<P> Alpha is a 2018 American historical adventure film directed by Albert Hughes and written by Daniele Sebastian Wiedenhaupt, from a story by Hughes . The film stars Kodi Smit - McPhee as a young hunter who befriends an injured wolf during the last ice age, with Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as his father . The wolf is played by Chuck, a five - year - old Czechoslovakian Wolfdog . </P> <P> Principal photography began in February 2016 in Canada and lasted through that April . The film was delayed several times, before being released in the United States on August 17, 2018, by Sony Pictures Releasing . It has grossed over $97 million worldwide and received generally favorable reviews from critics, who praised the performances and cinematography . </P> <P> In Upper Paleolithic Europe, 20,000 years in the past, a small tribe of hunter - gatherers prepares for an expedition to hunt for the coming winter's food . Tau, its chief, trains his adolescent son Keda, accepting him and another boy to join the hunting party . His wife Rho worries that Keda is not ready, but Tau believes he is and the hunters set out . </P> <P> Tau tests Keda by having him kill a boar they've caught, but Keda balks . One night, the party's fire draws the attention of a Machairodus, which lunges through their circle, snatching Keda's friend . Hearing the fatal struggle in the darkness, the tribe gives him up for dead . The member is given a memorial service in the form of placing rocks to symbolize the passing of one's spirit to the afterlife . </P>

What year does the movie alpha take place