Another issue I had is that Alice is Still Dead shows intensely graphic pictures of the victims. It’s grisly and shocking. I know it’s there to elicit a strong reaction, and it serves that purpose. But it was too much for me, and I’m willing to assume it’ll be too much for most moviegoers. I’m cutting these scenes some slack because I don’t think they’re gratuitous or exploitive, and the camera doesn’t linger on them for too long, but it’s still very hard to experience. I’m a horror film fan. I adore blood and guts, masked slashers, and demonic monsters, but seeing real-life violence is something I don’t want to experience.
“…the emotions are raw and authentic.”
However, the documentary is, overall, very engaging. Aside from the well-rounded insights into the titular subject, seeing the pain on everyone’s face means the emotions are raw and authentic. One of the highlights is watching Stevens and his family fight for justice. Seeing the perpetrators of Alice’s murder on trial makes for a very tense and emotional experience. The trial made me angry, frustrated, and heartbroken. However, seeing the Stevens family hear the guilty verdict in real-time was cathartic, and I found myself celebrating for and with them.
Alice is Still Dead is a well-crafted documentary that paints a loving picture of Alice Stevens. The good, the bad, and everything in-between are all presented honestly. My heart broke for Edwin Stevens and his family. Seeing how the murder affected the director mentally and physically nearly broke me. I’ve never experienced a tragedy on that level, and my empathic nature only extends so much. However, watching Stevens reconnect with his wife and kids was a feel-good moment that perfectly encapsulates the film’s tone. I highly recommend this documentary; it has tons of heart, tells a fascinating and hopeful story, and accomplishes what it sets out to be: a beautiful tribute to the life of Alice Stevens.
"…I found myself celebrating for and with them."
So the boyfriend was abusive, Alice stayed, and the family seemed to blame him for her being murdered in a couple spots in the film. I thought that was really unfair. Plus why bring up the state of their apt and then just leave the story dangling. Other than that, I thought it was a well-done film that will probably stick with me for a while.
Was Alice a drug addict?
I’m asking because I don’t understand why there was dog poop all over the house, some of it was very old? Who lives like that? I would think they would have to be either crazy or on drugs.