Elle (2016) full movie

Perhaps only Paul Verhoeven would open a film mid-rape—the violent attack observed by an unimpressed green-eyed cat—and then follow up with a scene where Michèle, the rape victim, face puffy from the beating, picks up a phone and orders takeout, asking questions about the “holiday roll.” She’s not blasé about what happened.

She’s freaked out. She stuffs the dress she was wearing in the trash. She takes a bath, blood from her genital area staining the bubbles above. She does not call the police.

Elle series

Instead, she orders food. It’s hard to picture this woman shedding a tear. Ever. The opening sequence of “Elle” is just the start of the demented and exhilarating experience that is this movie. “Elle” is a high-wire act without a net. 

Based on the novel by Philippe Djian, adapted for the screen by David Birke (and then translated into French by Harold Manning), “Elle” is a maniacal and confident hybrid of various ge