Alice, Sweet Alice (originally titled Communion) is a disturbing 1976 horror mystery that has earned a dedicated cult following over the decades. Set in 1961, the film follows the Spages family, a divorced Catholic couple whose lives are shattered when their younger daughter, Karen, is brutally murdered on the day of her First Holy Communion. The prime suspect becomes her troubled older sister, Alice, who wears a creepy translucent mask and exhibits unsettling behavior.

Director Alfred Sole crafts a uniquely atmospheric and psychologically tense experience, blending elements of crime drama, religious horror, and family tragedy. The film's strength lies in its slow-burn dread and the ambiguous nature of Alice's guilt. Is she a malicious killer, or a disturbed child caught in tragic circumstances? Brooke Shields makes her film debut as the victim Karen, while Paula Sheppard delivers a memorably eerie performance as the enigmatic Alice.

The movie masterfully uses its Catholic setting and iconography to create a sense of sacrilege and profound unease. The mystery deepens as more stabbings occur, keeping viewers guessing until the final revelations. With its gritty 1970s aesthetic, unsettling score, and exploration of familial guilt and religious trauma, Alice, Sweet Alice remains a compelling watch for horror enthusiasts seeking substance alongside scares. Its influence can be seen in later works about childhood evil and religious horror, making it an important piece of cinematic history worth watching for its atmosphere, performances, and enduring chilling power.