Alpha (2025) Trailer, Plot, Release Date, Cast and additional details

Alpha is a 2025 French film directed by Julia Ducournau, known for her Palme d’Or-winning Titane and Raw. It premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2025, and is set for theatrical release in France on August 20, 2025, by Diaphana, with NEON handling North American distribution in October 2025.

Plot

The story centers on Alpha, a troubled 13-year-old girl living with her single mother in the northern French port city of Le Havre during the 1980s. Their world unravels when Alpha comes home from school with a tattoo on her arm, triggering a collapse in their relationship. The narrative explores themes of mortality, loss, and ostracization, with Alpha facing rumors of contracting a strange illness, leading to her isolation by classmates. The film blends psychological drama, coming-of-age elements, and Ducournau’s signature body horror, with Alpha experiencing a psychological and physical transformation tied to a family member’s illness.

Cast

• Mélissa Boros as Alpha, the young protagonist.
• Golshifteh Farahani (likely the mother, based on casting prominence).
• Tahar Rahim, a César award-winner.
• Emma Mackey.
• Finnegan Oldfield.

Production and Style

Alpha is Ducournau’s third feature, following her reputation for provocative, genre-bending cinema. Described as “utterly divisive,” it continues her focus on young female protagonists and visceral storytelling. The film is set in a fictional 1980s city, with Ducournau drawing inspiration from her meeting with a founder of Act Up, suggesting a socio-political undercurrent possibly tied to the AIDS crisis. NEON acquired North American rights before production began in fall 2024.

Reception and Context

As of now, specific reviews from the Cannes premiere are limited, but the film has generated buzz for its bold approach, with some calling it “incredible” on platforms like Reddit. Ducournau is one of seven female directors in Cannes 2025’s main competition, highlighting her prominence in contemporary cinema. The teaser trailer, released recently, emphasizes its intense, genre-driven tone. While no Palme d’Or win is confirmed yet, the film’s provocative nature positions it as a contender.

Additional Notes

• The film’s narrative may incorporate global or societal events, as suggested by some sources, though details remain vague.
• No specific runtime or rating is mentioned in available data.
• For further details on distribution or awards, check official sources like the Cannes Film Festival website or NEON’s updates closer to the October release