Alice, Darling (2022) is a compelling psychological drama that explores the insidious nature of emotional abuse and the power of friendship. Directed by Mary Nighy, the film follows Alice (Anna Kendrick), a young woman whose personality has been gradually eroded by her controlling boyfriend, Simon. When her two closest friends, Tess and Sophie, become increasingly concerned about her well-being, they orchestrate an intervention during what appears to be a simple lakeside vacation. The serene setting becomes a pressure cooker as Alice's fragile state and Simon's manipulative presence—even from a distance—threaten to unravel the entire plan.

Anna Kendrick delivers a career-best performance, masterfully portraying Alice's anxiety, self-doubt, and the subtle terror of coercive control. The supporting cast, including Kaniehtiio Horn and Wunmi Mosaku as the determined friends, provides a grounded and empathetic counterpoint. The film's strength lies in its nuanced approach; it avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on the psychological minutiae that trap victims in abusive dynamics. The direction is taut and atmospheric, using the confined lakeside location to amplify the claustrophobia Alice feels in her own life.

Viewers should watch Alice, Darling for its brave and sensitive treatment of a difficult subject. It's a thriller not of physical danger, but of psychological survival, making it both unsettling and profoundly moving. The film serves as a powerful testament to the importance of intervention and the resilience of the human spirit, anchored by Kendrick's unforgettable performance.