Navigating life’s next steps is daunting for anyone, especially when paired with the uncertainty of relationships, the longing for independence, and the search for self-worth. Our ambitions run high, often clashing with the expectations of others. In Mike Macera’s comedy Alice-Heart, we meet a character who embodies this struggle in the most endearingly unpredictable way. Speaking in third person one moment, blurting out the wrong thing the next, Alice-Heart is all of us in those moments of transition. The film’s charm is so effortless, I found myself laughing at how naturally it unfolded.
The story follows Alice-Heart, played by the engaging Lissa Carandang-Sweeney, whose glances and expressions steal your heart from the very beginning. We all know someone like Alice—bold, chaotic, and impossible to ignore. Sweeney thrives in the role, bringing to life a character who reflects not just the experience of many women navigating adulthood, but the universal journey of self-improvement. We are often our own worst enemies, trapped in cycles of self-doubt and toxic patterns, and Alice’s struggle is no different. What jolts her out of this loop is the arrival of her new neighbor Tony (Tony McCall) and her outspoken, wildly ambitious confidante Joan (Kelsey O’Keefe, who delivers a miraculously funny performance). While Tony exudes an undeniable charm, we can already sense he’s headed for the friend zone, making his dynamic with Alice all the more engaging. One of the film’s strongest aspects is its exploration of platonic relationships, testing the boundaries of friendship, attraction, and emotional support in ways that feel refreshingly authentic. Just when we think we know where Macera is taking us, Alice’s unpredictable nature reminds us that this is her story, driven entirely by the complexities of its title character.
Beyond its humor and heartfelt moments, the film’s deep love for Philly gives it an undeniable energy and sense of place, capturing the excitement and restlessness of youth. Alice-Heart is about companionship, trust, betrayal, and the contradictions of our own existence that make us laugh at ourselves. It’s a testament to how a well-crafted character can thrive in a world of uncertainty, proving that life is as much about embracing the unknown as it is about planning for what’s next.
I hesitate to label Alice-Heart as a traditional coming-of-age film, because it carries themes far beyond that—feminism, entitlement, privilege, and the weight of being a child of immigrants, torn between ambition and expectation. It’s a film that resonates with all of us, but the real question is: Will you let Alice-Heart into your life?
Rating: 3.5/5
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