Alice, Darling (2022) is a compelling and tense psychological drama that explores the insidious nature of coercive control and emotional abuse. The film follows Alice, a young woman whose personality has been slowly eroded by her charismatic but manipulative boyfriend, Simon. Her two closest friends, noticing the alarming changes in her behavior, orchestrate an intervention by inviting her on a secluded lakeside getaway. What begins as a relaxing trip soon unravels into a tense psychological thriller as Alice's trauma and the true extent of Simon's control come to light.

Anna Kendrick delivers a powerfully restrained and nuanced performance as Alice, capturing the character's constant anxiety, self-doubt, and fractured sense of reality with remarkable subtlety. The direction by Mary Nighy is assured and atmospheric, using the serene yet isolating lakeside setting to mirror Alice's internal prison. The film excels in its realistic portrayal of how abuse operates not through dramatic violence, but through subtle manipulation, gaslighting, and isolation.

Viewers should watch Alice, Darling for its sensitive and important subject matter, handled with care and without sensationalism. It's a thriller that thrums with quiet dread rather than jump scares, focusing on emotional authenticity and the powerful bond of female friendship. The supporting cast provides a strong foundation, and the film's 89-minute runtime ensures a tight, impactful narrative that stays with you long after the credits roll. It's a crucial watch for anyone interested in dramas about complex relationships and psychological survival.