Alpha

Columbia Pictures | Release Date: August 17, 2018

6.6	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 137 Ratings

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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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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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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

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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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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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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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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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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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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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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foolish_mortalNov 25, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mankind and Man's Best Friend team up together to fight the real enemy - cats!… Expand