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9

MasterRileyAug 29, 2018

Alpha takes place 20,000 years ago during the last ice age. It tells a really touching story about the relationship between a young man and a wolf who must rely on each other in order to survive. It has some really good performances from theAlpha takes place 20,000 years ago during the last ice age. It tells a really touching story about the relationship between a young man and a wolf who must rely on each other in order to survive. It has some really good performances from the actors, beautiful scenery and cinematography, and a lot of heart and emotion through the relationship between the man and the wolf. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys movies with heartfelt stories.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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10

sassymahAug 31, 2018

Alpha is a beautiful movie that depicts a hypothetical story about how the bond between humans & dogs evolved ( with a narrative about a prehistoric boy named Keda and a wolf). It is a must see for animal lovers. The film deserves to makeAlpha is a beautiful movie that depicts a hypothetical story about how the bond between humans & dogs evolved ( with a narrative about a prehistoric boy named Keda and a wolf). It is a must see for animal lovers. The film deserves to make back its production budget and should be viewed on the big screen to truly appreciate it. Chuck, who plays Alpha, did a great job. The cinematography is gorgeous and deserves an Oscar nomination. The scenes with Alpha will warm your heart. There is some heart-pounding action, suspense, tragedy, but ultimately has a happy ending. It is an excellent survival story that illustrates the power, courage, and strength of people as well as animals to overcome adversity to live. I definitely loved this movie far more than The Revenant.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

amehannaNov 20, 2018

There have been many films that visualized the dawn of man, and yet somehow the story of how man domesticated wolf seemed to have slipped past filmmakers – until today.

An epic adventure set in the last Ice Age, ALPHA tells a visuallyThere have been many films that visualized the dawn of man, and yet somehow the story of how man domesticated wolf seemed to have slipped past filmmakers – until today.

An epic adventure set in the last Ice Age, ALPHA tells a visually stunning story that shines a light on the origins of man’s best friend.

What could have been a memorable hear-warming tale, however, becomes a film that solely relies on its visual elements – namely its mise-en-scene and cinematography – instead of first ensuring that it has a powerful narrative.

The story follows young Keda, played beautifully by Kodi-Smit McPhee, as he tries to find his way back home after an accident occurs during a hunt that causes his tribe to mistakenly believe that he is dead.

At his most vulnerable, Keda is attacked by a pack of wolves. In his defense, he seriously wounds the Alpha wolf, which the distraught pack abandons, however, instead of killing it, Keda carries the wolf to a cave where they take shelter. He cautiously heals the wolf’s wound, and in his isolation comes to depend on the creature’s risky, unpredictable companionship.

The narrative’s biggest weakness strangely enough lies with the heavy dialogue which is spoken in a Cro-Magnon type language.

Most films utilize dialogue between characters to push the story forward, in ALPHA’s case, however, the writers should have taken the dialogue out all together and relied on their body language and behaviors in order to build on the narrative.

Young Austrian cinematographer, Martin Gschlacht, is able to make nature a third character in the movie and broadened his cinematographic palette farther.

The film definitely has some of the most breathtaking shots for a film of its kind and both the director and cinematographer take full advantage of the landscape before them.

Although most of the film is practically filmed, there are many VFX (visual effects) shots used from weather to color grading and even some CGI animals.

The animals are very noticeable which is only due to the fact that the frail narrative allows the audience to focus on those minimal details.

Looking past the CGI, ALPHA does have some great practical details like the tribal costumes, tents, and all things relating to the era the narrative is set in is beyond grounded in reality.

The natural elements within the film, from the skies to the changing seasons, all symbolic in their own right, do more than just tell the story, they also layer the film with themes of the unity between man and nature.

ALPHA at its core is an escapist film, like the old campfire stories. The great storytellers told stories around a campfire, and it was a communal experience. That’s why people go to the movies: to laugh together, and cry together, and experience the same thing with strangers in the same room.

