Julia Ducournau's film Alpha is criticized as strident, oppressive, and incoherent, making it a bewildering disappointment in this year's Cannes competition. Although Melissa Boros delivers an honest performance, the film lacks the energized purpose of Ducournau's previous acclaimed works, particularly Titane and Raw. Set in an ambiguous alternative present, Alpha explores a strange body-horror narrative where a new disease transforms sufferers into marble-white statues, offering weak metaphors around societal issues like Aids or Covid. However, the film fails to engage deeply or invoke fear, resulting in a lack of audience connection.
Despite some interesting themes related to body horror and coming-of-age, Julia Ducournau's Alpha fails to resonate with audiences due to its strident and incoherent narrative.
Ducournau's prior work, particularly the Palme d'Or winner Titane and her acclaimed debut Raw, sets a high bar, making Alpha's lackluster execution all the more disappointing.
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