Resurrection: A Slow-Burn Psychological Thriller with Haunting Performances
Film Dweeb’s YouTube review of Resurrection.
Welcome back, movie lovers! Today, I want to discuss a captivating psychological thriller that is currently streaming on Shudder. "Resurrection" is a thought-provoking film that takes us on a chilling journey into the depths of a woman's decline, exploring the lingering effects of trauma. Starring Rebecca Hall, Tim Roth, and Grace Kaufman, and directed by Andrew Semans, this movie deviates from the typical horror fare found on Shudder. Join me as we delve into the mesmerizing performances, the slow-burn tension, and the haunting storyline that make "Resurrection" an unforgettable watch.
Unveiling the Story:
Set aside any preconceived notions you may have about conventional horror films, as "Resurrection" is a different breed altogether. This psychological thriller, reminiscent of a 70s political thriller, focuses on the internal struggles of its protagonist, with no espionage or assassins in sight. Rather, it explores the haunting consequences of buried memories and the traumatic events that refuse to stay hidden. Prepare yourself for an intense and unsettling experience that will leave you captivated until the very end.
Rebecca Hall's Outstanding Performance:
One cannot discuss "Resurrection" without acknowledging Rebecca Hall's exceptional performance. Unfortunately overlooked in the past year, Hall delivers a stunning portrayal of a woman in the midst of a slow descent into madness. Her intensity is palpable, simmering just beneath the surface, yet she maintains a quiet and understated demeanor that only amplifies the creepiness of her character. Through her captivating eyes, Hall effectively conveys the inner turmoil and psychological torment experienced by Margeret, the film's central character.
Unraveling the Slow-Burn Tension:
"Resurrection" is a masterclass in building tension. The movie excels at maintaining a slow burn throughout, with no reliance on jump scares or excessive special effects. Instead, the skillful performances of the cast elevate the intensity, drawing the audience deeper into the unsettling narrative. You'll find yourself inexorably drawn into Margeret's world, watching her path towards disaster unfold before your eyes. The mounting tension will keep you on the edge of your seat, unable to look away.
Parallels with Polanski's 'Repulsion':
Drawing parallels with Roman Polanski's "Repulsion," "Resurrection" explores the psyche of a female protagonist experiencing a profound psychological break. While "Repulsion" depicted an agoraphobic woman trapped in her apartment, Margeret's struggles arise from a different source. A successful and outgoing woman living her best life, Margeret's decline is triggered by the reappearance of a figure from her past. As the story unfolds, we witness the dark secrets of her past fracture her psyche, shattering the carefully constructed facade she had built.
Unveiling the Secrets:
The story revolves around Margeret, a single British mother and successful employee at a biotech firm in Albany, New York. Living with her teenage daughter, Abbie, Margeret faces the impending prospect of empty nest syndrome as Abbie prepares to leave for college. The film provides little background information about Margeret or the father of her daughter, maintaining a deliberate sense of mystery. However, when Margeret attends a business conference, she has a chance encounter that sets off a full-blown panic attack. The man she sees turns out to be David, played by Tim Roth.
Tim Roth's Unsettling Presence:
Tim Roth, known for his diverse acting range, brings an unsettling presence to the character of David. As Margeret's hallucinations intensify, she starts seeing David everywhere, exacerbating her psychotic break. At first, David denies any knowledge of Margeret, but as she persists, he reluctantly acknowledges their past connection and requests to meet her again. The truth slowly unravels as we discover that David was Margeret's former professor, and they had a romantic relationship. Tragically, they also had a son who passed away, which led Margeret to flee to America in an attempt to start afresh. Through their conversations, the disturbing nature of their relationship is exposed, shedding light on the deep-seated anxieties that drive Margeret's decline.
A Deteriorating Life:
As Margeret's mental state continues to deteriorate, her relationships and life begin to crumble. Co-workers, including a man she is dating, grow concerned, and her once-close bond with her daughter begins to fray. It becomes unclear whether Margeret's decline is solely a product of her deteriorating mental state, a result of her hallucinations, or if the past events she remembers actually occurred. Regardless, witnessing her life unravel is a disconcerting experience.
Rebecca Hall and Tim Roth: A Dynamic Pair:
Rebecca Hall and Tim Roth's performances are the driving force behind the film's impact. Hall's portrayal of Margeret is intense yet never over-the-top, which only serves to make it more unsettling. Her gradual transformation from a confident and successful woman to someone on the brink of a complete psychotic break is both tragic and disturbing. Meanwhile, Roth's ability to convey a sense of foreboding with a simple look is a testament to his versatility as an actor. Together, Hall and Roth create an atmosphere that keeps the audience on edge, eagerly anticipating the next twist in the narrative.
A Slow-Burn Psychological Thriller:
"Resurrection" distinguishes itself as a slow-burn psychological thriller. The direction, cinematography, and editing of the film work together to present a subtly tormenting experience for the audience. The color palette of the movie reflects Margeret's state of mind, with flat and muted tones dominating her world. However, as the story reaches its climax, bursts of vivid color are introduced, serving as a stark contrast and adding to the heightened tension.
A Shakespearean Tragedy:
The downfall of the main character in "Resurrection" can be seen as a Shakespearean tragedy. Margeret's flaws and her inability to confront and process her traumatic past lead to her own demise. The movie explores the repercussions of her actions and the consequences of her choices, serving as a cautionary tale about the devastating effects of unresolved trauma.
Conclusion:
"Resurrection" is not your typical horror film. Instead, it offers a profound exploration of one woman's trauma and its far-reaching impact on her life. With outstanding performances from Rebecca Hall, Tim Roth, and the rest of the cast, this slow-burn psychological thriller will keep you engrossed from start to finish. If you're in the mood for a thought-provoking and unsettling cinematic experience, "Resurrection" is a must-watch. Head over to Shudder and prepare to be captivated by the eerie world of Margeret.
Thank you for reading, and if you've already seen this film, we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. If you haven't yet subscribed to Shudder, feel free to check out the link in the pinned comment for a free trial. And if you're a movie lover like us, don't forget to explore our other videos for more cinematic goodness in the future.
Dweeb out.