Cannes 2025: Julia Ducournau's "Alpha" Explores Death as a Form of Control

Cannes 2025: Julia Ducournau on Death, Control, and "Alpha" The Cannes Film Festival is always a hub of cinematic excitement, and this year was no different. Amidst the glamour and anticipation, France.tv caught up with Julia Ducournau, director of the Palme d'Or contender "Alpha." The brief interview revealed a fascinating insight into Ducournau's creative process and her recurring exploration of death as a central theme in her films. "Putting death and illness on screen," Ducournau explained, "is an illusionary form of control." This statement encapsulates the director's approach, suggesting that confronting these powerful themes through filmmaking allows for a cathartic release and a temporary sense of mastery over the anxieties they evoke. The director's candidness and the timeliness of the interview (conducted during the festival) make this a compelling story for film enthusiasts and those interested in the psychology of filmmaking. Ducournau's comments highlight the therapeutic aspect of her work, suggesting that filmmaking serves as a coping mechanism, a way to process and understand complex emotions. This perspective adds another layer to the anticipation surrounding "Alpha" and Ducournau's already acclaimed filmography.