Frankie & Alice

The film is inspired by actual events, showcasing the complex journey of a young woman, Francine L. Murdoch, portrayed by Halle Berry, who grapples with multiple personality disorder. The story opens in Savannah, Georgia, in 1957, where we witness a tragic car accident involving a girl.

Fast forward to Los Angeles, California, in 1978, Frankie finds herself working in a strip club. Following an unsettling incident one night, she is admitted to Pearce psychiatric hospital, where she encounters Dr. Joseph Oswald, affectionately known as Dr. Oz, played by Stellan Skarsgård. Dr. Oz begins a journey of treatment, diagnosing Frankie with three distinct personalities:

1. Francine L. Murdoch: a Black female, age 32, with an IQ of 132, who is right-handed.
2. Alice: a White female whose age remains unknown, possessing an IQ of 102, but she is left-handed.
3. Genius: a Black female aged between 8 and 12, gifted with an IQ of 156 and right-handed.

The narrative unfolds as Dr. Oz diligently works with Frankie, leading her to uncover her other two subconscious identities. As the plot progresses, viewers delve deep into the therapeutic relationship between Dr. Oz and Frankie, emphasizing the struggle and resilience needed to confront her complex disorder.

The film concludes on a poignant note with a credit stating that Dr. Oz supported Frankie until she could effectively manage her condition. Sadly, he passed away in 2001. In the wake of her healing, Frankie, aided by her alter ego Genius, embraced a new chapter as a High School Teacher and eventually entered into marriage with another psychiatrist.

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 16:10