Alpha 2026 Movie Review
I really like Julia Ducournau’s previous works as Raw and Titane were quite unique horror story of our modern climate of horror movies. However, this latest movie still remains ambitious and has some very good moments, but the overall execution feels somewhat overcomplicated, and messy.
It’s pretty clear that Ducournau has an interesting direction on presenting the narrative, atmosphere and themes throughout. As many of her direction choices on handling the AIDs/HIV allegory, societal norms, and the tension between mother and daughter is personal and clear. I did appreciate some aspects Ducournau was exploring in the writing and setting. Alongside with some solid camerawork, the colorful environment and presentation feels ugly, yet, purposeful. As it helps establish the time era, but also the current tension and the heavy themes.
However, what prevents the movie being a masterpiece is the characters and overall, story-presentation. The performances were all pretty good, as Tahar Rahim, Golshifteh Farahani, Melissa Boros, and the rest of the cast were all fantastic. But, I had a little hard time engaging with the characters at certain point, as they didn’t feel too emotionally connected as Ducournau wanted to be. Alongside with some of the writing choices. I love weird writing and strange concepts, but certain moments with how dynamics were played out, the pacing, and how certain themes were handled felt all over the place.
The musical score felt overbearing, as it feels forced and cheesy, and there are some dialogue moments that felt a bit silly. The special effects, and make-up designs were pretty good, and at times, a little horrifying. Showcasing some themes of body-horror within the narrative.
Overall, I am a little underwhelmed that I didn’t like this movie as much as I would have. However, having listened to Ducournau discuss about the movies purpose, it definitely still is a ambitious horror take on the AID’s crisis, and I do like to see where Ducournau goes next.
