Alice 2022
Directed by
Krystin Ver Linden
Made by
Vertical Entertainment
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Alice (2022). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Simon permits Alice a rare night out at a bar with her close friends, Tess and Sophie. Throughout the evening, it becomes apparent that Alice is preoccupied, often flinching at notifications from her phone and nervously running her fingers through her hair. In a casual revelation, it is hinted that Alice and Simon have met through Tess’ circle. However, despite this connection, Simon seems intent on isolating Alice from her friends. When Sophie proposes a celebratory trip to her family’s cottage for Tess’ birthday, Alice eagerly agrees but opts to lie to Simon, telling him it’s a work trip to Minneapolis instead.
During their drive to the cottage, the trio stops at a convenience store where Alice spots a flyer for a missing girl named Andrea, sparking an obsession within her. The three women spend their time enjoying the beauty of the rural town and the lake. Unbeknownst to Alice, Simon discovers their location through emails and demands she return home, prompting Alice to pack. However, Tess cleverly hides Alice’s phone and wallet to give them more time together, and Sophie makes a trip to the store as an excuse for their outing.
While at the lake, Tess attempts to teach Alice how to paddleboard but playfully tips the board, causing Alice to fall and lose an earring— a gift from Simon. In a frantic attempt to retrieve the earring, Alice dives into the water but comes back empty-handed, only to be hit with panic attacks, repeating the distressing thought that she “can’t do another thing wrong.” An argument breaks out when Tess confronts Alice about her mental state, leading to a confession that she had kept their getaway from Simon. Concerned for her friend, Tess questions Alice’s well-being, prompting Alice to reconsider her plans to leave. The following morning, she joins the search party for Andrea and discovers lipstick near an abandoned cottage, believing it may belong to the missing girl.
As the women reconnect and strengthen their friendship, Alice begins to confide in Tess and Sophie about Simon. She shares that while he has never physically harmed her, the emotional abuse she experiences is deeply damaging. Gradually, Alice stops responding to Simon’s texts, which leads to his unexpected arrival with groceries. Tensions rise during dinner when Simon reveals that the body of the missing girl has been found, prompting Alice to disclose her thoughts about the lipstick. Simon, dismissively condescending, tries to silence her.
The next day, Alice surprises her friends by packing her things and leaving the cottage. En route to the main road, Simon halts his car for a line of cyclists, during which Sophie catches up and dramatically shatters the back windshield with a maul. As Alice steps out to make eye contact with Sophie, she silently signals her reluctance to return to Simon. Despite Simon’s angry commands for her to re-enter the car, Alice stands her ground. Tess intervenes, positioning herself between them and compelling Simon to back off. Frustrated, Simon returns to his vehicle, angrily throwing Alice’s belongings out before speeding away.
The film concludes with Alice confidently paddling on the lake, diving in, symbolizing her newfound freedom and resolve.
Timeline
Track the key events of Alice (2022) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
A Night Out
Alice is allowed a rare night out at a bar with her friends Tess and Sophie. Despite the festive atmosphere, it becomes clear that Alice is distracted and uneasy, often flinching at her phone notifications.
The Connection
During the night, it's hinted that Alice and Simon met through Tess's social circle. However, Simon's controlling nature begins to surface as he isolates Alice from her friends.
A Deceptive Plan
After Sophie suggests a celebratory trip to her family's cottage for Tess's birthday, Alice lies to Simon, telling him it's a work trip to Minneapolis. This decision marks the beginning of her secret rebellion against Simon's control.
The Missing Girl
On their drive to the cottage, the group stops at a convenience store where Alice notices a flyer for a missing girl named Andrea. This discovery ignites a new obsession for Alice, shifting her focus away from her own troubles.
A Day at the Lake
The trio enjoys their time at the cottage, reveling in the beauty of the rural setting. However, Simon discovers their location and demands Alice return home, which leads to conflict as Tess hides Alice's phone and wallet.
Paddleboarding Prank
Tess attempts to teach Alice paddleboarding, leading to a playful moment where Alice falls into the water and loses an earring gifted to her by Simon. This incident foreshadows Alice's growing anxiety and feelings of inadequacy.
