ELLE
ELLE

Movie spotlight

ELLE

2021
Movie
0
French

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes89%
Metacritic89/100
Google Users84%
Director: Paul VerhoevenGenres: Thriller, Drama, Comedy

Plot Summary

Michele, a divorced mother and head of a successful video game company, finds her life turned upside down when she is sexually assaulted in her own home. Instead of reporting the crime, she decides to uncover the identity of her attacker herself. This pursuit leads her down a dark and unpredictable path, blurring the lines between victim and aggressor, and confronting her with her own complex desires and past trauma.

Critical Reception

Elle received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for Isabelle Huppert's powerhouse performance and Paul Verhoeven's daring direction. Critics praised the film's complex exploration of dark themes, its blend of suspense, dark humor, and psychological drama, and its refusal to offer easy answers.

What Reviewers Say

  • A masterful and provocative exploration of trauma, desire, and revenge.

  • Isabelle Huppert delivers a career-defining performance.

  • Paul Verhoeven's return to form is bold, stylish, and deeply unsettling.

Google audience: Audience reviews largely praise the film's daring and thought-provoking nature, with many highlighting Isabelle Huppert's incredible performance. Some viewers found the subject matter challenging, but the overall sentiment is one of admiration for its artistry and complexity.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Actress for Isabelle Huppert, Best Foreign Language Film), Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and numerous César Awards, with Isabelle Huppert winning Best Actress at the César Awards.

Fun Fact

While 'Elle' is a French-language film, director Paul Verhoeven is Dutch, and it marks his return to filmmaking in France after a significant career in Hollywood.

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