Based on Philippe Djian’s acclaimed novel Oh…, Verhoeven’s first French-language film covers themes of brutality, malice, and humiliation. Elle will prove provocative and divisive. Isabelle Huppert stars as Michèle, the head of a successful videogame company, who is being beaten and raped in her home by a masked assailant. After he leaves, Michèle cleans up, arranges to have the locks changed, and goes about her business. She doesn’t call the police. Days pass. She finds herself fantasising about the assault, aroused by the possibility of her attacker’s return — and the thought of exacting bloody revenge. Huppert is sensational, and the film certainly provides much to discuss and debate.
Is Elle a return to form for Verhoeven? Jason and Andy discuss the film in our March podcast. Skip to the 4.35 mark to hear their review…