Alice, Darling

Alice, Darling is a surprisingly accurate portrayal of coercive abuse. Coercive abuse and control is the slow erosion of the victim's sense of self. There's no dramatic set-up with explosive drama or thrilling moments, which understandably can leave audiences wanting

Throughout the movie there are subtle cues of abuse. To an outsider the abuse is so insignificant it's not detectable. Leaving the victim thinking the reason for the abuse is their fault

This movie pays homage to the victims of abuse, empathetically and with great consideration. Alice, Darling is probably more for victims and their loved ones, than for a general audience. This could be the reason for the low score. It could serve as an introduction to those who are interested in coercive abuse

The actors does a great job of conveying the confusing reality of abuse, for the victim and those around her. The pacing could at times seem slow but it goes with the general theme of realism, rather than entertainment. In my opinion, the run-time was perfect. Any longer and the movie could've easily been a drudge fest. The dialogue is well-written and there must have been a lot of research involved.

It's not a movie that delves into absolutes, which makes it even more realistic

A well worth watch.

I get the low ratings. People want their breath taken away, getting excited and entertained. Well, this movie is true to life, and life rarely does any of these. At least not in a good way when you live with an abuser. It sucks all happiness out of you and makes your life anxious and miserable. The movie is kind of slow and uneventful so the hidden emotions can sink in and open your eyes. It's subtle, but spot-on. The three girls are all stellar! The abuser feels flat and hollow, because that's what abusers are - fake and pretending, until they think they've got you and show their real face. I have to admit, I did not enjoy the movie. It's not really meant to be enjoyed. But I enjoyed the superb acting, the setting, the genuine friendship and love, the little gestures. Anna Kendrick is killing it! And the supporting cast too! Remember to just be kind to each other. You don't know what the person in front of you might be going through or dealing with.

The reviews on here are so problematic. People are moaning this isn't entertaining, it has no thrills and excitement. This is what abuse feels like, numb and dull in the stomach.

People want to watch physical abuse, want the shocks and horror of dealing with abuse. But it's not always like that. Sometimes it's odd, weird and strange.

This feel is real. The panic of doing something wrong, that your friends notice you acting different. And realising yourself that there is a problem.

Alice is taken away from her life, with friends. She is out of the situation and then it gets unsettling when she isn't just concentrating on being a good girl to her partner.

Abuse is horrific. Sorry if this didn't 'excite' you or you found it boring. But I think it was very valid in how disconnected abuse can make you feel.

I know this film will not appeal to everyone but it's worth a watch for the performance Anna Kendrick gives as Alice, a young woman who's very spirit is being eroded by a controlling abusive partner. Her female friends can see it but she is too consumed in his critiques & criticisms to reflect on their effects, until a girls week away. Wunmi Mosaku and Kaniehtiio Horn, as Sophie and Tess, provide a warm contrasting environment to the stilted & cold one Alice lives within and give her the reminder she needs of how free life should be. Nicely done for a first film & the camera work was beautifully observed & intimate.

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"Alice, Darling brilliantly tackles the sensitive topic of abusive relationships. Alanna Francis' script stands out with a profound, respectful look into an emotionally disturbed Anna Kendrick - career-best performance - but also into the genuine best of female friendship.

A non-exploitative look into how psychological violence can be as traumatic as any other kind of physical abuse, as well as how insanely difficult it is to leave such a toxic relationship.

Mary Nighy cannot escape the subgenre's formulaic boundaries, but she should be proud of such an enlightening, impactful feature directorial debut."

Rating: B+