Alpha is a solid, earnest survival drama with a big heart and bigger landscapes. The story of the first human-dog friendship is genuinely moving, and the minimal dialogue approach is a creative choice that works.

That said, this isn't a light family adventure. The peril is real and sustained—animal attacks, injuries, near-death experiences—and while there's no gore or graphic violence, sensitive kids will struggle. The pacing is also contemplative and slow, which means restless viewers under 10 will likely check out.

For the right audience (dog-loving tweens who can handle intensity), this is a beautiful, meaningful film with real lessons about trust, survival, and interdependence. Just know what you're getting into—this is PG-13 for a reason.