Alice, Sweet Alice (originally titled Communion) stands as a disturbing and atmospheric horror mystery from 1976 that continues to unsettle viewers decades later. Set in 1961 New Jersey, the film follows the Spages family—divorced Catholic parents Dom and Catherine—whose lives are shattered when their younger daughter Karen is brutally murdered during her First Holy Communion ceremony. The immediate suspicion falls upon their troubled older daughter Alice, who displays unsettling behavior and jealousy toward her sister, launching a tense investigation amid a series of subsequent stabbings that plague their community.

Director Alfred Sole crafts a genuinely creepy atmosphere that blends religious symbolism with gritty urban decay, creating a unique horror experience that feels both psychologically nuanced and viscerally frightening. The film's strength lies in its ambiguous characterizations—particularly young Brooke Shields in her film debut as Karen, and Paula Sheppard's haunting performance as Alice—keeping viewers guessing about true motivations until the final revelations. The murder mystery unfolds with careful pacing, balancing family drama with genuine horror elements including the iconic yellow raincoat and mask that became cult imagery.

Viewers should watch Alice, Sweet Alice for its effective blend of psychological horror and murder mystery, anchored by strong performances and distinctive visual style. The film's exploration of religious guilt, family dysfunction, and childhood trauma remains compelling, while its gritty 1970s aesthetic adds authentic texture to the unsettling narrative. Despite its modest budget, the movie delivers memorable scares and maintains tension throughout its 107-minute runtime, earning its status as a cult classic that horror enthusiasts continue to discover and appreciate.