Alexandra’s Project

Rolf de Heer's ALEXANDRA'S PROJECT opens as the camera lurks through the streets of a quiet suburb at dawn. Nothing looks wrong, but the pulsating of an overwhelmingly eerie soundscape disturbs the tranquility of this summer morning. The camera stops at the house of Alexandra, her husband Steve, and their two children Emma and Sam. Inside, the children wake their father with gifts in hand; it is Steve's birthday. Yet, their enthusiasm can't mask the unspoken tension between Alexandra and Steve. As the family prepares for the day, Steve repeatedly catches Alexandra looking suspicious, but she reassures him: “It's a surprise, Steve.” Convinced Alexandra is planning a surprise birthday party later that evening, Steve cheerily leaves for work, where he receives not only a cake but also a promotion. When he returns home after work, Steve finds his house completely dark. Undoubtedly, there are a slew of people hiding inside. But when Steve opens the door, he receives a birthday present he never expected. – E.J.B.