Emotional drama struggles with pacing

A vacationing friend (Wunmi Mosaku, Kaniehtiio Horn) finds Alice (Anna Kendrick) in danger from her abusive boyfriend (Charlie Carrick).

A desperate woman crumbling in an emotionally abusive relationship finds comfort and strength in rest with her best friend. Alice, Darling It tackles important themes, but has pacing issues and fails as a complete narrative. Captured by star Anna Kendrick The intense paranoia, isolation, and dangerous physical decline of conquered peoples. She is always afraid of upsetting her cruel partner who controls every aspect of her life. Alice, Darling It loses focus with meandering subplots meant to be metaphors for the protagonist’s journey.

Alice nervously twists her hair as she is driven to meet Tess (Kanieteio Horn) and Sophie (Unmi Mosaku) for dinner. She had a girls’ party for the first time in a long time. Her phone keeps beeping with a message from Simon (Charlie Carrick). She pulls out some strands at her root. The back of her neck hiding red spots. Sophie’s parents gave them a northern lakeside house to celebrate Tess’s birthday. Alice politely declines. Her phone continues to erupt from Simon’s beckoning. Before Alice takes her home, she makes sure her hair and makeup look good on him.

Alice submits to Simon’s physical needs. She then panics in the bathroom. Her torn hair falls to the floor. Alice tells Simon she lies that she needs to show up for a work meeting. Sophie and Tess are thrilled that she decided to come. They notice signs of strange behavior in her on long drives.

Alice in Crisis

Alice’s mood worsens as the women try to enjoy an idyllic escape. She is detached and withdrawn. Her phone is an electronic tether to constantly demand Simon’s attention. Alice becomes obsessed with the disappearance of a local teenager. Her friends have finally had enough. They can sense that she is in danger and in danger of her breakdown.

Related: Quiet Girl Review: Best Family Movie of the Year

“Alice, Darling” refers to Simon’s seemingly sweet but contemptuous demands. He uses love like a knife, carving her personality to his exacting standards. Alice fears his disappointment. She devotes herself entirely to appeasing Simon’s ego. His Jekyll and Hyde nature keeps her nervous. Acquiescence allows Alice to maintain her submissiveness. His harsh words and tone hit like a punch. Although he’s not physically attacking her, he accomplishes the same goal: Alice sees and hears Simon all the time. She cannot escape his manipulation.

Alice, darling’s good intentions

The missing girl subplot shows Alice’s lost self, but it’s completely unrealistic for her to roam the woods. Knowing her friends wouldn’t let her walk around with a potential killer. This could have been done more subtly. It feels like padding and adds dead space instead of tension.

Alice, DarlingI can understand your good intentions. she needs help Vacation becomes an intervention to break the abuser’s ironclad grip. I should have written more concisely. You empathize with Alice’s struggles, but the film doesn’t really intrigue you.

Alice, Darling Productions from Babe Nation Films, Elevation Pictures, Ontario Creates, and Castelletto Films. Limited theater release from December 30th! lions gate.