Film Review – Alpha (2025)

      Alpha, 2025.

      Written and Directed by Julia Ducournau.

      Featuring Mélissa Boros, Tahar Rahim, Golshifteh Farahani, and Emma Mackey.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Alpha, 13, is a troubled teen living with her mother. Their lives take a drastic turn when she comes home from school sporting a tattoo on her arm.

      Julia Ducournau’s remarkable debut, Raw, and her Palme d’Or-winning second film, Titane, have established her as an essential filmmaker, making it somewhat disappointing that her third feature, Alpha, feels as uninspired as it does.

      The narrative follows 13-year-old Alpha (Mélissa Boros), who returns home from a party with a fresh tattoo that her mother fears might have exposed her to a dangerous virus spreading in their community. It’s a coming-of-age tale wrapped in Ducournau's signature body-horror style, but it also serves as a blunt social critique regarding how we treat the ill.

      Much has been discussed about the film's unmistakable connections to the AIDS crisis. Here, those infected slowly turn to marble and face disapproving glances and murmurs wherever they go. This messaging feels overly obvious and somewhat outdated, lacking the depth or intrigue that Ducournau seemingly aims for.

      As in her previous films, family dynamics play a crucial role in Alpha, particularly in Alpha’s relationships with her mother and uncle, as well as their connections as siblings. Alpha’s uncle Amin, a long-suffering drug addict, is vividly portrayed by Tahar Rahim, whose standout performance deserves better material.

      The dynamic between Alpha and Amin is compelling, with his caring demeanor earning him perhaps a bit too much tolerance from family, resulting in several genuinely touching exchanges. However, the progression of their relationship falters, becoming repetitive. Additionally, the film's frequent shifts between flashbacks fail to work effectively, with transitions being nearly non-existent, causing some confusion about the story’s timeline. This leaves the audience a bit too bewildered to remain emotionally engaged.

      One can't help but feel that Ducournau misses an opportunity by not venturing outside the familial setting, even momentarily, to explore the broader societal impact of the virus. Such an exploration could have offered more depth. Nonetheless, the film contains memorable scenes, particularly one where Alpha bleeds in the school pool and is perceived as a monster by her peers.

      The marble effects are visually striking, yet one may feel a sense of disappointment due to the overall lack of impact and intensity. Perhaps we have become accustomed to Ducournau's previous works, which often present novel and shocking experiences. In comparison, Alpha feels rather mild and nearly dull.

      The film’s muted and dreary color scheme does not help, and while Ducournau is known for delivering unforgettable experiences, the most shocking aspect of Alpha is how easily it can be forgotten. Though it has its moments, it is unlikely to stay in memory longer than it takes for the credits to conclude.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★

      Dan Barnes