Available on Blu-ray and DVD on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, is the suspenseful drama Alpha.
Alpha stars several actors whom I am not familiar with. The film mostly centers on a young by named Keda (played by Kodi Smith-McPhee), his father Tau (Johannes Haukur-Johannesson) and his mother Rho (Natassia Malthe). There is also a wolf in the film named Alpha, played by a real wolf hybrid named Chuck. In addition there are other movie wolves (real ones) and CGI (computer generated images) of other creatures such as Bison.
Alpha takes place 20,000+ years ago in what is now known as Europe.
I’ll let you know right now that this film is subtitled. That is because there was no English language back then. I believe the language they are speaking is an ancient language called Soulutrean. Its from France, Spain and Portugal, long before they became the countries they are now. I’m NOT 100% sure about that. That is what I was Googling about the language.
I believe they did the subtitles instead of having the actors speak English to give the film a more realistic feel to it.
Keda is a young man (I’m guessing around 15-16 years old, possibly younger) who has proven himself worthy of following his father, Tau, on a hunt for Bison meat to feed their clan during the harsh winter months. His mother, Rho, is not keen on the idea of Keda following her husband on the hunt because she doesn’t think that he’s strong enough. She thinks he leads more with his heart, and that he’s not as tough as her husband is.
Keda is a gentle soul. He doesn’t even want to kill wold boar to feed his family or the rest of the clan. He doesn’t want to kill any animal, let alone hunt for Bison.
Tau ends up taking Keda on the incredibly long journey to look for Bison meat. They fallow a trail created by their ancestors.
The journey seems to take them hundreds of miles away from their clan, over mountains and through valleys.
An unforeseen accident occurs, leaving Tau to believe that Keda was killed. Broken hearted, he returns with his clansman back home. But Keda is not dead. He’s very much alive, but he’s badly injured.
Keda tries to make his way back home, all alone and scared. To make matters worse, he has to protect himself from a pack of wolves who are looking at making him their next meal.
During an attack, Keda strikes the pack’s leader, leaving him gravely injured. Keda, being the gentle soul that he is, couldn’t just leave the wolf to die. He felt like he had to do what he could to save it.
Can Keda save the wolf that tried to kill him? Can he survive the insurmountable odds against him on his incredibly long journey home? To find out you need to pick up a copy of Alpha. Look for it where ever movies are sold. You can also purchase/rent the film digitally.
There are plenty of bonus features in this film. I didn’t have a chance to watch the bonus features, but now after seeing the film I really want to. This is a GREAT film in my opinion.
Blu-ray and Digital Bonus Materials Include:
- Director’s Cut
- Alternate Opening and Ending with Commentaries by Director Albert Hughes
- Deleted Scenes with Commentaries by Director Albert Hughes
- “Starscape”
- “Fighting For Survival”
- “Dream Sequence”
- Four Featurettes:
- “The Wolf Behind Alpha”
- “Boy & Wolf”
- “Building the World”
- “A Hero’s Journey”
DVD Includes:
- Two Featurettes:
- “The Wolf Behind Alpha”
- “Boy & Wolf”
I received a copy of the film to review, along with some other goodies (more on those later).
I’ll be honest, I’m not a fan of subtitled films, but if the film is good enough I can look past that.
I appreciate that the film makers used an ancient language to really add to the “feel” of the film. There is also very little talking in the film, so reading a sentence or two here and there is fine. With all the action taking place on the screen you don’t really need much talking. Not only that, Keda is alone throughout most of the film. He only talks to the wolf he names Alpha. Alpha, as you know, means “leader.”
This film is amazing. I knew I’d like the film, I wasn’t expecting that I’d LOVE the film.
The young man who played the role of Keda (Kodi Smith-McPhee) delivered an amazing performance. He was truly believable in this role. He was perfectly casted in this role.
The cinematography in this film is breath taking. I cannot even begin to express just how stunning the landscapes and backgrounds are in this film. From the steep and rocky cliffs, to the snow covered mountain peaks, and from the vast plans to the rocky caves… EVERYTHING added to this film.
I’d love to learn where this movie was filmed. If it wasn’t real, they did THE BEST CGI work I have ever seen.
Alpha is a story of survival, growing up, independence, friendship, and the bond between a boy and his wolf – which can be seen as the start of wolves (dogs) becoming domesticated pets.
This film is rated PG-13. There is no cursing or nudity in the film (at one point I thought there was – but he was fully covered). The rating is due to the intense action sequences and violence (killing animals).
Alpha is played by a real wolf named Chuck. Chuck is a wolf-dog hybrid, but you wouldn’t know that by looking at him.
I love wolves. I think they are incredibly beautiful creatures.
We have A LOT of coyotes where we live in New York, but on two occasions I could have sworn I saw wolves. One time was in the back of my father’s house in upstate New York. It was a HUGE gray Husky looking type creature (Grey Wolf?). The other time we were traveling upstate and in a field I saw a HUGE brown, hairy wolf-like creature eating something.
We’ve seen a Bobcat and bears around here, so you never know.
NY Wolf / Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) is an organization that promotes wolf conservation. In conjunction with this film, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, I was sent a wolf adoption kit. I was SO EXCITED to receive this magnificent kit.
Nikai – Isn’t he BEAUTIFUL! PHOTO SOURCE: NYWolf.org
I symbolically adopted a STUNNING wolf name Nikai.
Nikai (meaning “Little Saint” or “One Who Wanders”) is a gray wolf who joined the Wolf Conservation Center family in May of 2014.
Nikai lives on exhibit with his older siblings, Zephyr and Alawa, where they help forge a connection between WCC guests and their wild kin.
The WCC‘s youngest Ambassador has been an inspiration from his adorable start. Within a month of joining the WCC family, the little beast huffed, puffed, and hiccupped his way into the hearts and minds of a global audience. His viral video “Wolf Pup Hiccups” almost broke the internet!
Check out Nikai’s hiccup video.
Awwww!!! I’ve watched this about a dozen times already.
The adoption doesn’t mean that I’ve really adopted Nikai (but I would love to if it was possible). I have “symbolically” adopted him.
BEAUTIFUL photo of Nikai that came with my wolf adoption kit.
The money raised through adoptions and the purchase of other things on the WCC website goes towards the conservation, care and public education about wolves.
The adoption kit I receive came with an adoption certificate and information about Nikai.
Adoption certificate and information about Nikai. I blocked out my last name for security reasons.
I also received a GORGEOUS photograph if Nikai that I am going to frame and add to my nature/animal gallery in our dining room (I take a lot of animal/nature photos that I hang up in my “gallery”). I just need to find a frame for it. It’s an odd shape. The photo is above.
I also received a 2019 photo calendar filled with beautiful photos of wolves.
In addition I received a tee shirt that reads “Alpha Wolf.”
One of my favorite items in the kit is a plush wolf stuffed animal. He’s so soft and snugly. I’ve named him Alpha.
If you are interested in learning more about wolves, or how you can adopt one, please visit NYWolf.org. You don’t need to live in New York to adopt. The site also has a lot of stunning photography and great information about wolves.
Tigers used to be my most favorite wild animal, Now after watching Alpha, and learning more about NY Wolf/WCC, I think wolves are now my new favorite.
Did you see the film? If so, what did you think about it?
I think pairing this film with an adoption kit would make an awesome gift for the animal lover (or wolf lover) in your life.
Below in the film’s theatrical trailer for your enjoyment. The film is no longer in theaters. It’s available for home viewing.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener copy and a wolf adoption kit from WCC, to review and as part of this campaign. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
