Alter Ego (2026) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A suburban man's life unravels when his charismatic doppelganger moves in next door, triggering a descent into jealousy and paranoia.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

The Double Next Door

Alex's quiet suburban life is disrupted when a perfect physical double moves in next door. Only Alex notices the resemblance, while Axel effortlessly outshines him socially and physically.

Key Events

• Suburban Routine — Alex lives a quiet, uneventful life in a suburban area. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Suburban neighborhood
• Neighbor Arrival — Axel Chambon moves into the house directly next door. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Semi-detached house
• Double Discovery — Alex realizes Axel is his perfect physical double. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Front yard
• Isolated Observation — Alex notices that no one else acknowledges their resemblance. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Street
• Superior Traits — Axel displays superior humor, sociability, and a vast wine cellar. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Axel's house

Jealousy and Surveillance

Discovering they share the same employer, Alex's envy spirals into paranoia. He begins stalking Axel and launching clumsy sabotage attempts that initially fail to make an impact.

Key Events

• Superior Traits — Axel displays superior humor, sociability, and a vast wine cellar. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Axel's house
• Workplace Overlap — Both discover they work for the same fictional company. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: COGIP office
• Jealousy Ignites — Alex's envy grows as Axel effortlessly excels socially. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Alex's home
• Surveillance Begins — Alex starts stalking and monitoring Axel's daily routines. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Neighborhood
• First Sabotage — Alex attempts to disrupt Axel's social gatherings. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Axel's garden
• Failed Attempts — Alex's initial sabotage efforts yield minimal results. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Street

Paranoia and Escalation

As Alex's mental state deteriorates, his surveillance intensifies and his sabotage strategies become more desperate. The psychological tension peaks as the boundary between reality and obsession blurs.

Key Events

• Failed Attempts — Alex's initial sabotage efforts yield minimal results. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Street
• Paranoia Sets In — Alex's mental state deteriorates into full-blown paranoia. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Alex's home
• Escalated Stalking — Alex intensifies his surveillance operations. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Neighborhood
• Second Sabotage — Alex tries to undermine Axel at work. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: COGIP office
• Shifting Dynamics — The balance of power begins to shift between the neighbors. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Street
• Unexpected Turn — Alex's persistent interference triggers a surprising outcome. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Axel's house

The Surprising Reckoning

Alex's relentless interference finally triggers an unexpected outcome, forcing a direct confrontation. The story resolves as both men navigate the bizarre consequences of their mirrored existence.

Key Events

• Unexpected Turn — Alex's persistent interference triggers a surprising outcome. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Axel's house
• Direct Encounter — The two finally face each other directly. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Front porch
• Climactic Struggle — A tense physical or psychological clash occurs. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Neighborhood
• Identity Crisis — Alex confronts the reality of his own inadequacies. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Alex's home
• Surprising Result — The sabotage backfires, leading to an unforeseen resolution. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Street
• New Normal — Life settles into a changed but stable routine. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Suburban neighborhood
• Acceptance — Alex comes to terms with his doppelganger and himself. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Alex's home
• Final Image — The film closes on the lingering parallel between the two. Characters: Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon, Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon Location: Street

Story Breakdown

• Doppelganger Introduction — The setup establishes Alex's mundane life and the sudden arrival of his physical double.
  • Suburban Routine — Alex's quiet daily existence before the disruption.
  • Neighbor Arrival — Axel moves in next door, immediately altering the environment.
  • Physical Resemblance — Alex discovers the uncanny similarity between himself and Axel.
• Social Comparison — The narrative highlights the stark differences in charisma and lifestyle.
  • Charisma Gap — Axel's superior social skills and festive nature contrast with Alex's reserve.
  • Wine Cellar Contrast — A shared hobby that emphasizes Axel's refined tastes over Alex's.
  • Workplace Overlap — Both discover their employment at COGIP, extending their rivalry.
• Psychological Descent — Alex's internal state deteriorates as envy transforms into obsession.
  • Jealousy Ignites — Alex's initial envy begins to consume his thoughts.
  • Paranoia Sets In — Alex's mental stability fractures under the weight of comparison.
  • Obsessive Surveillance — Alex resorts to stalking to monitor Axel's every move.
• Sabotage Campaign — Alex launches increasingly desperate attempts to undermine Axel.
  • First Attempts — Early sabotage efforts that fail to disrupt Axel's life.
  • Failed Interference — Alex realizes his tactics are ineffective against Axel's resilience.
  • Escalated Tactics — Alex intensifies his actions, crossing into more aggressive territory.
• Climactic Confrontation — The tension culminates in a direct and unavoidable clash.
  • Direct Encounter — Alex and Axel finally face each other without intermediaries.
  • Identity Crisis — Alex is forced to confront his own inadequacies and fears.
  • Unexpected Turn — Alex's interference triggers a surprising and unforeseen outcome.
• Resolution Arc — The story concludes with a shift in dynamics and personal acceptance.
  • Surprising Outcome — The consequences of the sabotage lead to an unexpected resolution.
  • New Equilibrium — Life settles into a changed but stable routine for both men.
  • Final Acceptance — Alex comes to terms with his doppelganger and his own identity.

Directed by

Nicolas Charlet, Bruno Lavaine

Key Cast

• Laurent Lafitte — Alex Floutard / Axel Chambon
• Olga Kurylenko — Tatiana Chambon
• Blanche Gardin — Nathalie Floutard
• Marc Fraize — Denis Moulard
• Zabou Breitman — Nicole Lecovec