Keke Palmer's Alice Takes Netflix by Storm

Keke Palmer is making waves again, but this time it's not for her role in "Nope" or her upcoming "Spaceballs 2" adventure. Instead, it's her performance in the 2022 film "Alice" that's gaining traction on Netflix. This 1970s-style crime thriller, which initially flew under the radar, has quietly climbed the ranks to become a modest hit on the streaming giant. The story is unique and gripping. Alice, played by Palmer, escapes from what she believes is a 19th-century plantation, only to discover she's actually in 1973. With the help of a truck driver named Frank, played by Common, Alice navigates the cultural shock and learns about the abolition of slavery. Inspired by Pam Grier's iconic role in "Coffy, " Alice returns to her former plantation to confront its owner, played by Jonny Lee Miller. "Alice" is the directorial debut of Krystin Ver Linden, who had previously sold several scripts before taking on this project. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2022 and had a limited theatrical release, but it didn't make a big splash at the box office, grossing just over $373, 000. Critics were also unimpressed, with many finding the film's mix of realism and wish-fulfillment to be off-putting. Despite the initial lack of critical acclaim, "Alice" has found a new lease on life on Netflix. According to FlixPatrol, the movie hit number eight on the Netflix top 10 movie list in the United States the day after it was added to the platform. This unexpected success raises questions about what makes a film a hit on streaming services. Critics have been divided on "Alice. " While some found it to be consistently challenging, others were disappointed by what they saw as an exploitative take on the historical struggles of Black Americans. The film was nominated for several NAACP Image Awards, but its 29% score on Rotten Tomatoes suggests that it's not for everyone. Still, the fact that "Alice" is gaining popularity on Netflix shows that audiences are ready for more diverse and challenging content. Whether or not the film's success will translate into critical acclaim remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Keke Palmer is a force to be reckoned with.