If there was ever a film I needed after the complete disaster that was Zack Snyder’s The Last Photograph, it was the Zellner Brothers’ latest feature, Alpha Gang. With its offbeat humor and campy B-movie sensibilities, the film helped quell the wrath I was about to unleash on Snyder. The premise is delightfully absurd: a group of aliens disguised as a 1950s biker gang are sent to conquer Earth, only to run into trouble when they begin developing human emotions.
Alpha Gang marks what is arguably the most accessible work from the Zellner Brothers to date. The story is refreshingly simple and straightforward. We follow a group of aliens known as the Alpha Gang, consisting of members 1 through 6, who have been sent to conquer Earth. They spend their days dancing to ’50s music in their castle, polishing their leather and guns, killing any human troops to have unfortunate enough to cross their path, and fighting off what they consider a “disease”: human emotion. But as this affliction begins to spread throughout the group, the aliens start questioning themselves, their mission, and their relationships with one another.
While the story doesn’t entirely commit to the absurdity of its premise, the film embraces its own ridiculousness to deliver an entertaining time at the movies. It’s bizarre, ludicrous, and feels like a live-action Looney Tunes episode, complete with all the wacky zaniness one could hope for. The film is further elevated by its A-list ensemble, whose members fully commit to the film’s off-the-wall tone as their alien characters grapple with the human condition. Whether it’s developing sympathy for an enemy or falling in love with a messenger hawk, there’s something immensely satisfying about watching some of the best actors in the business let loose and have a little fun.
At the end of the day, Alpha Gang is exactly the kind of movie I needed after sitting through The Last Photograph. It’s silly, weird, charming, and completely unafraid to embrace its B-movie roots. While the film’s story may not always live up to the potential of its premise, the sheer commitment from the Zellner Brothers and its stacked ensemble makes it hard not to have a good time. Alpha Gang may not reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. Sometimes, all you need is a group of alien bikers, some ’50s music, and a messenger hawk to remind you that movies are supposed to be fun.
My Rating: B
Alpha Gang had its International Premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.
Alpha Gang is currently seeking US Distribution.
Leave a Reply