Frankie & Alice Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A go-go dancer argues with her inner child and a racist grandma until a therapist figures out her repressed trauma, which apparently involves more than just the 70s.

🍿 Frankie & Alice: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Frankie and Her World

The film introduces Frankie Murdoch (Halle Berry), a go-go dancer in 1970s Los Angeles. She’s struggling to make ends meet, but she’s also battling something far more complex: dissociative identity disorder. Frankie experiences frequent blackouts and mood swings, unaware that she’s sharing her mind with other personalities.

The Alter Egos: Alice and Genius

Frankie’s two primary alter egos are Alice, a racist white woman, and Genius, a highly intelligent young girl. These personalities emerge at unpredictable times, often causing chaos in Frankie’s life. Alice’s racist outbursts create social problems, while Genius’s childlike behavior and advanced intellect lead to confusion and disruptions.

Seeking Help: Dr. Oz Enters the Picture

After a series of incidents, Frankie is referred to Dr. Joseph ‘Oz’ Oswald (Stellan Skarsgård), a psychotherapist specializing in dissociative disorders. Dr. Oz recognizes the complexity of Frankie’s condition and begins a long and challenging journey to help her understand and integrate her personalities. He uses hypnosis and therapy to uncover the root causes of her disorder.

Unraveling the Past

As Frankie undergoes therapy, flashbacks reveal a traumatic childhood event involving her and a white family. These events are crucial to understanding the reasons Frankie developed her multiple personalities. They had been serving as a protective mechanism from deep childhood trauma.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Frankie Murdoch (Halle Berry): A go-go dancer with multiple personality disorder, struggling to find her true self amidst distinct alter egos.
• Oz (Stellan Skarsgård): The psychotherapist who works with Frankie to uncover the root of her multiple personalities and help her heal.
• Edna (Phylicia Rashad): Frankie’s mother, who harbors secrets related to Frankie’s childhood trauma.
• Maxine (Chandra Wilson): Frankie’s sister, whose relationship with Frankie is strained.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Frankie Murdoch: “Multiple personality, huh? But, who are they?” – Frankie expresses her confusion and disbelief upon first learning about her condition from Dr. Oz.
• Oz: “Well, they’re you. Your aspects of you. Your subconscious.” – Dr. Oz explains to Frankie that her other personalities are parts of herself, representing her subconscious mind.
• Frankie Murdoch: “Okay, but why?” – Frankie seeks to understand the underlying reasons for her multiple personalities.
• Oz: “That’s what we’ll have to find out.” – Dr. Oz emphasizes the need to investigate the root causes of Frankie’s DID during their therapy sessions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12 million
• Domestic Gross: $706,546
• Worldwide Gross: $706,546

💥 Frankie & Alice Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, I went into this movie not knowing what to expect. Halle Berry really throws herself into the role, and there were moments that were genuinely moving. The shifts between personalities are intense, and the reveal of the childhood trauma is heavy. The movie felt a bit uneven overall, and some of the dialogue was clunky, but I still felt invested in Frankie’s journey. Watching her work with Dr. Oz and slowly start to understand herself was what kept me watching. Not perfect, but worth seeing for Halle’s performance.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Halle Berry”
  • “Viewers interested in psychological dramas”
  • “Those interested in films exploring mental health issues”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual abuse (past trauma)”
  • “Racism”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Female nudity (stripping)”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While Halle Berry delivers a committed performance, ‘Frankie & Alice’ is ultimately undone by a formulaic script and superficial treatment of its subject matter. The film’s attempt to tackle dissociative identity disorder falls short, resulting in a melodramatic and uninspired cinematic experience.
• IMDb: “Halle Berry’s performance stands out in a movie that struggles to fully realize its potential. While the subject matter is intriguing, the film often relies on clichés and fails to provide a nuanced exploration of its protagonist’s inner struggles. The supporting cast is adequate, but the direction and writing lack depth.
• AllMovie: “Despite a strong effort from Halle Berry, ‘Frankie & Alice’ feels like a missed opportunity. The movie grapples with complex themes but ultimately presents them in a simplistic and predictable manner. The pacing is uneven, and the narrative lacks the emotional resonance needed to truly connect with the audience.

