Alice and Steve might be a chaotic mess, but it's also a wild ride that's hard to look away from. The show, a British comedy on Hulu, follows two 50-something best friends, Alice and Steve, whose relationship takes a turn when Steve starts dating Alice's 26-year-old daughter, Izzy. It's a premise that's both juicy and a bit uncomfortable, and I found myself drawn in by the performances of Jemaine Clement and Nicola Walker.
The series begins with a cutesy bender after a friend's funeral, which immediately sets a tone of overacting and formulaic storytelling. But it's the dynamic between Alice and Steve that truly captivates. Alice, a clothes designer with a doting younger husband and a sweet teenage son, is played by the luminous Nicola Walker. Her character is a force to be reckoned with, and her volcanic rage is a sight to behold. Steve, on the other hand, is a hair stylist who struggles to find love, and he's played by Jemaine Clement, who brings a sense of shambolic dread to the role.
The show's script, written by Sophie Goodhart, is frustratingly lax at times. It feels like the premise could have been explored in more depth, but instead, we get a series of memorable scenes that make up for the loose construction. One of the most compelling scenes is when Steve sells Izzy out, and the lacerating discussion between Alice and her husband when he realizes he's not the man she wants to hang out with. These moments showcase the show's ability to create tension and emotion, even if the overall narrative feels a bit messy.
What makes Alice and Steve particularly fascinating is the exploration of platonic friendships versus romantic ones. It's a theme that resonates with many, and the show's portrayal of Alice's complicated, volcanic heroine persona is a refreshing change from the typical movie and TV heroines. While Steve's role is more likable, it doesn't give Clement much to work with, except for playing variations on shambolic dread. Walker, on the other hand, shines as Alice, delivering a performance that's both compelling and memorable.
Despite its flaws, Alice and Steve is a show that keeps you watching. It's a wild ride that reflects the messiness of life, and it's a testament to the power of strong performances and compelling storytelling. So, even if it's a bit of a mess, it's also too fun to stop watching.
