Alexandra's Project is a 2003 Australian drama thriller film written and directed by Rolf de Heer and starring Gary Sweet and Helen Buday.

Plot

Upon returning home from work on his birthday, Steve, a middle class husband and father of two, finds the house dark and his family not home. He notices a chair, his television set, and a video tape obviously set out for his viewing. He turns the TV and VCR on, and begins to watch a tape made for him by his wife, Alexandra. The first clip shows his wife and children wishing him a happy birthday, but after the kids leave the room, Alexandra begins a striptease, and it appears to be nothing more than a birthday gift. As it progresses, however, it becomes clear that the tape is designed to humiliate and torture Steve for marital problems that Alexandra has been stewing about for years. As part of her 'show', Alexandra feigns breast cancer, has sex with their neighbour, and tells Steve that neither she nor their two children are ever coming home.

Cast

Production

De Heer originally wanted to make the film so he could use a single location and use up various fragments of ideas he had accumulated.

Release

The film's world premiere was 14 February 2003 as part of the Berlin International Film Festival and was released regularly as Cinema release on 8 May 2003 in Australia.

Reception

Box office

Alexandra's Project took $844,494 at the box office in Australia.

Critical reception

On Rotten Tomatoes the film has rating of 53% based on 19 reviews, with an average 5.56/10 rating. The Cultural Post gave it three out of five stars.

Accolades

Home media

Alexandra's Project was released by Fandango Australia / Palace Films as a DVD in 2003.