Inter Alia review: Rosamund Pike and Suzie Miller are a dream creative collaboration

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A star rating of 5 out of 5.

Recently, the popular Netflix show “Adolescence” sparked discussions about the content young boys are accessing online. Similarly, the arrival of “Inter Alia” aims to ignite conversations about this topic within the realm of theater.

Suzie Miller, a renowned playwright, gained significant recognition in the theatre world, particularly after the success of her play Prima Facie, featuring Jodie Comer. Now, the question arises: How does one continue to build on such a blockbuster production like Prima Facie? The solution is to reunite the team, as Miller has teamed up with director Justin Martin and set and costume designer Miriam Buether once more.

In addition to this, Jessica Parks – a courtroom judge – is also the wife of Michael, a barrister, and the mother of their 18-year-old son, Harry.

Jessica often handles challenging court cases, particularly those involving sexual assault. Yet, when the issue of sexual assault becomes deeply personal to her, she must address it in a distinctly different manner.

I find Suzie Miller’s writing to be lively, vivid, and deeply emotional. Remarkably, she navigates through a broad spectrum of themes and subjects with such finesse that her plays never appear crowded or oversaturated – a challenging feat indeed to perfect.

Miller delivers a scathing critique of an area on the internet, commonly referred to as the ‘manosphere,’ which has become notorious for its harmful, misogynistic content. This digital space often promotes language that devalues women, portraying them primarily as objects to be attractive, serve men, and bear children.

Through Inter Alia, it’s clear how the influence of the manosphere can manifest in the physical world, shaping the behaviors of young males. Online peer pressure intensifies the traditional pressures young men encounter in daily life, potentially leading to tragic outcomes for those caught up in this environment.

As a passionate filmgoer, I can’t help but notice the raw portrayal of sexism in Miller’s work, particularly in the life of the protagonist, Jessica. She bravely battles misogyny in her professional life, standing tall against discrimination in the courtroom. Yet, surprisingly, she adopts a different stance at home, yielding to her husband and nurturing his fragile ego – a fact that she, as a feminist, finds perplexing, for she was made a judge before him. Jessica is acutely aware of this paradox in her behavior and struggles to reconcile it.

As a film enthusiast, I found “Inter Alia” delving into the complexities of guilt, a theme it explores in various ways. Personally, I noticed how the playwright Jessica subtly points out that our moral understanding of guilt often differs from its legal interpretation. Furthermore, the production doesn’t shy away from portraying the deep-rooted guilt that parents experience, along with the guilt working women face when they believe they’re falling short in their roles.

Primarily, Inter Alia raises the fundamental query: To what lengths are humans willing to stretch in order to safeguard those whom they cherish deeply?

All these intricate themes are powerfully portrayed through Rosamund Pike‘s stunning acting. Pike is nothing short of extraordinary, tirelessly moving between the courtroom and her home, consistently fielding phone calls, preparing meals, pressing clothes, rendering decisions and much more.

Pike appears composed, maintaining an impression of control. However, beneath the surface, she’s on the verge of falling apart. She is keen and perceptive, but occasionally, her mind becomes overwhelmed, causing her to experience abrupt outbursts where her disorganized thoughts come to light, as in moments when she recalls losing Harry in the park during childhood.

It’s important to give credit to Jasper Talbot’s portrayal of Harry, too. His ability to lead viewers through a variety of feelings is remarkable, allowing them to identify with him personally or recognize aspects of their own loved ones in his performance.

Reflecting on this performance, the term “ingenious” seems fitting. The intricate costume transitions, strategic use of music, and impressive stage setup all display a remarkable level of ingenuity, subtly amplifying the overall effect.

Suzie Miller’s work demonstrates not just wit, but true brilliance. Her recurring themes, notably her choice to cast child actors to depict younger, more naive character versions, are remarkably impactful.

By blending a profoundly moving and introspective script with the exceptional talent of actress Rosamund Pike, you create a captivating performance that should not be missed. In other words, “Inter Alia” is a production that you absolutely need to watch.

When and where can I see Inter Alia?

Inter Alia is playing at the Lyttelton Theatre (National Theatre) until Saturday 13th September.

On Thursdays, 4th September, you’ll get an opportunity to buy tickets for a theater screening of Inter Alia that will be shown in various cinemas throughout the United Kingdom.

How to get Inter Alia tickets

As a movie buff, I can’t stress enough how rapidly the tickets for this amazing production are flying off the shelves! Time is of the essence here, so hop to it and secure your seat promptly. If you find that tickets aren’t available on one platform, don’t fret – be sure to explore different options as I’ve listed a few below.

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2025-07-24 14:13