by Kristin Ciliberto, Contributing Writer
Writer-director Krystin Ver Linden’s major directorial debut, Alice, had its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, and happens to star Keke Palmer, who also serves as one of the film’s executive producers. Is this a revenge flick worth the audience’s time? Ver Linden opens the feature by stating, “Inspired by true events.” The beginning of the film is set on a Georgia plantation before the Civil War. Alice (Palmer) is getting married to the love of her life, Joseph (Gaius Charles). However, the land is owned by the cruel, abusive, and awful Paul Bennett (Jonny Lee Miller). Eventually, Alice is able to escape the plantation, but discovers that it’s 1973 and slavery no longer exists.
It’s clear Ver Linden drew some inspiration from M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village and Quentin Taratino’s Django Unchained. It can also be compared to a more recent film, Antebellum. Ver Linden had a vision to tell her story, but it doesn’t quite work, given what the film wants to say. As an overall package, it includes revenge and quasi-blaxploitation bends elements that don’t feel as empowering. There are uncomfortable moments, as it touches on important themes of racial injustice and shows the mistreatment of others. It’s sad to watch Palmer’s character suffering, being abused, and being assaulted. It’s also sad knowing cruel and racist people were living during this time and we cannot go back and change it, even though there are still racist people living to this day.
Ver Linden’s film takes a creative concept, but the end results do not always work since the tone bounces around throughout. It’s a unique idea, and I applaud Ver Linden for taking on a twist with the whole concept. She does make the film stylish with a unique flair and keeps audiences interested; however, the film doesn’t actually escalate until about 40 minutes in. The same can be said for when it tries to reach its cinematic conclusion; however, it all feels rushed.
Palmer has grown up with audiences over the years, starring in films such as Akeelah and the Bee, The Longshots, and Joyful Noise. She’s truly shown she has grown with her craft, and this film shows her unbelievable dramatic side. It is Palmer’s most remarkable and most impressive work to date. The film does not shy from showing her talents — her character is empowering as the titular character.
Alice does not have a sense of identity of who she is, and she has to learn to discover who she is. Later in the film, she receives help from a truck driver Frank (Common), who has great chemistry with Palmer. Common’s character takes her under his wing and guides her to all things life offers. However, he served more as exposition. He’s only there to discuss his life and show her what the world has to offer.
Ver Linden lets Palmer as an actress shine, and it shows all the future potential she has. Alice shows a promising vision that is slightly all over the place, but Ver Linden’s first feature film was interesting and stresses important themes, despite it being slightly messy.
Score: 7/10