Alice, Darling (2022) is a compelling psychological drama that explores the subtle yet devastating dynamics of emotional abuse. The film follows Alice, a young woman whose personality has been gradually eroded by her manipulative boyfriend Simon. When her two closest friends, Tess and Sophie, become increasingly concerned about her wellbeing, they orchestrate a lakeside getaway that becomes an unplanned intervention.

Anna Kendrick delivers a remarkably nuanced performance as Alice, capturing the quiet terror and psychological imprisonment of someone trapped in a coercive relationship. Her portrayal is both heartbreaking and authentic, showing how abuse can manifest not through physical violence but through psychological control and isolation. The supporting cast, particularly Kaniehtiio Horn and Charlie Carrick, provide strong performances that highlight the complexities of friendship and intervention.

Director Mary Nighy creates a tense, atmospheric film that masterfully builds suspense through everyday interactions rather than overt drama. The Canadian lakeside setting provides a beautiful yet claustrophobic backdrop to the unfolding psychological thriller. What makes Alice, Darling particularly worth watching is its sensitive handling of a difficult subject matter—it avoids sensationalism while maintaining narrative tension.

This film offers important insights into coercive control and the challenges friends face when trying to help someone in an abusive relationship. The 89-minute runtime delivers a tightly paced, emotionally resonant experience that will leave viewers contemplating the subtle signs of psychological abuse long after the credits roll.