The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

Los Angeles, California. April 7, 1952. Max tells Addie she’s beautiful, and Addie blushes behind her martini. They “met” outside the Wilshire that morning just after Addie had left from spending the night in his room. They’ve spent the rest of the day together. Addie lied and said it was her birthday. She’s not sure why she lied; maybe she’s tired of having the same day repeatedly. Then a server approaches them carrying a bottle of Champagne. Max says it’s for Addie’s birthday. Addie sips the Champagne, relishing its luxurious and authentic taste. Max is wealthy and can afford the real thing. He’s a sculptor whose wealthy family foots the bills. 

Max raises his glass to toast Addie’s birthday. Just then, Luc approaches their table. Addie tells Max that Luc is “an old friend,” and Luc rudely orders Max to leave so they can catch up. After Max leaves, Addie swears at Luc for interrupting her date. Luc asks how long Addie has been seeing Max. Two months, Addie says. And it’s not so bad: he falls in love with her again every day. Plus, he “keeps [her] company.” Luc pause and then says that he, too, would keep Addie company—if she’s interested. Addie feels herself blush. She doesn’t want Luc to know that she’s missed him, though. She plays it cool, saying that they might as well spend the evening together since Luc ruined her existing plans. 

Luc leads Addie to the Cicada Club. It’s decorated in an art deco style and has a crushed red carpet and balcony seats. A brass band plays in the corner, and the place is packed. A new performer takes the stage; “Sinatra,” Luc informs Addie. Addie invites Luc to dance with her. They move to the dance floor. Addie doesn’t think they’ve ever been so physically close before. His body folds around her and feels “like a blanket,” not at all like “shadow and smoke.” 

As they dance, Luc whispers in Addie’s ear that even if people remembered her, he’d still know her best. Also, Addie is the only person who knows him. Then he tells Addie that he has always wanted her. But Addie accuses Luc of seeing her “as a prize” or “a meal” to be won and “consumed.” Luc asks Addie if there’s anything wrong with this. Their mouths hover close as Addie considers this. Looking back, she won’t know who kissed whom first. But when Luc kisses her, he does so “like someone tasting poison,” as though he fears her.

Suddenly, darkness is all around Addie, and the Cicada Club dissolves into nothing. She falls and lands in a hotel room. Luc’s arms wrap around her like a cage. She could escape—but she doesn’t. Luc kisses her again, and she realizes that it is like no other kiss: he is made for her as nobody else is. The first time they have sex, it’s like a fight: two people not wanting to give in to the other. In the morning, Luc says he finally doesn’t want to leave—but he must, for he’s “a thing of darkness.” Addie gets up and draws the curtains closed. Luc laughs and pulls her back into the bed.