Alpha

The trailer for Alpha really intrigued me so I went to see it Friday night.  During the Paleolithic period in Europe, members of a tribe go on a bison hunting expedition and Keda (Kodi Smit-McPhee), the son of the chief, is hunting with them for the first time.  He wants to make his father proud of him and show the tribe that he is worthy of leading them but he displays weakness multiple times on the journey.  During the actual battle, he is seriously injured by a bison causing the tribe to leave him for dead but he eventually regains consciousness and begins making his way back home.  When a pack of wolves attacks him, he injures the leader and the rest of the wolves run away.  Unable to kill it, Keda begins nursing it back to health.  Since both of them are injured and isolated they eventually bond and help each other brave the elements to get back home.  I loved this movie!  It is absolutely beautiful with stunning cinematography and dazzling effects.  The action sequences, especially the bison hunt and a scene under a frozen lake, are very well staged.  The story, while simple, is incredibly heart-warming as Keda and the wolf begin to depend on each other.  Their relationship is lovely to watch and there were times when I started to tear up, especially when Keda tells the wolf that he can't lose him and begins carrying him.  There is not a lot of dialogue, and that is in an unidentifiable language with subtitles, but Smit-McPhee gives an incredible performance in a highly physical role.  His desire to please his father is communicated with just a look and his despair when he finds the cairn his father made for him is very affecting.  He has a genuine character arc that feels triumphant, if a bit sentimental.  If you have ever loved a dog go see this movie.

Note:  I saw this in IMAX 3D and I would recommend that format because the visuals are truly remarkable.