Alice, Darling (2022) is a compelling psychological drama that explores the insidious nature of coercive control and emotional abuse in relationships. 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 behavior, they orchestrate an intervention during what appears to be a simple lakeside vacation.

Anna Kendrick delivers a nuanced performance as Alice, capturing the subtle signs of trauma and psychological manipulation with remarkable sensitivity. The supporting cast, including Kaniehtiio Horn and Wunmi Mosaku as her concerned friends, provides excellent counterpoints to Alice's fragile state. Director Mary Nighy creates a tense, atmospheric thriller that builds psychological suspense rather than relying on physical violence.

The film's strength lies in its authentic portrayal of how abusive relationships can isolate victims from their support systems. The lakeside setting becomes both a sanctuary and a pressure cooker as Alice confronts the reality of her situation. With its tight 89-minute runtime, Alice, Darling maintains tension while exploring complex themes of friendship, manipulation, and self-discovery.

Viewers should watch this film for its thoughtful examination of psychological abuse, strong performances, and the important conversation it sparks about recognizing and addressing coercive control in relationships. The 5.6 IMDb rating doesn't fully capture the film's emotional impact and relevance in depicting this specific form of domestic trauma.