Review of Elle (2016) by David C — 17 Feb 2017

Character study and psychoanalysis take precedence in Paul Verhoeven's latest film. Although there is an air of sexploitation in the narrative, this is more of a character study and psychological analysis of trauma and response.

With her stoic and measured delivery, Isabelle Huppert delivers another stellar performance in the face of transgression and adversity. Where many thrillers are moulded with tropes and genre clichés, Elle manages to keep you guessing on where it might lead and isn't afraid to allow verisimilitude in character interplay be at the forefront, rather than superfluous action.