The Girl Behind the Door is a psychological horror movie from 2021 that delves into the aftermath of a traumatic event. The story follows the life of the protagonist, Nathan (Jeremy Brady), who is battling with the memories of a terrible tragedy that happened ten years ago. He was a family therapist who was treating a disturbed teenager, Sarah (Megan Warren), who disappeared without a trace after her dad committed suicide. Nathan is still haunted by her sudden disappearance and his inability to help her. Heâs also struggling with his relationship with his wife, Melanie (Elizabeth Viggiano), and his young son, who are trying to help him cope with his grief.
The movie opens with Nathanâs daily routine; heâs preparing for work while trying to hide his anxiety and depression from his family. His life takes a turn when he receives a mysterious phone call, which he initially ignores but eventually finds out that something is amiss when the caller mentions a familiar name: Sarah. With no idea who is on the other end, Nathan becomes alarmed when he receives disturbing messages that force him to question his sanity. Was it really Sarah who disappeared ten years ago or is it someone else entirely?
As the movie progresses, Nathan becomes obsessed with finding out the truth about Sarahâs disappearance, even if it means putting his family in danger. The story unfolds, revealing secrets about Sarah that were previously unknown, including her troubled family history and the strange occurrences that followed her therapist. In his quest for truth, Nathan uncovers a web of lies, betrayal, and deception that has been hidden for years, and must confront the demons of his past in the process.
The Girl Behind the Door is a slow-burn horror movie that keeps the audience on edge throughout. The movie relies on unsettling atmospheres and tension-building scenes, rather than jump scares, to create an air of dread. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with the use of dim lighting and shadows to enhance the sense of unease. The performances of the cast are commendable, with Elizabeth Viggianoâs portrayal of a supportive wife and mother being particularly noteworthy.
One of the strengths of The Girl Behind the Door is its exploration of mental health issues, specifically depression and anxiety. Nathanâs struggles with his own mental health are realistically portrayed, with his distress and paranoia being palpable. The movie provides a poignant reminder of the importance of seeking help and support when struggling with mental health issues.
The Girl Behind the Door also raises questions about the equivocal nature of truth and the ripple effects of trauma. The script is cleverly crafted, with the plot unfolding at a gradual pace, revealing new layers of the story as it progresses. The use of flashbacks and flash-forwards keeps the audience engaged while also providing a deeper insight into Nathanâs state of mind.
One of the minor criticisms of the movie is that some of the more supernatural elements of the movie are left unexplained, which may be frustrating for some viewers. However, this ambiguity is also part of the charm of the movie, as it invites the audience to interpret events for themselves.
In summary, The Girl Behind the Door is a well-crafted, psychological horror movie that delves into the complexities of mental health, the nature of truth, and the long-lasting effects of trauma. With strong performances, engaging plot, and subtle scares, itâs a movie thatâs sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The Girl Behind the Door is a 2022 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.
