The Empire Film Podcast Julia Ducournau & Tahar Rahim On Alpha: An Empire Podcast Interview Special
Nov 14, 2025
Julia Ducournau, an award-winning French filmmaker known for Raw and Titane, discusses her latest work, Alpha, exploring themes of body, trauma, and society. Tahar Rahim, an acclaimed actor from A Prophet, shares his intense preparation for his role as the drug-addicted uncle. They delve into the emotional core of the film, tackling deep topics like unconditional love and societal stigma. Julia reveals her inspiration drawn from the AIDS era, while Tahar describes his immersive research into addiction, enriching his character's transformation.
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Choosing Discomfort To Grow
- Julia Duchourneau postponed Alpha because she felt she needed more life experience to tackle the mother figure authentically.
- She intentionally chose discomfort to challenge herself and avoid repeating previous work.
Instant Creative Click With Julia
- Tahar Rahim accepted the role primarily because he admired Julia's unique vision from Raw and Titane.
- He says their first day clicked instantly, allowing him to trust and dive into the character without a safety net.
Mentoring The Lead Actress
- Tahar built a bond with newcomer Melissa Boros by supporting her off-camera and offering reassurance when she was stressed.
- He encouraged her to find self-confidence and enjoy the unique opportunity rather than seek external validation.