EIFF Exclusive Review: Alice

On paper, Josephine Mackerras’ Alice sounds like a film we’ve all seen before. The story of a mild-mannered housewife/mother who becomes a high-end escort in order to support her family. In a lot of ways, I find that Alice is very reminiscent of Chantal Akerman’s bold a proudly feminist film, Jeanne Dielman, 23 Commerce Quay, 1080 Brussels. Like Jeanne Dielman, Mackerras’ film presents the world of sex through the female gaze. Sex is a major part of the film, but it’s not the only aspect of the film.

There’s more to Alice (played by the wonderfully talented Emilie Piponnier) and her story of self-discovery then becoming an escort. She becomes empowered not by her sexual pleasure but rather a friendship that she begins with a fellow escort, Vera (Chloe Boreham). Mackerras is interested in focusing on the relationship between these two women and how they can bring out the best in each other. It is a powerful message to have in such a film that deals with such a serious subject matter and premise.

The character of Alice emerges out from the confines of her cozy, snug apartment. And has to deal with the consequences that her hapless husband (played by Benjamin Bourgois) has left behind in the wake of his reckless behaviour. As her story unfolds, we spend less and less time in that poky little apartment, and the world becomes bigger. We see that Alice is evolving, and forming a new identity. Or perhaps discovering one that lay dormant inside her all along. In Mackerras’ own words, “Alice is about a personal revolution… She discovers strength she never knew she had, her sense of self expands, a new personal revolution of self and identity begins.”

“There’s more to Alice (played by the wonderfully talented Emilie Piponnier) and her story of self-discovery then becoming an escort.”

At the start of the film, Alice and Francois’ life seems perfect. She’s perhaps a little too uptight, and he’s definitely the more liberated one out of the two. Still, they seem happy enough in their little bubble world. However, Francois is a struggling writer, his problems run deeper than that. One day, Alice discovers her credit cards aren’t working and she can’t withdraw money from the ATM. It is quickly revealed that Francois has burned through their finances on a prostitution addiction. And he has left her without the proper funds to pay her mortgage. The bank gives her two weeks to figure out a plan.

Alice has no-one to turn to. Her mother isn’t much help and seems to take Francois’ side (maybe he wouldn’t have gone to the prostitutes if he’d been getting it at home). Needing answers, Alice decides to go for an ‘interview’ to become an escort. And is talked into the role by Vera, who is well educated and intelligent, seemingly in it only for the money. And, the money is good, considering that the actual act of sex is quick. Mackerras’ camera never really pans down the bed to reveal what is happening. We don’t need to see anything graphic of the shot. As stated before, this isn’t a film where the primary focus is about sex. Nudity is briefly seen but comes well into the film’s runtime, the camera never leers at Piponnier’s body. The gaze here is solely a female one.

“Alice is an outstanding film, which has a strong, complex female character at its core which still seems rare in today’s cinematic landscape.”

With her big brown ‘doe-like’ eyes, Piponnier manages to convey so much of Alice’s inner emotions. From her rage to her deep sadness, as she tries to come to terms with her situation. At first, Alice seems uncomfortable with her new job role. But as she realizes that she is the one in control over the situation, she stands straight with her shoulders back. Her eyes are now wide with determination.

Piponnier’s scenes with her co-stars Boreham and Bourgois help to showcase her range as an actress, and she dominates the screen with her presence. Boreham is delightful as the free-spirited Vera, but even her character has a depth to her, with her own complex backstory. And, even Bourgois’ Francois can be oddly charming, and you can understand how someone like Alice could fall for him so easily.

Alice is an outstanding film, which has a strong, complex female character at its core which still seems rare in today’s cinematic landscape. There are moments where the film feels a little too long in places, some scenes do seem to repeat themselves, but it is only minor criticism. In conclusion, this is a film which is refreshing, funny and empowering. And, it’s worth seeking out.