Titane” director Julia Ducournau made a triumphant return to Cannes Monday evening with her follow-up “Alpha,” a mother-daughter infection thriller that earned a thunderous 11.5-minute ovation after its premiere - one of the most glowing in-person receptions thus far at this year’s film festival.

Four years after winning the Palme d’Or for Titane, Julia Ducournau debuted her latest Cannes Film Festival Competition entry Alpha.

All credit to a newly minted Palme d'Or-winner for having the courage to step out of their comfort zone, but "Alpha" is an insufferable misfire.