Elle
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Actors: Isabelle Huppert, Laurent Lafitte, Anne Consigny
PlotMichèle Leblanc, a successful businesswoman who runs a video game company, is brutally attacked and raped in her home by a masked intruder. She refuses to let the traumatic event disrupt her life, maintaining a stoic exterior while discreetly arming herself for protection. Michèle's complex relationships with her ex-husband Richard, her son Vincent, and her mother serve as a backdrop to her interactions at work, where she exhibits a strong, authoritative presence. Concurrently, she deals with personal entanglements, such as an affair with her best friend Anna's husband Robert and managing the fallout from her father's past criminal notoriety.
As Michèle tries to piece together the identity of her attacker, she begins to suspect those around her, including co-workers and neighbors. Her investigation is marked by psychological tension and an exploration of power dynamics, culminating in a series of encounters that reveal unsettling truths about herself and those she interacts with. The assault and its aftermath become intertwined with Michèle's intricate and layered personal life, ultimately reflecting her resilience and complex character.
Writers: Philippe Djian, David Birke
Release Date: 11 Nov 2016
Runtime: 130 min
Rating: R
Country: France, Germany, Belgium
Language: French
Home Video Reviews
Elle is a captivating and expertly crafted Verhoeven film, offering fair video quality, solid audio, and intriguing extras; highly recommended.
Read our review of Elle Blu-ray to find out more