The Hollywood Reporter's review of "Alpha Gang" delivers a scathing assessment of the sci-fi comedy from David and Nathan Zellner, the filmmakers behind "Sasquatch Sunset." Despite an eye-catching visual concept and a starry cast, the critic argues the film prioritises striking aesthetics over coherent storytelling, leaving its premise largely unexplored and its narrative purpose unclear. The review matters as an early, largely negative reaction from the film's Telluride premiere, which could shape expectations ahead of a wider release.

The story follows a six-strong alien squad, dubbed the Alpha Gang, who infiltrate Earth dressed as a 1950s biker gang and must contend with the inconvenience of human bodies and emotions, which their culture treats as a dangerous contagion. The ensemble includes Léa Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Lily-Rose Depp, Doona Bae and Riley Keough, with Cate Blanchett also mentioned in the film's billing. The reviewer praises isolated moments of comedy and the retro jukebox soundtrack but concludes the film ultimately feels thin, criticising its dull action sequences and its failure to address basic questions about the aliens' origins, culture and mission.