) adds to the film’s immersive quality and historical authenticity.
Criticisms:
- Pacing: Some viewers found the pacing slow, as the film focuses heavily on atmosphere and visuals rather than fast-moving action.
- Predictability: The story adheres to familiar survival and adventure tropes, which some critics felt made the plot predictable.
Overall, Alpha was well-received by audiences looking for a visually beautiful and emotionally resonant survival tale.
Awards for Alpha
Though Alpha did not win any major awards, it was recognized for its technical achievements:
- Nominated: Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature – Visual Effects Society Awards (2019)
- Praised for its use of visual effects and cinematography, particularly in creating realistic prehistoric animals and landscapes.
Popularity of Alpha
Alpha was a moderate box office success, grossing approximately $99.6 million worldwide against a production budget of $51 million. It resonated with audiences who enjoyed survival stories and the exploration of the human-animal bond, particularly dog lovers.
The film remains popular among fans of historical adventure dramas and those drawn to visually captivating stories. Its family-friendly tone and inspiring themes have made it a favorite for viewers seeking uplifting survival narratives.
Additional Details of Alpha
- Production Companies: Studio 8, Columbia Pictures, The Picture Company
- Music: Joseph S. DeBeasi
- Cinematography: Martin Gschlacht
- Filming Locations: Alberta (Canada), Iceland
- Availability: Widely available on streaming platforms and digital rental services.
Alpha is a touching and visually stunning film that offers a fresh take on the survival genre while exploring the origins of one of humanity’s most enduring friendships. Alpha is a 2018 American prehistoric adventure film directed by Albert Hughes and written by Daniele Sebastian Wiedenhaupt, from a story by Hughes.
Director: Albert Hughes
Screenplay: Daniele Sebastian Wiedenhaupt
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Survival
Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson,
Release Date: August 17, 2018 (United States)
Runtime: 96 minutes
Language: English (with some fictional prehistoric languages)
