Watch The Wind

The Wind is a 2012 Australian indie horror film directed by Emma Tammi. The film takes place in the late 1800s and follows the story of Lizzy Macklin (Caitlin Gerard), a young woman who has moved with her husband Isaac (Ashley Zukerman) to the remote prairie lands of the American West. They set up a home on a stretch of plain surrounded by harsh and unforgiving landscape. They live in a small cabin, miles away from the nearest neighbor, with only the sound of the wind to keep them company.

One day, a newlywed couple, Emma (Julia Goldani Telles) and Gideon Harper (Dylan McTee), arrive, seeking refuge from their difficult and traumatic journey from the east. The couple brings a glimmer of excitement and companionship, but it does not last long. As time passes, strange things begin to happen in the barren wilderness. Lizzy hears unexplainable noises and visions of a ghostly figure in the mirror, both of which she initially attributes to the fierce windstorm that constantly surrounds them.

The film is primarily a character study, exploring the psychological torment of isolation and the effects of grief, trauma, and loneliness. Lizzy is haunted by the memories of her past and is tormented by the possibility of disease and death in a hostile environment. Experienced in maintaining their crop's survival, Isaac is the voice of reason, urging his wife to remain connected to the real world while attempting to solve the mystery behind the strange occurrences.

The Wind is exceptional compared to other horror tropes that terrorize with jump-scares and gore. It approaches the horror genre with an elegant and almost poetic style, providing a subtle yet creepy atmosphere that ensures its viewers' lasting chill.

The actors are all wonderful, but Caitlin Gerard's portrayal of the psychologically fractured Lizzy is a brilliant tour-de-force. She perfectly demonstrates anxiety and paranoia as the isolation drives her to the brink of madness. Ashley Zukerman's performance as Isaac is subtle and nuanced, providing a foil to Gerard's performance. He delivers a sense of logic and earnestness that grounds the film, something critical in a genre that often misrepresents individuals living on the frontier.

The Wind is unique as it shuffles the audience's perception of time by working non-linearly with its narrative. The evocative imagery and cohesive sound design are also a treat for the senses. Emma Tammi deserves praise for her direction in the film, showing her capability in creating an incredibly atmospheric and visually stunning film.

The issues of the film are mostly confined to pacing and narrative complexity. The film's slow-burn nature may frustrate viewers who expect the story to escalate quickly. It also has a complexity that may leave some viewers with more questions than answers, especially as the film ends ambiguously.

Overall, The Wind is a successful horror movie that leaves a long-lasting impression. It is a thoughtful and almost emotional character study that illustrates the psychological horror of isolation and the toll it takes on the human psyche. The Wind transcends the limitations of its time period and is an exceptional genre film with unique nuances that sets it apart from other horror films. The film's clever use of visual and audio cues create an intense cinematic and immersive experience for those willing to invest their time in this meditation on human suffering.

The Wind is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 14 hours.