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The Alpha Gang (played by Dave Bautista, Léa Seydoux, Lily-Rose Depp, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Riley Keough, Bae Doona) is a group of aliens here to take over Earth. They come in the form of a 50s biker gang, somewhere between Grease and Tom of Finland. However, they must be very careful not to succumb to the dangerous disease: emotions.
You will hear claims that the film is a divisive one: either you love it or hate it. Now, I have to ask this question respectfully: why would you see a movie with a plot as absurd as this one and not be totally on board with the madness? It is an utter delight for those who simply let go of any reservations and give themselves over to the Zellners' crazed minds.
Clearly, this is a film in which everyone who made it was having fun. You can see this in the way the actors throw themselves into their roles, with particular praise for Chris Pine and Cate Blanchett, both of whom appear later in the film as part of the Beta Gang, with their highly expressive and committed performances. Credit is truly due all around for the straight-faced portrayals by the entire cast, who roll excellently with the comedic punches.
Admittedly, there is much of the movie that is masked by the outward commitment to absurdity. There is little going on beneath the surface. Sure, the aliens learn about love and emotion, but the depth is shallow. There is no reason given for us to care about their development or even their mission; instead, we are treated to more crazed rockabilly dancing as the gang moves through a series of vignettes, becoming more consumed by the disease. There is a point hidden in there, as the story is set against an unnamed human conflict, showing the Alphas what life under invasion is truly like, and why, perhaps, the ability to feel and empathize makes their experience all the more impactful, but the Zellners treat it as nothing more than background noise.
Despite any shortcomings in the film itself, it continues and culminates in such unbridled absurdity that it ultimately circles back around to charm. From awkward hugs to trying sweets, the moments of the gang slowly discovering mundane, human things are indeed both hilarious and heartwarming. If you can make it past any reservations about the unrelenting weirdness, as with the previous Zellner film, Sasquatch Sunset, you are rewarded with something that is undeniably original in every aspect.
