The Solutrean Movie Review

Alpha (also known as the Solutrean) is a 2018 American prehistoric film. The movie is directed by Albert Hughes, produced by Studio 8 and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing. It stars Kodi Smit-McPhee in the lead role.

Plot

Abandoned by his tribe after a buffalo hunt with them , the tribe chief's son Keda is forced to brave the wilderness of the  prehistoric Ice Age in order to survive. As he comes across a wolf similarly abandoned by it's pack, the two strike up an unlikely friendship and join forces for survival.

Star Performance

The movie stars Kodi Smit-McPhee in the lead role of an abandoned hunter and Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as the tribe chief and his father. Chuck, a Czechoslovakian wolfdog, plays the wolf Alpha.

Analysis

Charming and sentimental, this movie is an adventure story that emphasizes the truth behind the "man and his best friend" saga; adventurous,  thrilling, action-packed and yet heartwarming and emotional. The cinematography in Alpha is decidedly stunning: the VFX being top-notch, the storyline is engaging and touching, and the actors do a phenomenal job.

It's a tearjerker at times, but one with a happy ending. The bond between man and animal as they learn to co-exist, and how their relationship progresses over time, thereby preserving harmony is a central message that echoes throughout the film.

What’s There?

● Amazing, touching storyline

● Atmospheric cinematography

What’s Not There?

● Emphasis on sentimentality 

● The lead does not have dialogue, so it's usually guesswork about his body language as to figure out his emotions 

Verdict

The Solutrean is an amazing prehistoric film. True to it's roots, everything in this movie is exceptionally well done, starting from the cinematography to the acting as well as the beautiful message behind the story. The time- tested saga of man and his furry companion as a theme is brilliantly explored in this film, and the evolving bond between the hunter Keda and the wolf Alpha is the focal point of the movie. It's a touching, remarkable historical movie that fans of dogs will especially like.