Here’s some advice if you plan to watch Alpha, Julia Ducournau’s new nervy, eye-popping film: Don’t try to understand it − just sink into it. The polarizing French thriller transforms the AIDS crisis into a visceral story of disease, family and fear, and it’s not for the faint of heart, writes critic Barry Hertz. And whether the movie leaves you entranced or itching to escape, you’ll feel more alive than you have in ages. Read full review.

Also this week: A recap of last night’s Survivor 50 episode, and we catch up with HGTV’s Property Brothers, who talk about their haters and the reality of doing renos in a housing crisis.

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