Alice is a film where I went in blind. I never watched a trailer or read a description. I just hit play and enjoyed the ride. And boy, was it a ride.
Keke Palmer plays the title character in writer/director Krystin Ver Linden’s debut film. Alice is an enslaved person in 19th century Georgia. After being tortured and beaten, Alice fights back and escapes. She runs out of the forest and is met with a Jordan Peele-like twist. Alice now finds herself on a paved road in 1973.
No, there is no time travel involved, but a twisted torture that is shocking and devastating. Alice runs onto a freeway and is almost run over by a semi-truck. Thankfully the truck comes to a screeching halt, but Alice faints. A man named Frank (Common) rushes out and takes Alice to a hospital. Fearing that she would be sent to a psychiatric facility, Frank takes Alice to his home. Alice searches through books and learns that she has been lied to her whole life. She was made to believe she was living in a time when slavery was legal. Now she must navigate this new world and save her family.
Alice has an interesting premise but lacks in execution. The story could have had a significant impact but fell flat because of the storytelling. As soon as Alice is saved, there is no explanation for what happened to her. When Frank finds her, he believes she has amnesia from some type of head injury. Alice is obviously dressed in 19th-century clothing with blood stains from head to toe. Frank never inquires what happened to her, nor does the nurse at the hospital. Even when Frank overhears a conversation Alice has with one of her former “owners,” he never questions what happened or her living conditions. This is a major failure when it comes to direction. If there had been a moment of outrage, it would have taken the story to another level.
Keke Palmer gives an outstanding and captivating performance, but it’s almost missed because of the confusing way the story is told. While the script may be lacking, there are many empowering moments. Most notably is when Alice confronts the people who held her captive. The film’s ending is gratifying, but the believability is lost. I wanted to love this movie because the premise is interesting, and I love seeing a strong woman take back what was stolen from her. Unfortunately, Alice just fell flat.
Sundance 2022 Review: Alice
Score
Review Nation Score
Keke Palmer gives an outstanding and captivating performance, but it’s almost missed because of the storytelling. While the script may be lacking, there are many empowering moments. Most notably is when Alice confronts the people who held her captive. The film’s ending is gratifying, but the believability is lost. I wanted to love this movie because the premise is interesting, and I love seeing a strong woman take back what was stolen from her. Unfortunately, Alice just fell flat.
