The Wasteland Reviewer

Alpha (2025) Written Review

Who is one of the most provocative rising stars in cinema today? French filmmaker Julia Ducournau has put her stamp on cinema already with challenging, provocative, and creative projects like Raw and Titane. Having films about generational cannibalism and a woman who has sex with and is impregnated by a car, you know Ducournau certainly isn’t playing anything safe. Her other films have been so bold as they mix subtle and expressive themes with harsh and brutal genre elements that have fused to create some wild cinematic concoctions. With that type of reputation and resume, the hype was real for her next directorial effort with Alpha.

How does Ducournau leave her stamp on this new film about a shady and ominous blood-borne disease? It might not be as consistent as her other films but there are the trademark intensity and aura that surrounds Alpha. The pacing of the film just might be one of its biggest struggles with this two-plus hour film feels its length at times. But when Ducournau is dialed in here, Alpha soars like her previous works. There is a tension that is consistently impactful with paranoia and fear looming over this obvious AIDS metaphor. There are some effects driven elements in the film and they are quite disturbing and impactful in the hands of Ducournau and her team. There are quite a few moments where Ducournau digs deep and delivers some intensely emotional moments as this film navigates a deeply flawed and fractured family dynamic. Ducournau’s efforts behind the camera are certainly not the weaknesses of Alpha.

 What does that mean for Ducournau’s screenplay? This is by far the weakest of her scripts with these last three big time efforts for the French filmmaker. That is not to say there is no merit in the writing that Ducournau brings to Alpha. There is a blunt but impactful metaphor for the AIDS epidemic that gives space for paranoia to rise and permeate the different aspects of the story. The genre elements of the film are pushed more to the side than in her previous efforts, which makes them feel less impactful and more secondary than a full fusion of themes and motifs. The parallel of drug addiction and how that impacts the individual and in turn their loved ones is quite poignant. The story is unfortunately too loose and wandering to feel fully engrossing. This film could have been tighter and less repetitive. There is just too much space in the middle for the audience to disengage (which is never good for a film). The biggest threads in the film are the familial drama and coming-of-age elements which just lack freshness compared to some of the other elements floating around in Alpha. The film does kick into gear in the final stretch that is an impressive mixture of filmmaking, storytelling, and subversions. That is where Alpha is its strongest and it will certainly leave the audience with an impactful feeling. 

How does this cast navigate such a layered narrative like Alpha? The biggest standout performance from this cast must be Tahar Rahim. An uncle and brother. An addict as well. Rahim explores some trying and brutal experiences in Alpha. There is a struggle. An agony. A real pain that shines through in Rahim’s performance. These elements try and fail to overshadow the charisma and presence that Rahim brings to his character, but it is the struggle that allows him to truly shine in this role. His place in the film has even more layers than you might expect and he gives that power and emotion to his character and the film. His on-screen sister is not disappointed either with the under-praised Golshifteh Farahani bringing the emotional core of the film. A constantly anxious, paranoid, and struggling mother who is desperately trying to protect her daughter from this mysterious disease. The emotional beats that Farahani must deliver are challenging but she exceeds expectations and delivers some truly powerful elements for the film. Then you have Melissa Boros. The daughter and the one who fears for her own safety with this looming cloud of disease engulfing her. This young performer grapples so much in this titular role and she does not disappoint the audience. The trio of performers at the heart of this film elevate even the most repetitive and unengaging stretches of the film. 

Is Alpha at least an impactful and worthy addition to Ducournau’s filmography? This film might lack the creative might and cinematic excellence of Raw and Titane, but it still delivers. The performances in this film are powerful for sure. They are a big reason this cinematic experience still lands on the side of net positive. Ducournau is still a talented filmmaker who excels in certain moments in the film (including its powerful and impactful finale). The metaphors are big and clear but still effective. There are enough creativity and cinematic boldness for Alpha to leave an impact.