To conclude, the film stays real to what could have happened, and at the end there’s this incredible bond between the two characters, man and wolf, which leads to the creation of this relationship we now value more than life itself. If anything, ALPHA is a great tribute to that story and how it may have happened.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

DrSancochoJan 9, 2019

Alpha goes back in time to bring the story of our intricate connection with canines. Dogs are the unsung heroes of the history of human development, and I'm glad to see a movie celebrating this. Alpha plays like a YA version of "TheAlpha goes back in time to bring the story of our intricate connection with canines. Dogs are the unsung heroes of the history of human development, and I'm glad to see a movie celebrating this. Alpha plays like a YA version of "The Revenant", visually stunning and at points poetic.… Expand

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9

AverycrosslinNov 2, 2019

Where should I begin? This movie was awesome. It's a very touching story between a boy and a dog trying to get home to the boy's tribe. They learn to accept each other throughout the journey. The visuals were so stunning that they were justWhere should I begin? This movie was awesome. It's a very touching story between a boy and a dog trying to get home to the boy's tribe. They learn to accept each other throughout the journey. The visuals were so stunning that they were just pure jaw dropping! There is definitely a lot of talent involved in the movie. There is definitely a bit of action in it and for the most part it is very exciting. Alpha is a very gripping and touching movie. Although, I do wish the movie was about 30 minutes longer, it would have added on to the story and would have made it more complete. Other than that, it was a great movie! 9/10 or A-… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

TVJerryAug 20, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is the original story of a boy and his dog. It's set 20,000 years ago, when members of a tribe set off to hunt for food. Thru an unfortunate but spectacular accident, the chief's son finds himself alone…until he helps a wounded wolf and they bond on the perilous trek thru the unrelenting wilds. While there are giant leaps in logic and time (such quick healing!), there's an affecting charm to the story. It's made more effective by Albert Hughes' striking directorial touches and the impressive scenery. Unlike the event itself, this isn't a breakthru movie, but it tells the origin story of dog/man companionship with affection and epic beauty.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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9

DufreshestAug 30, 2018

Cinematography: 8.921/10 Have you ever seen Samsara? Alpha is not as peaceful as Samsara though flows very well though has stuttering moments which make me question purposes of particular camera angles at times in the film. Alpha has so manyCinematography: 8.921/10 Have you ever seen Samsara? Alpha is not as peaceful as Samsara though flows very well though has stuttering moments which make me question purposes of particular camera angles at times in the film. Alpha has so many scenes which look good and does evoke an emotional response from the audience though it is not tear-jerking.

Costume Design: 9.234/10 Decent! Initially, I think the people will be a lot bigger and eventually I start thinking the people might have been hairier too. Otherwise, a lot of the attire in Alpha seems to check out as Paleolithic.

Film Editing: 9.432/10 The majority of the film looks good though I find a few random scenes to look like really awkward breaks from all of the really good scenes concerning visuals, not acting.

Make-up and Hair-styling: 8.799/10 Decent. Simple. Not too complex (not indicative of the effort that it might have taken).

Sound Editing: 8.982/10 Good. If they add a descriptive-narrating voice explaining the background of the era, that'd be it - icing on the cake (slick way to get someone to watch a documentary). Solid for the content.

Visual Effects: 8.794/10 Decent. Still - was that a crystalline saber-toothed tiger? The majority of everything else checks out. Maybe 4K will make a huge difference in a film like this.

Story: 9.219/10 I like the overall message of the film in connection with the tribe and the wolf pack. Were kindred relationships so in the Paleolithic era? I don't know - but, I like the story. It's definitely heartfelt especially for anyone that might have had a good relationship with a pet.

Acting: 9.111/10 The addition of the language makes the acting more effective. It really feels like these actors got into their roles. I didn't feel like I was watching people in existence any longer (except that I knew was).

Personal: Alpha makes me question owning a pet in the future. I've been hearing a new mantra as of recent: 'I don't have kids, I have dogs,' and I don't really have a reaction to it. I feel as though there is a clear difference in loving an animal and loving a human being. Is an animal a cheat way for a different kind of love? Maybe for some people. There's strong emphasis on the importance of life within both realms of animals and humans in Alpha. Yes, I know humans are animals. There are stark differences though. I don't know. I guess it all depends on what someone is looking for. I really like Alpha and I think it's a decent film.
Overall: 9.061/10
-K.D.
If you're into Poetry and other bits of creativity, check out my Instagram: @Dufreshest.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

Daniel_EndureAug 17, 2018

Alpha was visually stunning to look at on the big-screen. Each shot is breathtaking. My mouth was open for the entire 90 minutes. It felt like a mix between Planet Earth, The Revenant, & The Last Guardian. The relationship between the boy andAlpha was visually stunning to look at on the big-screen. Each shot is breathtaking. My mouth was open for the entire 90 minutes. It felt like a mix between Planet Earth, The Revenant, & The Last Guardian. The relationship between the boy and the wolf felt genuine and I was eagerly anticipating them having a successful journey together. However, the movie is heavily focused on themes of hunting & starvation to the point that it felt somewhat repetitive. And, an unnecessary flash forward sequence at the beginning of the film strips away tension from the following twenty minutes or so. Nevertheless, I'd recommend one see it, whether it be in the theater or at home in a viewing quarter worthy of this beautiful piece of film.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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6

moviecritic68Aug 22, 2018

Being an animal lover helped me elevate the rating to score a higher mark for some emotional scenes but overall the story was very lackluster and drawn out. Recommend waiting for a release & watch on DVD.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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6

