Our take
Arch-provocateur Paul Verhoeven received widespread acclaim for his assured and darkly funny adaptation of Philippe Dijan’s award-winning novel, his first film in the French language.
It’s a controversial revenge thriller about a domineering businesswoman who is raped in her home by a masked man. Refusing to let the attack affect her life, she refuses to report the incident and tracks down the assailant herself.
Verhoeven directs the material with confidence and a troubling lightness of touch, while fearless Isabelle Huppert gives one of the best performances of her long and illustrious career. Some people found Elle empowering while others felt it perpetuated misogynistic attitudes. Either way, it makes for a passionate post-viewing discussion.
Streaming arrival
The story
When Michèle, the CEO of a gaming software company, is attacked in her home by an unknown assailant, she refuses to let it alter her precisely ordered life. She manages crises involving family, all the while becoming engaged in a game of cat and mouse with her stalker.
Elsewhere
"The question of whether "Elle" is pernicious nonsense or an excruciating black comedy is brushed aside in Huppert's demonstration of sangfroid."
— Anthony Lane
"This is Verhoeven's point: the violence Michèle suffers is not isolated, but just an extreme symptom of the misogyny that permeates Michèle's life."
— Manuela Lazic
The details
Who picked it
Lee Adams is a contributing writer at A Good Movie to Watch, reviewing films and shows across the major streaming services.
