I was immediately fascinated by Mila Kunis’ character when this film started. It seemed, at first, that she was a monologuing sociopath presenting herself as bright sunny side for the world. But, as the film progresses and we learn more about her, she shifts into a self-reflective denialist who pretends to be well-adjusted to avoid the usual reactions she’d get otherwise. I love this character and I love her journey of self-discovery and growth.

Luckiest Girl Alive stars Kunis as a writer in NYC who is seemingly happy and content. But we learn that she’s got a dark cloud of accusation and doubt hanging over from something that happened in high school. We learn more and more though harsh flashbacks that she both is and is not the character she presents to the rest of the world.

I loved how this film reveals what it’s really about slowly and it becomes a bit of a mystery as to whether she’s guilty or not. And, if she’s not guilty, we wonder whether the false front she uses is justified or not. I was thoroughly engaged with this film. I loved Kunis in it and the character she played. I wanted to see her break through and worried about the ultimate truth that was coming.

It has a couple flaws in that it gets a little too messagey in the end. The message itself is great and necessary, but the way it’s presented feels a little too self-congratulatory. Not like we’re watching a movie about person facing her past, but a whole system of lectures designed to make sure we, the audience, Gets It. We do, a little subtly would have been a kindness.

But that’s not enough for me to dislike or slander the film. I was far too engaged for far too long and the goal of the film is noble enough that I can forgive a little ham-handedness. This is a good one.

Score: 86