The movie The Watcher Self from 2016 is an independent psychological thriller written and directed by Matt Cruse. The story revolves around a woman named Alice, played by Karen French, who has recently lost her boyfriend and is struggling to come to terms with its aftermath. She decides to take a break from her routine and goes on a solo trip to a remote cabin in the woods, in search of some solace and peace.
But her solitude is short-lived when she starts experiencing strange and eerie incidents that make her question her reality. She hears sounds in the middle of the night, sees shadowy figures lurking outside her windows, and even finds her belongings scattered and misplaced. She tries her best to ignore these incidents and convinces herself that it's just her mind playing tricks on her.
As she spends time in the cabin, Alice starts experiencing nightmares and hallucinations, which makes it difficult for her to distinguish between what's real and what's not. She begins to feel like she's being watched, and the sense of paranoia starts to creep in.
Meanwhile, Alice's best friend, Sarah, played by Sylvia Seymour, is worried about her and tries to reach out to her. But Alice is too consumed by her own thoughts and emotions that she pushes Sarah away. In the midst of all this chaos, Alice meets a stranger named John, played by Julian Shaw, who claims to be a filmmaker and offers to document her experience.
Alice agrees to let John film her, hoping that it might help her make sense of her situation. But as John delves deeper into her psyche, he discovers some unsettling truths that Alice has been suppressing.
The Watcher Self is a slow-burn movie that takes its time to build up the tension and suspense. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the mesmerizing beauty of the woods, while adding a sense of unease to the overall atmosphere.
Karen French's performance as Alice is hauntingly beautiful. She portrays the character's vulnerability and descent into madness with remarkable finesse, making the audience empathize with her plight. Julian Shaw is equally impressive as John, providing a much-needed levity to the otherwise dark and grim tone of the movie.
The movie is not for everyone, as it requires a certain amount of patience and investment from the viewers. It's a smart and thought-provoking movie that explores the complexities of the human mind and the undercurrents of grief, trauma, and loss. It's a subtle yet effective portrayal of how our perceptions can be easily manipulated, leaving us vulnerable to our fears and insecurities.
In conclusion, The Watcher Self is an impressive debut feature film for director Matt Cruse that showcases his talent and potential. The movie is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers who appreciate nuanced storytelling and excellent performances.
