Alice

Simon permits Alice a rare night out at a bar with her close friends, Tess and Sophie. Throughout the evening, it becomes apparent that Alice is preoccupied, often flinching at notifications from her phone and nervously running her fingers through her hair. In a casual revelation, it is hinted that Alice and Simon have met through Tess’ circle. However, despite this connection, Simon seems intent on isolating Alice from her friends. When Sophie proposes a celebratory trip to her family’s cottage for Tess’ birthday, Alice eagerly agrees but opts to lie to Simon, telling him it’s a work trip to Minneapolis instead.

During their drive to the cottage, the trio stops at a convenience store where Alice spots a flyer for a missing girl named Andrea, sparking an obsession within her. The three women spend their time enjoying the beauty of the rural town and the lake. Unbeknownst to Alice, Simon discovers their location through emails and demands she return home, prompting Alice to pack. However, Tess cleverly hides Alice’s phone and wallet to give them more time together, and Sophie makes a trip to the store as an excuse for their outing.

While at the lake, Tess attempts to teach Alice how to paddleboard but playfully tips the board, causing Alice to fall and lose an earring— a gift from Simon. In a frantic attempt to retrieve the earring, Alice dives into the water but comes back empty-handed, only to be hit with panic attacks, repeating the distressing thought that she “can’t do another thing wrong.” An argument breaks out when Tess confronts Alice about her mental state, leading to a confession that she had kept their getaway from Simon. Concerned for her friend, Tess questions Alice’s well-being, prompting Alice to reconsider her plans to leave. The following morning, she joins the search party for Andrea and discovers lipstick near an abandoned cottage, believing it may belong to the missing girl.

As the women reconnect and strengthen their friendship, Alice begins to confide in Tess and Sophie about Simon. She shares that while he has never physically harmed her, the emotional abuse she experiences is deeply damaging. Gradually, Alice stops responding to Simon’s texts, which leads to his unexpected arrival with groceries. Tensions rise during dinner when Simon reveals that the body of the missing girl has been found, prompting Alice to disclose her thoughts about the lipstick. Simon, dismissively condescending, tries to silence her.

The next day, Alice surprises her friends by packing her things and leaving the cottage. En route to the main road, Simon halts his car for a line of cyclists, during which Sophie catches up and dramatically shatters the back windshield with a maul. As Alice steps out to make eye contact with Sophie, she silently signals her reluctance to return to Simon. Despite Simon’s angry commands for her to re-enter the car, Alice stands her ground. Tess intervenes, positioning herself between them and compelling Simon to back off. Frustrated, Simon returns to his vehicle, angrily throwing Alice’s belongings out before speeding away.

The film concludes with Alice confidently paddling on the lake, diving in, symbolizing her newfound freedom and resolve.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 12:41