Alice (2019)

Average French Drama - Alice review by GI

Whilst the acting is strong and the basic themes of female empowerment and highlighting society's dual standards in regards to the actions of men and the actions of women are clear this drama glibly deals with the main area of the narrative, prostitution. This is the story of Alice (Emilie Piponnier), a happily married wife and mother of a young son. When her credit card is one day declined she discovers she is penniless and deserted by her husband, François (Martin Swabey) who has spent all their funds, and left her in extreme debt, due to his prostitution addiction. Alice takes the desperate step of becoming one herself via an escort agency and is shown the ropes by Lisa (Chloé Boreham) who becomes her friend. Alice finds a new strength and determination with this new direction until François returns wanting to start their relationship afresh. The main issue with the film is the simple veneer with which it deals with the risks to the woman engaging in sex work. Alice's clients are shown as mostly lonely if occasionally a little weird and it glosses over the refusal to wear a condom issue. This makes the film somewhat passé overall and disappointing. The main theme that the man's use of prostitutes is less an issue for society than a woman becoming one to save her home is dealt with quite well. Worth checking out though.