Metro
I’m still thinking about gruelling body horror Alpha after it inspired walkouts
Critics were harsh after its Cannes premiere earlier this year, but it did get a 12-minute standing ovation.
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Julia Ducournau's "Alpha" Sparks Debate at Cannes, Receives 12-Minute Standing Ovation
Cannes, France – Julia Ducournau's latest feature, "Alpha," has premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, eliciting a sharply divided response from critics and audiences alike. Despite some early negative reviews, the film garnered a remarkable 12-minute standing ovation, marking the longest applause of this festival edition so far. Film critic Tori B, known for her work with Metro, expressed strong disagreement with the one-star reviews circulating. "I am REALLY surprised to see one-star reviews of Alpha coming out of Cannes?! Absolutely disagree - it's gruelling but really emotional," Brazier stated in a recent commentary. Ducournau, a French filmmaker celebrated for her body horror narratives, previously premiered "Raw" and "Titane" at Cannes, with "Titane" securing the prestigious Palme d'Or in 2021. "Alpha" is described by Ducournau as her most personal work, delving into coming-of-age drama with a subtle yet impactful body horror element. The narrative follows a 13-year-old girl who receives a mysterious tattoo, set against a backdrop where society grapples with a disease causing individuals to slowly transform into white marble. Brazier acknowledged reports of walkouts during screenings but maintained her engagement throughout the film, praising its mesmerising acting and emotional depth. The film's reception underscores Ducournau's continued ability to provoke strong reactions and push cinematic boundaries.
