Ten Stars or Less

Humans have had many great relationships with animals and many not so great. No matter how you look at it, animals are our friends and enemies. If you get cornered by a bear or a tiger, you better know how to survive or be a nice snack. Throughout history, humans have learned a lot about animals, how to defeat them, how to cook them, and how to live with them. Alpha takes us back in time when men first learn how to use a wolf as a companion.

I got to be honest and say I was rather disappointed that the dialogue was in the native tongue of the settlers and every line spoken was subtitled. That didn’t ruin my movie-going experience, because I came to appreciate that this movie was trying to stand out and not fall into the norm. The writers wanted you to experience life thousands of years ago through the eyes of those living it. Had this film been in English, some would stay it wasn’t authentic. So even though I didn’t like that aspect, I understand why it was the way it was.

Overall the film is great. The story about a boy becoming a man is really the heart and soul of it all. Not only does he face the most dangerous conditions and environments possible, he has to make it with nothing. Alpha steps in and alters his life and his course home. Bitter enemies at first, these two subconsciously come to realize they need each other to survive. The story will pull at your heart-strings as these two lost souls form a bond that can never be broken. Their relationship was thought impossible, but the Gods smile down one day and altered history as we know it.

The majestic landscapes make for a beautiful backdrop, while the action scenes will make you fear the worse. Even when there are no words spoken, the characters move the story along and fire up your emotions with just movements and reactions. If you venture out to catch Alpha you won’t be disappointed because it doesn’t force anything on you, everything just unfolds naturally which is a symbol of great storytelling. 7/10