Why Julia Ducournau Was 'Scared' to Make Alpha
Briefly

Julia Ducournau's latest film, 'Alpha,' premiered at Cannes and focuses on the titular character, a young woman caught in a 1990s AIDS-like crisis. Following a ritual tattoo with a tainted needle, she fears contagion from a virus that petrifies its victims. As she grapples with isolation at school and connects with her estranged uncle, the film presents a highly stylized allegory reflecting on stigma and family ties. While it received a standing ovation, opinions on its execution remain divided, particularly regarding its thematic parallels with the AIDS epidemic.
Alpha draws a fine line between personal transformation and societal stigma, presenting a haunting narrative that connects personal fears with broader historical contexts.
As time blurs, Alpha finds solace with her uncle, creating a poignant reflection on how familial ties counteract the isolation brought on by the virus.
Read at Vulture
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