Published by Mason Oldridge, 10 October 2022
CONTAINS SPOILERS!
Mila Kunis stars in Netflix’s film adaptation of the 2015 novel.
The movie is branded as a mystery thriller though really appears more as a drama as there is minimal action. Nevertheless, audiences will be left intrigued due to the time-jumping narrative.
The film sees Ani, an engaged writer who has created a perfect New York life for herself though harbours haunting memories of a childhood event. When a documentary crew approaches her, we learn she was present at a school shooting. The film cleverly reveals more about her history in flashbacks spaced between her adult life in the present. We eventually discover she was gang raped and her friend committed the shooting against the rapists after she didn’t report them. Kunis may be the star but it is Chiara Aurelia who deserves praise for her distressing performance as young Ani, demonstrating trauma amid the difficult scenes.
As Ani secretly records a confession of the sole surviving rapist, the article she publishes on her story leaves several women feeling empowered and is particularly relevant in the MeToo movement. Despite being set in 2015 as people predicted the first female president, it is still a prevalent issue in society and, although her split with her fiancé is bittersweet, it shapes the positive ending of Ani finally taking control of her life in a more confident manner.
In conclusion, the film may not be the most entertaining, but the flashbacks slowly reel you in, feature a rising star within them, and masterfully combats victim blaming in an unconventional situation.
6/10