Alpha, a 2018 film directed by Albert Hughes, has recently become a sleeper hit on Netflix. The story is set in the Paleolithic era and follows a teenage boy named Keda who forms a bond with a wolf after being separated from his tribe. The film quickly rose to the No. 2 spot on Netflix’s most popular movies list after being added to the streaming platform, proving its newfound popularity is no fluke. The coming-of-age story of Keda, as he navigates the transition from boy to man within his tribe, is a central theme of the film that resonates with modern audiences who can relate to the struggle of growing up and facing harsh realities.
Alpha is a thrilling ‘man vs. nature’ tale that follows Keda and Alpha, the wolf, as they face various challenges such as steppe bison, cave hyenas, frozen lakes, and treacherous terrain. The film belongs to the ‘man vs. nature’ category of conflicts in fiction, similar to other survival stories like Cast Away and Wild, but its prehistoric setting gives it a unique and potent twist. Fans of survival stories will appreciate the unusual and underrated addition that Alpha brings to the genre. The domestication of wolves and their bond with early humans is also highlighted in the film, portraying how they became our hunting companions and eventually our best friends.
The visuals of Alpha are striking, with beautiful badland topography that transports viewers to the wild and empty world of the prehistoric era. The film was shot in Canada, with the Dinosaur Provincial Park standing in for Upper Paleolithic Europe. All the dialogue in the film is in a language created specifically for the movie, adding to the immersion of the setting and making Keda’s tribe feel like a real society with its own distinct culture. The lead performance by Kodi Smit-McPhee as Keda is praised for its depth and emotion, showcasing the actor’s star potential in a thrilling and inspiring role. The canine performance of Chuck, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog who portrays Alpha, adds a delightful element to the film.
The portrayal of the relationship between Keda and Alpha in Alpha helps viewers understand the primal essence of the loyalty, love, and comfort that humans derive from their canine companions. The film illustrates how early humans and wolves bonded to become inseparable hunting companions, laying the groundwork for the close relationship that exists between humans and dogs today. The emotional connection between Keda and Alpha, and their journey together, is a central theme that resonates throughout the film. Alpha’s success on Netflix and its enduring popularity on the platform showcase its appeal to a wide range of audiences, from fans of survival stories to dog lovers who enjoy heartwarming tales of friendship and loyalty.
The story of Alpha is not just a thrilling adventure but also a poignant exploration of themes such as coming-of-age, friendship, loyalty, and survival. The bond between Keda and Alpha serves as the heart of the film, portraying the deep connection that can form between man and animal in the most unlikely of circumstances. The film’s unique setting in the Paleolithic era adds a layer of intrigue and excitement to the narrative, making it stand out among other survival stories in the genre. Overall, Alpha is a visually stunning, emotionally engaging film that offers viewers an unforgettable journey into the prehistoric world of man and wolf.
