Father, Son, and the Mountain Between Them

Read Time:3 Minute, 45 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Alpha.
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 40m
Director(s): Jan-Willem van Ewijk
Writer(s): Jan-Willem van Ewijk
Cast: Reinout Scholten van Aschat, Gijs Scholten van Aschat, Kaija Ledergerber
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: ALPHA. is an intricate tale of family conflict and survival amidst the harsh and hauntingly beautiful landscapes of the Alps. At its core, this film is more than merely a story about man versus nature. It’s a deeper examination of the volatile bond between a father and his son. As they navigate the icy slopes and their frosty relationship, the film cuts through the chilly exterior to expose the fiery emotions lurking beneath.

In the serene and isolated Alpine village, Rein (Reinout Scholten van Aschat,) a tranquil soul in his thirties, has found a semblance of peace, teaching snowboarding and embracing the slow rhythm of mountain life. This delicate balance is disrupted by the arrival of his father, Gijs (Gijs Scholten van Aschat,) whose larger-than-life personality and meddling ways spark a storm of emotional upheaval. Gijs’s intrusion not only stirs the quiet waters of Rein’s life but also threatens to dismantle his relationship with his girlfriend. The film captures this disruption with a fly-on-the-wall style, portraying the shift from peaceful snow-capped mountains to a turbulent emotional landscape where familial bonds are tested.

Writer/director Jan-Willem van Ewijk explores these complex emotional terrains with a directorial style that shifts from intimate, tight-knit scenes to expansive shots that encapsulate the vastness of the Alpine wilderness. This journey mirrors the characters’ internal struggles, with the openness of the landscape contrasting sharply with the claustrophobic tensions that arise between father and son.

ALPHA. probes the theme of masculinity through the lens of survival and dominance, questioning whether our deepest identities are forged by nature or nurture. The Alpine setting serves dual purposes—as a breathtaking backdrop and a crucible in which the characters’ true selves are distilled through adversity. This intertwining of personal conflict and environmental challenge enriches the narrative, making every scene a loaded exchange of unspoken resentments and raw emotions.

At the heart of ALPHA.’s emotional resonance is the performances by Reinout Scholten van Aschat and Gijs Scholten van Aschat, whose real-life relationship brings an authentic depth to their on-screen roles. Reinout portrays Rein with a subdued intensity, capturing the essence of a man wrestling with his past and identity. On the other hand, Gijs embodies the archetype of an overbearing patriarch whose forceful nature triggers the climactic confrontations that define their relationship.

The climax of ALPHA. is as dramatic as it is symbolic, with the escalating conflicts culminating in a desperate struggle for survival against the indifferent might of nature. This battle against the elements parallels the emotional battles within, highlighting the insignificance of human disputes when faced with the overwhelming forces of the natural world.

ALPHA. is not just a survival drama but a profound exploration of the human condition. Directed with a keen sense of emotional and visual storytelling, the film invites audiences to ponder the complex interplay of identity, inheritance, and resilience. It’s a cinematic journey that challenges viewers to confront their perceptions of strength and vulnerability against the breathtaking yet brutal backdrop of the Alps.

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[photo courtesy of BALDR FILM, NOISE FILM & TV, SEPTEMBER FILM]

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