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Alpha is an epic historical adventure film set in Europe 20,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. The film follows a young hunter named Keda, played by Kodi Smit-McPhee, who gets separated from his tribe during a bison hunt and struggles to find his way home. Keda is injured and left for dead, but finds an unlikely ally in a lone wolf who he decides to befriend and names Alpha. Together, Keda and Alpha learn to rely on each other for survival as they journey through harsh wilderness, facing dangerous predators at every turn.

Along the way, Keda tames Alpha and teaches him to work together as he would with members of his tribe. Keda struggles to survive the elements and scarce resources, often going hungry for days between successful hunts. At times, he questions whether he will ever find his way back to his family and home. But his bond with Alpha keeps him going. Alpha provides companionship and protection, while Keda's compassion and willingness to trust helps Alpha become comfortable around humans.

The turning point comes when Keda saves Alpha from a pack of warring wolves. Now fully devoted to one another, boy and wolf continue their trek. But new threats emerge, including a savage bear that injures Alpha and leaves him clinging to life. Keda refuses to leave his friend, instead carrying the injured Alpha many miles to try to find help. This act of love and loyalty cements their remarkable friendship.

Stunning cinematography captures the harsh but magnificent Ice Age wilderness. Shot on location in rural Canada, the sweeping vistas and frozen landscapes look both beautiful and treacherous for Keda and Alpha's journey. Intense action sequences keep the pace moving as Keda and Alpha face one threat after another. Camera work stays tight on the characters, conveying a visceral sense of peril. But quieter moments between boy and wolf effectively convey their growing bond and trust.

Kodi Smit-McPhee gives an outstanding lead performance as Keda, portraying his bravery, ingenuity and compassion with emotional depth. His interactions with the wolves, particularly Alpha, feel remarkably authentic. Supporting roles by Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Keda's father and Marcin Kowalczyk as the tribe's head hunter provide context about Keda's origins and his longing to return home.

Alpha delivers an epic survival story, showcasing a remarkable friendship between a lost boy and a lone wolf. Through their shared ordeal, the film highlights core human values of courage, loyalty and perseverance. Alpha offers audiences an incredible glimpse into prehistoric times while crafting a timeless tale of the human-animal bond. With exhilarating action and touching emotions, Alpha is an unforgettable cinematic adventure.

Alpha is a 2018 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 63.