Audience Reactions

Halle Berry’s performance is praised for its dedication and portrayal of the different personalities.: Viewers appreciate the movie for shedding light on Dissociative Identity Disorder, even if some find the execution flawed.

Many find the movie engaging and emotional, especially the scenes where Frankie confronts her past traumas.: The supporting cast received fair recognition for grounding the film and enabling viewers to have more of a connection with the movie.

Overall Consensus: Despite mixed reviews, Halle Berry’s dedicated performance in ‘Frankie & Alice’ is a highlight, with the film offering an emotional, albeit flawed, exploration of Dissociative Identity Disorder.

Awards

1. African-American Film Critics Association (Best Actress)- 2010

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the true story of Francine ‘Frankie’ Murdoch, a woman living with dissociative identity disorder (DID) in the 1970s.”
• “Halle Berry spent considerable time researching DID and consulting with mental health professionals to accurately portray the complexities of the disorder.”
• “The movie faced distribution challenges and had a limited release, despite Halle Berry’s Golden Globe nomination for her performance.”

🖥️ How to Watch Frankie & Alice?

As of my knowledge cut-off in 2023, ‘Frankie & Alice’ can typically be found for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary depending on your region. Check these services for up-to-date streaming and purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Frankie & Alice, you might like these similar films:

• Sybil (1976): A classic TV movie dealing with a woman with multiple personalities and her journey through therapy, offering a direct comparison to Frankie & Alice.
• The Three Faces of Eve (1957): Another film exploring dissociative identity disorder (DID) in a woman and the challenges she faces, predating and thematically similar to Frankie & Alice.
• Fight Club (1999): Though a different genre, it explores the themes of fractured identity and mental dissociation in a stylized and impactful way.
• Split (2016): A more modern psychological thriller that also delves into dissociative identity disorder, presenting a contemporary take on the subject matter.

🛒 Frankie & Alice Related Products

• Dissociative Identity Disorder Sourcebook: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Managing DID: A comprehensive resource to gain a deeper understanding of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). This book provides expert insights, coping strategies, and real-life stories. A useful companion for the movie, aiding in comprehension of DID.
• 1970s Go-Go Dancer Costume: Embrace the iconic style of the 1970s with a Go-Go dancer costume. Perfect for themed parties, Halloween, or reliving the retro vibe of ‘Frankie & Alice.’ Includes vibrant colors and authentic designs.
• Vintage 1970s Music Compilation: A curated collection of 1970s hits that capture the essence of the movie’s soundtrack. Includes tracks from Marvin Gaye, Kool & The Gang, and other iconic artists. Available as a digital download for endless listening pleasure.
• Customizable Movie Poster – Frankie & Alice: A high-quality poster of ‘Frankie & Alice’ with options for personalization. Choose your preferred size, finish, and add custom text or quotes from the movie to create a unique collector’s item.

🎧 Soundtrack

Frankie & Alice features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Gift Of Love” – performed by The Van Dykes
• “Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler)” – performed by Marvin Gaye
• “All I Have to Do Is Dream” – performed by The Everly Brothers
• “Hollywood Swinging” – performed by Kool & The Gang
• “So What” – performed by Miles Davis Quintet

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

MPD/DID The Mom Series ~ The Misunderstanding of Multiplicity~Go See “Frankie & Alice” April 4th

Ever wondered what someone with DID *really* thinks of ‘Frankie & Alice’? This video gives you an honest review from a creator who has DID, and it’s super insightful, especially since she admits she was wrong about the movie!

Frankie & Alice: Halle Berry “Frankie” Official Movie Interview | ScreenSlam

Want to know what Halle Berry thought about playing such a complex character? Her insights are fascinating, and it’s cool to hear about her dedication to the role.

✨ Rate