Alice and Steve offers a six-part British comedy on Hulu, showcasing the turmoil between long-time friends. Jemaine Clement and Nicola Walker take on the roles of Steve and Alice, best friends who face a rift after Steve starts a relationship with Alice’s 26-year-old daughter.
The series begins with an uneasy premise, as Steve gets romantically involved with Izzy, Alice’s young daughter. Despite the uncomfortable start, audiences may be drawn in by the renowned talents of Clement, known from Flight of the Conchords, and Walker, admired for her versatile performances.
The opening episode finds Steve and Alice in a cutesy drunken spree after attending a funeral. These scenes serve as an opportunity for comedic exaggeration, setting the stage for the chaotic events that unfold. Steve, portrayed as a divorced celebrity hairstylist, struggles to maintain a professional image amid the personal chaos. Meanwhile, Alice manages both her fashion career and her family, including a supportive younger husband, played by Joel Fry, and her precocious children.
Izzy, acted by Yali Topol Margalith, initiates the main tension by pursuing Steve, igniting a romance that defies appropriateness. This affair is revealed to Alice by Izzy herself, triggering a series of confrontations. As Alice seeks to protect her sense of family, the series explores themes of betrayal and determination, with both Alice and Steve contributing to the escalating antagonism.
The show charts a complex web of friendships and romantic entanglements, posing questions about the strength of platonic ties.
The script, penned by Sophie Goodhart, could benefit from further exploration of these themes. Despite its humorous moments, the show occasionally lacks depth. For instance, the implications of career sabotage for one character receive minimal attention, creating gaps in the plot that undermine the unfolding drama.
Nevertheless, Alice and Steve captivates viewers with standout moments. Steve’s reluctant betrayal of Izzy and Alice’s candid confrontation with her husband are particularly notable scenes. A poignant interlude captures Alice reconciling her son’s romantic dilemma, highlighting aspects of her personality that inspire affection from those around her.
While Steve may appear more endearing to audiences due to the portrayal of his character, Clement’s role confines him to a portrayal of anxious discomfort. Walker shines, bringing complexity and intensity to Alice. Her portrayal reveals the multifaceted nature of a woman unafraid to display her emotions openly.
Despite its uneven structure, the series reflects the unpredictable nature of life, making it an engaging yet chaotic watch for those drawn to messy narratives.