Alpha (2018)
January 5, 2023 7:09 AM - Subscribe

Young Keda tries to survive alone in the wilderness after he's left for dead during his first hunt with his Cro-Magnon tribe. He soon forms an unlikely alliance with a lone wolf that was abandoned by its pack. Facing overwhelming odds and nonstop danger, Keda and the wolf must now trek through a harsh and unforgiving landscape to make it home before winter.

Starring Kodi Smit-McPhee, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Marcin Kowalczyk, Jens Hultén, Natassia Malthe.

Directed by Albert Hughes. Written by Dan Wiedenhaupt.

Currently available for digital rental in the US on multiple outlets. JustWatch listing.
posted by DirtyOldTown (2 comments total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
I don't know anyone else who saw this, but it's a very enjoyable, not at all Disneyfied or defanged prehistoric adventure for kids. Riveting and fun.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:35 AM on January 5, 2023


This is very good.

The middle lags a little, and the last third is fantastical (like the "King Under the Mountain" extended sequence from 'Conan the Barbarian'), but still very good.

Thanks for the rec once again, DOT!

Lots of thought and and attention. How far we've come in understanding and willingness to depict since 'Clan of the Cave Bear' (1986).

Hoo boi, my palms sympathy-dampened so much for the cliff scene.

As for the origin of dogs, current genetic evidence suggests that - regardless of multiple domestication events - dogs originated in Eastern Eurasia and followed human migration. Some modern dogs may have been ancient crosses with European wolves, although a separate (semi-)domestication (and crossbreeding) event is still a slim possibility.

But she's a good dog in the film.

IMDB trivia says that this is Hughes' only non-R rated movie. Huh. His Directography. Am impressed.

I do like the ambiguous ending that it could have been a hypothermia dream.
posted by porpoise at 7:59 PM on January 5, 2023


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