Elle

Elle is a 2016 French psychological thriller film written and directed by Paul Verhoeven, loosely based on the German novel "Oh...," by Philippe Djian. The film revolves around Michèle Leblanc, an ambitious and powerful CEO of a video game development company, who finds herself ensnared in a cat-and-mouse game with a stalker after an assault in her home. The film begins with Michèle receiving a call from an unknown number. However, before the conversation begins, she interrupts the caller using an unconventional method; she hangs up by simply removing the receiver from her ear. This scene sets the tone for Michèle's assertive and strong character who refuses to back down from any confrontation. After the assault, Michèle discovers her apartment in shambles. The attacker, revealed to be a young woman named Anna, has left her phone and an explicit video message. Throughout the narrative, the lines between reality and fantasy blur as Michèle's perception of her stalker's intentions is distorted. As Michèle delves deeper into her past to understand Anna's motivations, the audience is left questioning the true nature of their twisted relationship. The narrative is a masterful blend of psychological complexity and dark humor. Through Michèle's voiceover, the audience gains access to her inner world, a realm where her past, relationships, and memories converge. These flashbacks reveal a complex web of personal relationships, including a tumultuous history with her mother, Anne (played by Isabelle Huppert), a troubled home life, and an affair with a married man, Richard Vallenourt. Michèle's life revolves around precision and control. Every minute detail is meticulously planned and timed. However, beneath the surface lies a tumultuous emotional universe, often repressed and hidden from the outside world. She is a paradox of a character: fiercely independent and vulnerable at the same time. This contradictory nature propels the narrative forward, allowing the audience to engage with Michèle's internal turmoil. The cinematography in Elle perfectly captures the film's sense of unease and tension. Verhoeven's direction masterfully crafts each scene to emphasize the protagonist's disquieting relationship with her stalker. As the narrative unravels, Michèle's connection with Anna evolves from a cat-and-mouse game into a complex psychological dance. The film raises questions about power dynamics, particularly in regards to women's empowerment. Michèle's character serves as a representation of female assertiveness in the face of adversity. Despite facing the threat of violence and the loss of control, she refuses to back down and instead chooses to counterattack. Through Michèle's actions, Elle presents a subversive commentary on modern societal expectations surrounding women and violence. As the story unfolds, the lines between victimhood and agency become increasingly blurred. Michèle's actions challenge the viewer's understanding of the power dynamics between a predator and a prey. Her calculated responses to Anna's attacks leave the audience questioning the true motivations of both characters. This ambiguity makes Elle a gripping thriller that will continue to be debated long after the credits roll. In its most poignant moment, the film confronts Michèle's emotional scars, her inner conflict and the consequences of her repressed emotions. This moment showcases the complexity of Michèle's character, further highlighting the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. Ultimately, Elle presents a haunting and thought-provoking portrayal of one woman's desperate struggle for control and agency in a world that often seems determined to break her. With its masterful storytelling, complex characters, and subversive themes, Elle is a gripping thriller that will stay with audiences long after the curtains fall.