Movie Review: “Alpha”

“Alpha” is a movie that would slip under the radar of most people, given that there are no real stars and (as far as I know) no major promotion. In fact, I would have missed it if it wasn’t for a recommendation. Good thing I did manage to catch it on the big screen – “Alpha” is a simple survival story which is visually stunning with some gorgeous imagery which deserves to be seen on a big screen.

The plot of “Alpha” is, as I mentioned, very simple – the story is set 20,000 years ago in Europe, where Keda (Kodi Smit-McPhee) almost dies on his first hunting expedition. His tribe, led by his father, leave him for dead when they realize they have no way to save him. Keda, however, manages to recover and circumstances lead him to befriend the leader of a wolf pack, whom he names Alpha. Keda and Alpha must overcome various challenges and brave the elements as they make the long journey back to Keda’s tribe.

Now, the execution of “Alpha” in terms of story and screenplay is pretty straightforward. There are a few good moments, and canine lovers in particular would enjoy the proceedings. While there is no real sense of suspense, there is enough to get the viewers invested in the journey of Keda and Alpha. The bonding between Keda and Alpha is also shown well. The performances are good – kudos to the animal handlers and director, who have got a great performance from the canine.

The USP of this movie is the visuals – the cinematography and direction are top notch here. I saw the movie on an IMAX screen, and am glad that I did. There are scenes that are evocative of other visually brilliant movies like “300”, and the shots are beautifully crafted. A scene where Keda is under ice and Alpha is above is one of the many shots that left an impression on me.

To sum up, I would recommend “Alpha” if you are a viewer who appreciates stunning visuals and the craftsmanship that goes into it, and doesn’t mind going for a narrative that doesn’t offer many surprises. Many viewers may not find it exciting enough to pay for a theatre watch, but no one would deny the fact that it is a cinematic experience that really ups the ante in visual storytelling.