Panic and Reflection
After losing her earring, Alice experiences a panic attack and admits to Tess her fears of not being able to do anything right. This confrontation prompts Alice to reflect on her relationship with Simon and her mental health.
The Search for Andrea
The next day, motivated by her recent realizations, Alice joins her friends in the search for Andrea. While searching, she discovers lipstick near an abandoned cottage, igniting fears and determination within her.
Confiding in Friends
As Alice spends more time with Tess and Sophie, she opens up about her relationship with Simon, revealing the emotional abuse she endures. This moment strengthens their bond and sets the stage for her eventual decision to leave.
Simon's Arrival
Alice’s decision to stop responding to Simon's messages leads to his unexpected arrival at the cottage with groceries. The situation intensifies when he dismissively reacts to Alice's concerns about the missing girl.
The Confrontation
During a tense dinner, Simon reveals that a body has been found, leading Alice to share her theories about the lipstick. Simon's condescension and desire to silence her create further tension in their relationship.
The Breakaway
The following day, Alice makes the bold decision to pack her things and leave the cottage. As she heads toward freedom, an unexpected confrontation ensues between Simon and her friends.
Facing Simon
While stopped for cyclists, Sophie seizes the opportunity to shatter Simon's car window, symbolizing her defiance against his control. Alice takes a stand as she silently signals her unwillingness to return to Simon.
The Triumph
With tensions high, Tess places herself between Alice and Simon, forcing him to back off. In a moment of liberation, Simon angrily throws Alice's belongings from the car, signifying her break from his grasp.
A New Beginning
The film concludes with Alice confidently paddling on the lake, symbolizing her newfound freedom and resilience. Diving into the water represents her emotional revitalization and the start of a new chapter in her life.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Alice (2022) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Alice (Keke Palmer)
Alice is a deeply introspective character caught in an emotionally abusive relationship. Her journey reveals her vulnerability but also her resilience as she learns to navigate her fears and reclaim her identity. Throughout the film, she experiences growth by confiding in her friends and ultimately choosing her freedom.
Simon (Common)
Simon is portrayed as an emotionally manipulative figure in Alice’s life. While he has not physically harmed her, his controlling nature significantly affects her mental health. His dismissive attitude and attempts to isolate Alice showcase classic traits of an abuser, creating a tension-filled dynamic that Alice seeks to escape.
Tess (unknown)
Tess is a supportive friend who acts as Alice's lifeline in the narrative. She encourages Alice to confront her fears and advocates for her well-being. Tess's interventions play a crucial role in Alice's journey toward independence, highlighting the significance of friendship in overcoming adversity.
Sophie (unknown)
Sophie adds a layer of energy and audacity to the group dynamic. Her bold actions and willingness to confront challenges reflect a strong sense of loyalty to her friends. Through her support, Sophie encourages Alice to break free from Simon's grasp, emphasizing the importance of standing up against abusive situations.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Alice (2022), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film unfolds in a contemporary setting, highlighting present-day challenges surrounding emotional abuse and personal freedom. The events reflect ongoing societal issues, resonating with modern audiences as they navigate similar experiences.
Location
Rural Town, Lake, Cottage
The movie takes place in a picturesque rural town, known for its serene landscapes and peaceful lake. The cottage serves as a getaway for friends, fostering connections and moments of self-reflection. This idyllic setting contrasts with Alice's troubled emotional state, providing a backdrop for her journey towards empowerment.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Alice (2022). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Emotional Abuse
Alice's journey centers around the theme of emotional abuse, portraying the effects of manipulation and control in her relationship with Simon. The film explores how isolation can impact mental well-being, showcasing Alice's struggle for independence and self-worth. Through her connections with Tess and Sophie, the narrative emphasizes the importance of friendship and support in overcoming toxic situations.
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Freedom
The lake serves as a symbol of freedom for Alice, representing her desire to escape from the constraints imposed by Simon. Her decision to paddle on the lake at the end signifies her newfound confidence and autonomy. This theme encapsulates the idea of reclaiming one's life and making choices that empower oneself, encouraging viewers to believe in their ability to break free.
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