'Clinical' Horror Movie Review (Netflix Original)

Netflix hits the mark yet again with one of their original movies!

Most horrors of this era are focused on fast, fake thrills. Kill scenes strung together by mundane scenes. They lack a buildup or great characterisations. This movie respected the story and the characters.

In short, a psychiatrist attempts to recover from a violent attack by a former patient, by diving back into the world of psychiatry. But there is so much more to the story, some of which I didn't see coming at all!

I loved how the movie really gives the viewer an inside look at the world of psychiatry through the eyes of our protagonist Dr. Jane Mathis (Vinessa Shaw). How the mind works has always been a fascination of mine. Most horror movies that touch on this subject matter, rush through the details of patient progress and get to the action and horror. This film offered a deeper look into the mind and the process of how one is guided when aspiring to overcome trauma.

With a steady pace that slowly fills with tension and suspense, it exceeded my expectations. There is always that fear, that you put effort into a movie with a gradual progression rather than kill-scene-kill-scene, that the ending won't be worth it. Well, don't waste your time worrying about that with this film. I vividly recall my mouth opening at the first twist, then at the second twist, I was flabbergasted.

Also, props to the filmography department, there were some beautiful shots tying the film together. Also, you have to respect a movie that doesn't deafen us with an abundance of loud sound effects to coincide with the 'jumpy' bits. This movie is cleverer than that. It relies on making us at first unsettled, and our own anxiety thickens as we have been programmed to expect something to happen when everything is quiet, especially at night. Sometimes something happens, other times it doesn't. We as an observer pick this up fast. This is partly what keeps us on edge throughout.

Did I mention it's genuinely creepy? If you are wanting a heavy serving of blood and guts, you'll be disappointed. This film serves us a generous dose of creepiness instead, without constantly falling on guts hanging out or heads being chopped off. However, there are some bloody moments, but they were essential to the visceral shock the audience needed to empathize with Dr Mathis and truly understand her struggles. When most people experience trauma, they don't have to go back into a career that revolves around dealing with trauma patients. And while at first she tackles easier cases, her guilt eventually leads her back into more serious cases. Could they drudge up memories? Could they hinder her progress? Watch and see!

All in all, a steady pace, chills, intrigue, and a mind-blowing twist within a twist, make this movie well worth watching. Add it to your Netflix list ASAP!

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