Luckiest Girl Alive review: Mila Kunis film lacks spark

In ‘Luckiest Girl Alive’, Ani Fanelli’s life is thrown upside down when a tragedy from the past resurfaces. The mystery movie is now streaming on Netflix.

Story

Ani Fanelli (Mila Kunis), a writer at The Women’s Bible in New York, believes that she has managed to outrun a tragic incident from the past. She is on the verge of getting married to the wealthy Luke Harrison (Finn Wittrock).

When she was young, and named TifAni, a shooting took place at her school. Although she claims to be a victim, many believe that she was one of the culprits.

When Aaron Wickersham (Dalmar Abuzeid), an independent filmmaker, approaches her for an interview to include in a documentary he is making about the incident, things change.

While reluctant at the start, she starts to rethink upon realising that Dean Barton (Alex Barone), the one responsible for the allegations against her, has agreed to speak to Aaron.

Ani has a crucial decision to make; whether to continue with this new life that she has built or to let the world know her side of the story.

Performances

This is largely just a Mila Kunis film, and she does what’s asked of her, but never reaches great heights in her role as Ani Fanelli.

Everyone else is almost reduced to a cameo and there are not enough moments to impress, except Thomas Barbusca (Arthur Finnerman), who excels in showcasing his character’s slightly mad personality.

Positives

The film is somewhat successful in addressing the pressing subject of sexual abuse victims and their difficulty in getting justice. The commentary on how victims are blamed is executed adequately as well.

It piques your interest by only providing small bits of the tragedy in the past, and keeps you wanting to know more about what exactly happened during the school days.

Negatives

The slow divulging of details is a part of one of its weaknesses as well. The first half of the film just drags and isn’t engaging enough. The makes could easily have trimmed 10-20 minutes.

Although a tragic tale, it never manages to evoke enough sadness. By the climax, you won’t be left teary-eyed at what Ani went through, just sympathetic.

The conclusion doesn’t go in sync with the rest of the film. The character growth doesn’t feel authentic and Ani’s actions are disjointed from what her character is shown to be.

With the premise, there was a lot that the film could have achieved. Just like Ani’s boss tells her in the film itself about her piece; the film only scratches the surface.

Verdict

Luckiest Girl Alive promises a lot and ultimately doesn’t deliver nearly enough. It’s not hard to sit through, but will never make you feel like you’re watching something that will stay with you long after you’re done with it.

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