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Alpha Dog is a crime drama film based on the events surrounding the kidnapping and murder of 15-year-old Nicholas Markowitz. Set in the affluent suburbs of Los Angeles, it portrays the dangerous and reckless world of drug dealers and gangsters. The film begins with Johnny Truelove (Emile Hirsch), a drug dealer and party animal, living a lavish lifestyle in his father's mansion. Along with his crew of loyal friends and associates, he gets involved in various drug deals and criminal activities. When Jake Mazursky (Ben Foster), a debt-ridden customer, fails to pay him back, Johnny decides to kidnap Jake's younger brother, Zack (Anton Yelchin), as collateral.

Zack is taken to a secluded house in the hills and kept hostage by Johnny and his crew, who party and indulge in drugs while waiting for Jake to repay his debt. As the days pass, Zack becomes friendly with his captors and even enjoys his freedom from his troubled family life. He gets along particularly well with Frankie (Justin Timberlake), a charismatic and troubled member of Johnny's crew who acts as a quasi-mentor to him.

However, things quickly take a dark turn as tensions rise between Johnny and Jake, who becomes increasingly desperate to get his brother back. The situation escalates into violence and tragedy, as events spiral out of control and people's lives are forever changed.

The film is told in a nonlinear narrative style, jumping back and forth between different characters and time periods. It delves into the minds and motivations of the various characters, all of whom are flawed and complex. It explores the themes of loyalty, power, and the consequences of one's actions.

Emile Hirsch delivers a standout performance as Johnny Truelove, portraying him as a volatile and troubled young man who craves respect and control. Justin Timberlake surprises with his nuanced and convincing portrayal of Frankie, bringing depth and vulnerability to the character. Anton Yelchin gives a heartbreaking performance as Zack, capturing the confusion and desperation of a young boy caught in the middle of a dangerous situation.

The film is directed by Nick Cassavetes, who infuses it with a visceral energy and authenticity. The gritty and realistic depiction of the criminal underworld is effective in immersing the viewer in the story. Cassavetes also makes use of a diverse and eclectic soundtrack that adds to the film's overall atmosphere.

Overall, Alpha Dog is a thought-provoking and intense crime drama that delves deep into the psyche of its characters. It is a gripping and powerful exploration of the dark side of human nature and the consequences of our actions.

Alpha Dog is a 2006 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 53.