'Luckiest Girl Alive' Review: Mila Kunis gives stellar performance in latest Netflix mystery-thriller
Disclaimer: Contain spoilers for 'Luckiest Girl Alive'
'Luckiest Girl Alive' was written by Jessica Knoll in 2015 which also happens to be her debut novel. Back in the day, Lionsgate had acquired the film's right with Reese Witherspoon set to produce under her Pacific Standard banner, however, in February 2021, it was announced that Mila Kunis would star in the film as TifAni, with Mike Barker set to direct the film, from a script by Knoll, with Netflix set to distribute, and Lionsgate and Witherspoon no longer attached.
While writing the novel, Knoll drew upon her own experiences of being gang raped and bullied as a teenager. Knoll did not initially make this public knowledge while promoting the book, at first telling fans she based the rape and aftermath on stories she had heard from others. In March 2016, Knoll wrote an essay for the online feminist newsletter 'Lenny Letter', describing her experiences as a rape survivor. She further stated that she came forward after interacting with several fellow rape survivors at book signings. She said, "It really killed me to see the looks on these women's faces when I would say, 'Oh no, you know, I just made it up,' and I just never wanted to see that look on anyone's face again." Read more to find out about the Netflix movie.
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What time will 'Luckiest Girl Alive' movie will be out on Netflix?
The movie premise is about a woman, TifAni FaNelli, who likes being called 'Ani' and resides in New York as a writer for one of the reputed woman's magazines. She seems to have things under control but is faced with a trauma that makes her life unravel. The movie is really about the daily trauma rape victims go through as they feel ashamed to voice their thoughts and feel compelled to suppress their hurt. The character, Ani has a fiance, Luke Harrison (Finn Wittrock) who was born with a silver spoon and could give her the world but not support when she needed it the most.
Chiara Aurelia and Mila Kunis have done a stellar job of portraying how the lives of sexual assault victims can be, on the other hand, Finn Wittrock, Scoot McNairy, Thomas Barbusca, Jennifer Beals, and Connie Britton were mind-boggling in their supporting roles which highlighted the main character all throughout. Starting from the cinematography, to the beautiful locations and costumes really brought out the movie's backdrop as it is set to be in 2015.
All in all, the movie really stands out for showing the dark inner thoughts of the character and how a traumatic event can happen long back but stays with the person till they make peace with it. Kudos to Knoll and Kunis for coming up with a slightly different and happier ending for the movie which worked for the movie beautifully. It definitely has some triggering scenes but serves a greater purpose for society as it sends a strong message to uplift women and their voices.
'Luckiest Girl Alive' is streaming now on Netflix.
