Michele Leblanc in Elle is a successful Parisian career woman so determined not to be defined by the men in her life (including a father currently serving a life sentence in jail) that she won’t even permit being raped, the picture’s brutal opening scene, from interrupting her busy diary.
In a Bafta-winning and Oscar-nominated performance Isabelle Huppert creates a complex, fascinating and often highly amusing enigma of a modern woman in a picture that is almost impossible to define; much like its protagonist.
Directed by the brilliantly provocative Paul Verhoeven (RoboCop, Black Book), it’s part mystery thriller, revenge drama, workplace satire and modern relationship comedy.
It’s all quite bonkers but completely gripping and consistently surprising.
Elle (18, 130mins)
Verdict: 4/5
Director: Paul Verhoeven
Stars: Isabelle Huppert, Laurent Lafitte
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