It’s an age old tale: prehistoric man meets man’s best friend for the very first time, and the rest, as they say, is history. That’s the story at the core of “Alpha”, a familiar but visually stunning film that has to be experienced on the biggest screen possible. Director Albert Hughes knows that his material isn’t particularly deep, so the focus is on making the ride as emotional as possible, and this is where his movie scores points. In telling the story of how a young man struggles to return home after being separated from his tribe, Hughes tackles themes of loyalty, family, and friendship. It’s breathtaking to watch a wolf racing alongside our hero, looking for their next meal. It’s even better when the opening and closing scene is narrated by Morgan Freeman. There’s a lot to admire here, even if it all feels familiar somehow. If you enjoy a good survival story, look no further. “Alpha” may not be a masterpiece, but it’s a visual feast.