JLuis_001Aug 29, 2018

It is a bit strange to see a film with this kind of structure and cinematographic quality considering that in the end it's simply a story about domesticated wolves and therefore what would eventually become the domesticated dog. It seems likeIt is a bit strange to see a film with this kind of structure and cinematographic quality considering that in the end it's simply a story about domesticated wolves and therefore what would eventually become the domesticated dog. It seems like too much trouble for such a thin storyline.

Kodi Smit-McPhee delivers a solid interpretation but as I said the story is not the strong element of this film because in the end it's just a story of survival spliced with the bond between a young man and an animal. The interesting thing is in the time in which the story takes place.

The cinematography is excellent although there are times when you notice the CGI and it's bad but most of its running time it looks pretty good.

I can say that I do recommend it, although I must emphasize that you should not expect something remarkable.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

Ikereviews1Aug 16, 2019

Alpha is probably one of the best movies ever made. This movie is a heartwarming about a relationship between a man and a wolf who depend each other to survive. The movie has many beautiful scenes and shots. It's sad this movie was overlookedAlpha is probably one of the best movies ever made. This movie is a heartwarming about a relationship between a man and a wolf who depend each other to survive. The movie has many beautiful scenes and shots. It's sad this movie was overlooked in 2018 as it's a beautiful movie.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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2

TwopirAug 25, 2018

Not a good film. So many things are jarringly inaccurate that I simply couldn’t finish the film. From the clothes to the decisions that are made by the protagonist. To put it simply, he would have eaten the wolf, not made it a pet.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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10

mugen_is_hereSep 18, 2018

A beautiful story where the protagonist isn't an alpha male. This is a beautiful, heartwarming story, filled with suspense. I kept wondering what's going to happen next and I loved how the hero is trying to survive WITHOUT being an "alphaA beautiful story where the protagonist isn't an alpha male. This is a beautiful, heartwarming story, filled with suspense. I kept wondering what's going to happen next and I loved how the hero is trying to survive WITHOUT being an "alpha male". It also shows that an alpha male isn't really the greatest of species like everyone makes them out to be.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

PanchogulSep 12, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. La historia puede que no sea algo innovador, pero es agradable de ver, muy buena en lo visual y técnico, efectos de CGI aceptables considerando el presupuesto, me encantó la relación del lobo con el protagonista y como enfrentan la cruel naturaleza para sobrevivir.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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3

JDX_AwesomeAug 26, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is boring. The acting is bad. The visuals are all noticeably bad, but the backgrounds looked decent for the most part. The domestication was stupidly simplified to a few interactions. I almost laughed when the one guy ate the ants off of his hand because of how stupid it was. The movie started to pick up a bit about an hour and twenty minutes in, but then it ended. The ending was bad. The twist of the wolf being a female and pregnant was the worst way to do a twist. A good twist in a movie is one where the movie hints at it subtly, without you connecting the dots at first, but once you know the twist, the connect the dots for a cleverly hidden yet satisfying ‘ah-ha’ moment. This movie just kind of realized that there was a plot hole (how do you start the domestication of dogs with just a single wolf that just happened to be hurt and a cave boy that just happened to be kind and stupid?) and said ‘this works, I guess’. Also, if this were realistic, the wolf would’ve been eaten by the cave boy. And the part where the cave boy finds a frozen cave man, he takes his bow and just one arrow. Why only one arrow? You’re telling me that this cave man only had one arrow on him? Also, the cave boy was starving to death at this point, so why didn’t he eat the dead cave man? No one would’ve found out. And cannibalism doesn’t seem like an issue in this situation anyway. Overall, this was boring and I almost fell asleep.… Expand

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6

bataguilaFeb 10, 2019

Esta entretenida, rapida, las imágenes digitalizadas de los paisajes son muy buenos, pero la historia es media fumada.

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5

TyranianFeb 17, 2020

This world's first pet story has some strong visuals but is short on brains and believability.