Alice, Darling

In the quiet outskirts of a small Midwestern town, Alice feels the weight of a relationship that has slowly stripped her of confidence. The film opens with her perched on the edge of a life that once felt safe but now feels suffocating, hinting at a world where everyday routines mask deeper currents of control. The tone balances an intimate, almost lyrical melancholy with moments of sharp, nervous humor, reflecting the inner tug‑of‑war between longing for freedom and the fear of stepping into the unknown.

Enter Tess and Sophie, two long‑standing friends who embody both refuge and challenge. Their bond with Alice is rendered with warm, textured realism, offering a glimpse of sisterhood that is as messy as it is supportive. The trio’s dynamic crackles with unspoken histories, playful banter, and the fragile hope that shared experiences might become a lifeline. Their interactions are set against a backdrop of crisp lakeside scenery and modest domestic spaces that feel both familiar and quietly oppressive, underscoring the film’s focus on personal spaces as mirrors of emotional states.

Meanwhile, Simon looms as the lingering presence that refuses to be fully left behind. Though he never becomes a caricature of villainy, his subtle manipulations and lingering expectations hover just out of frame, shaping the atmosphere with a constant, low‑grade tension. The narrative never settles into melodrama; instead, it observes how the echo of his influence can infiltrate even the most earnest attempts at liberation, testing the resolve of friendship and self‑belief.

The story moves forward with a patient, observant eye, inviting viewers to wonder whether Alice can truly untangle herself from the past and discover a quieter, sturdier version of herself. It is a meditation on the messy process of reclaiming autonomy, the courage required to confront hidden anxieties, and the quiet strength that can emerge when trusted companions stand together against the pull of old patterns.

Last Updated: August 09, 2025 at 21:00