Watch The Alpha Incident

The Alpha Incident is a science-fiction thriller from the 1970s that revolves around a deadly virus outbreak on a train ferrying a batch of experimental plutonium across the country. The film features an all-star cast with Ralph Meeker, Stafford Morgan, and John F. Goff in leading roles. The plot revolves around a top-secret nuclear research facility that has undertaken an experimental procedure to dispose of plutonium waste. The waste material is transported on a specially-designed train, which is a marvel of modern technology. However, the train runs into trouble when an unexplained explosion derails the locomotive, exposing the crew and scientists to high levels of radiation.

The incident sets off a chain of events that threaten to derail the country's delicate security balance. People around the area start to get sick with a mysterious virus that the scientists suspect has mutated from the experimental plutonium. With the possibility of an outbreak imminent, the scientists and crew members try to gather as much information as possible to prevent a catastrophic disaster.

As the situation unfolds, the train's conductor, Ralph Meeker, emerges as the only person capable of restoring some sense of order. He battles against a host of internal and external challenges to stabilize the situation. With the help of the surviving scientists and his crew, Meeker must fight to get the train back on track while preventing a national disaster.

The film is full of tension and suspense as the characters race against time to contain the virus and prevent it from spreading. The acting is top-notch, with Meeker and Goff standing out for their well-etched characters. The script also does an excellent job of developing secondary characters, which include the scientists and the train crew.

One of the highlights of the movie is its realistic portrayal of the urgent measures that must be taken in the face of a possible outbreak. The film's visuals are also impressive, with excellent shots that capture the complexity and intricacy of the train and its surrounding environment. The film is also notable for its excellent sound design that keeps the audience on edge throughout the movie's runtime.

However, the film is not without its flaws. Some critics have criticized the film's pacing, arguing that it takes too long to get to the action. Others have said that the ending is somewhat unsatisfactory, as it does not provide conclusive answers to some of the mysteries in the film.

Despite these shortcomings, The Alpha Incident remains one of the best sci-fi thrillers of the 1970s, and an early example of the disaster movie genre. The film's ability to engage audiences with its high stakes and intense storytelling has made it a cult classic in science fiction, with many viewers regarding it as an underrated gem.

In conclusion, The Alpha Incident is a solid sci-fi thriller that delivers strong performances, an engaging plot, and a tense atmosphere that keeps the audience on edge. The film's pacing is slow at times, and the ending could be more conclusive, but these are minor issues in an otherwise well-made movie. Fans of science fiction or disaster movies will find plenty to appreciate in The Alpha Incident, and its cult status is well-deserved.

The Alpha Incident is a 1978 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.9.