Elle

Elle, a 2016 movie directed by Paul Verhoeven, is a psychologically charged thriller characterized by both captivating characters and a consistently engrossing storyline. The narrative takes its audience through a rollercoaster of emotions and bluntly showcases the darkest and most controversial aspects of human nature.

Elle unfolds the story of a successful businesswoman named Michèle Leblanc, thoughtfully portrayed by Isabelle Huppert. Michèle leads a successful tech company in Paris, France, which specializes in the development and production of video games. Her position as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry establishes her as a determined and ambitious character. However, her seemingly perfect life is disrupted when she becomes the victim of a brutal sexual assault which takes place within the confines of her own home.

What sets Michèle apart from the usual portrayal of victims in this genre of film is her complex reaction to the attack. After the traumatising event, rather than immediately going to the police, Michèle tries to return to her daily routine. She takes a boldly unorthodox path, in an attempt to maintain control of her life and to cope with the re-emergence of unresolved issues from her past.

Huppert's masterful performance expertly navigates the nuances of her character. There is a nuanced balance between her ferocity as a formidable woman in power, her fear as a victim of a vicious attack, and her unvanquished spirit. Her intense portrayal challenges viewers to evaluate the deep complexities of her character.

Laurent Lafitte as Patrick, who is a newcomer to Michèle's affluent neighborhood, and Anne Consigny as Anna, a close friend of Michèle, add further dimensions to the plot. Both the characters hold significant roles in the story and contribute to the unfolding mystery.

Elle does not shy away from focusing on Michèle's romantic and familial relationships. This involves an unruly son, an ex-husband, and a love affair. These narrative elements further enrich the depiction of Michèle as an embattled woman who fights adversity on domestic, professional, and emotional fronts.

There is also an exploration of adult friendships, with the complicated bond between Michèle and her best friend, Anna, offering a stark portrayal of the intermingling of sympathy, jealousy, and unspoken truths. Likewise, the dynamic between Michèle and her neighbours is constructed with precision, keeping you wondering where alliances lie, and from where the assault originated.

The film serves as a social commentary on themes of revenge, power, and helplessness. Director Verhoeven deftly uncovers the ramifications of assault on those who suffer them, taking the topic head on, but also demonstrating the resilience and strength of survivors. Moreover, the movie is imbued with a distinct and cutting sense of dark humor, which provides a unique twist adding a counterpoint to the heavy themes it explores.

Elle, despite the intense brutality it speaks about, is an intellectual exercise that maintains suspense without resorting to conventional genre tropes. It uses psychological games and impulses to bring dramatic weight to the actions of its characters.

The cinematography and production design are also noteworthy, adding a layer of elegance to the dark narrative. The leafy suburban regions, the upscale apartments and workplaces, and the melancholic winter lit streets of Paris form a disturbing contrast with the crime at the centre of the narrative.

The skillful direction of Verhoeven combined with Huppert's memorable portrayal of Michèle, the use of existing French noir clichés, the subtle interrogation of societal norms, and their customary responses to sexual violence - all contribute to making Elle a masterpiece in its genre.

This thrilling French drama won Isabelle Huppert a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama and also earned an Academy Award nomination. Elle is a cinematic experience that may provoke discomfort and controversy. Yet, it is exactly this daring exploration of dark themes and characters outside of societal norms that distinguishes it and draws in viewers ready for an intense and thought-provoking watch.