Alpha (2018)

Sticking to a simple, straightforward story and beautiful cinematography and art direction make Alpha a surprising treat. Alpha is mythic story telling, weaving a tall tale about the first canine to be domesticated, it relies on our human affinity for dogs to romanticize the relationship between the two species. The story of two injured and isolated characters, one human, one wolf, who learn to love and help each other ends up being a thrilling adventure.

Director Albert Hughes, one half of the Hughes Brothers directing team (Menace II Society), films his story gorgeously. His film has little dialogue (relying on what I assume to be a made up language to recreate a paleolithic language) so instead Hughes focuses his attention on visual language, creating a beautiful film to watch.

And it all comes together in a way that is hard not to enjoy. Certainly those with a special affinity for dogs will appreciate it even more but it would be hard for anyone not to enjoy this legend.

Alpha
Starring: Kodi Smit McPhee, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson
Director: Albert Hughes
Writer: Daniele Sebastian Wiedenhaupt