Watch Elle

Elle is an intense psychosexual thriller directed by Paul Verhoeven, starring Isabelle Huppert, Laurent Lafitte, and Anne Consigny. The story is set in contemporary France and revolves around a successful businesswoman, Michèle Leblanc (Huppert). The movie opens with a chilling scene of Michèle being raped in her own home by a masked intruder. Rather than reporting the crime to the police, Michèle takes matters into her own hands and begins a dangerous game of cat and mouse with her attacker. As the plot unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that Michèle is far from a helpless victim. She is a complex and enigmatic character, driven by her own twisted desires and haunted by her past.

Despite the trauma she has experienced, Michèle remains defiant and unapologetic. She is fiercely independent and refuses to conform to societal norms or expectations. Her relationship with her family and colleagues is strained, and she has an unconventional approach to sex and relationships. Michèle's behavior becomes increasingly erratic as she becomes more entangled in the web of secrets and lies that surrounds her.

The performances in the film are outstanding, particularly Isabelle Huppert, who delivers a masterful portrayal of a woman on the edge. She manages to convey a sense of vulnerability and strength simultaneously, creating a character that is complex, flawed, and utterly captivating. Laurent Lafitte is also impressive as Michèle's creepy neighbor, whose motives are never entirely clear. Anne Consigny, who plays Michèle's business partner and friend, provides a nuanced and understated performance that adds depth to the film.

The movie deals with a range of themes, including power, control, revenge, and sexuality. It explores the psychology of trauma and how it can shape an individual's behavior and relationships. Verhoeven's direction is unflinching, and he does not shy away from depicting the darker aspects of human nature. The cinematography and score are also excellent and contribute to the intense and unsettling atmosphere of the film.

Elle is not a movie for the faint of heart, as it contains scenes of graphic violence and sexual content. However, for those who are willing to brave the disturbing subject matter, it is a thought-provoking and engrossing thriller. The film has been praised for its unconventional approach to the genre and its exploration of complex and controversial themes.

In conclusion, Elle is a powerful and challenging film that will leave a lasting impression on its viewers. Isabelle Huppert's performance alone is worth the price of admission, but the movie offers much more than just excellent acting. It is a daring and thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche and a testament to the power of cinema to challenge our assumptions and beliefs.

Elle is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 89.