Alice, the latest work to grace Portuguese cinema, delves viscerally into the complex question of the human condition in the face of adversity. The film holds up a mirror to our own existence, questioning: is it easier to change or simply adapt to living with pain? Faced with this dilemma, what should we do? Can we realistically expect to achieve happiness, or is resignation our inevitable fate?
The narrative, dense and at times uncomfortable, explores these questions through multifaceted characters, brilliantly portrayed by a cast that brings together some of the best Portuguese actors working today. Each performance contributes to the film's charged atmosphere, where the weight of unmade choices and carried burdens becomes palpable.
At the heart of this constellation of talent, Linda Rodrigues delivers a performance of overwhelming depth. Her ability to convey raw, genuine emotions is truly remarkable. Rodrigues doesn't just act, she feels on screen, and this visceral delivery provokes a whirlwind of feelings in the viewer. Through her expressions, her silences, and her choked voice, we are confronted with the pain of resignation, but also with the faint flame of hope that insists on not being extinguished.
The film offers no easy answers, opting instead for an honest exploration of the inherent difficulty of change and the human tendency towards adaptation, even when it means living with constant suffering. The cinematography, coupled with a melancholic soundtrack, accentuates the introspection and the central dilemma of the work.
Alice is, therefore, a demanding but profoundly rewarding cinematic experience. It is an invitation to reflect on our own lives, our pains, and our capacity for transformation. And it is, above all, a testament to the power of Portuguese cinema and the exceptional talent of actresses like Linda Rodrigues, who remind us of the beauty and complexity of human emotion in its purest state. A must-see film for those seeking more than mere entertainment, but a true emotional catharsis.
