Absence

Absence is an intriguing and captivating American horror film released in 2013, which skilfully weaves an intricate tale of mystery, suspense, and dread. The movie, crafted by film director Jimmy Loweree, debuts the talents of Erin Way, Eric Matheny, and Ryan Smale. They deliver astounding performances and truly push the limits of the viewer’s anxiety, making it an edge-of-the-seat kind of experience.

Erin Way portrays Liz, a young woman in her late twenties. Way imbues her with both vulnerability and grit, making her a very relatable character. She is the sort of woman who is not scared to face her fears. She carries her role with ease, and her performance cements the film's drama.

Eric Matheny plays the role of Rick, Liz's caring older brother. He does a commendable job of portraying a man grappling to protect his sister while coming to terms with a baffling situation that defies all rational reasoning. The chemistry between Matheny and Way is undeniable, bringing a very believable and heartfelt sibling relationship to the screen.

And then there's Ryan Smale, who plays Evan, Liz’s loving husband. With his gentle charm and wit, Smale adds an endearing human touch to the narrative. However, underneath his amiable demeanor, there is an unmistakable sense of dread that creatively adds to the film's chilling atmosphere.

The narrative revolves around Liz’s inexplicable crisis – she is seven months pregnant one moment and then suddenly, she is not. What makes it a thousand times scarier is that there are no traces of miscarriage or any medical explaination to clarify this phenomenon. As Liz, her husband Evan, and brother Rick search for answers, they retreat on a journey to the picturesque yet remote setting of the mountains.

With no visible signs of miscarriage, the doctors are left clueless. This chaotic event takes on a sinister coloration as the story unfolds, with the frightening realization that the supernatural may be involved. The movie then veers off towards Liz, her husband Evan, and Rick setting up camp in the secluded mountains to escape from the media hype and undisclosed threat following these bizarre occurences.

Throughout the film, the breathtaking scenery offers a striking contrast against the unnerving tension that hangs in the air, far removed from the modern luxuries of town. The wilderness serves as an isolating setting for the trio's fight against unseen horrors, as they strive to discern the truth of Liz’s inexplicable 'absence'.

What makes Absence stand out from other films within the genre is its originality. Seeping tension throughout, the film expertly manipulates the audience's anticipations and fears. Despite a riveting plot, the film never resorts to cheap jump scares or grotesque visuals. Instead, it's the pervasive, gnawing dread that keeps the watchers hooked, wanting to find out more.

The storytelling approach in Absence is fresh and breathtaking, complete with an effective mix of documentary-style footage and conventional filming. The film does a great job in exploring the emotional aftermath of the inexplicable crisis, coupled with a sense of profound hopelessness echoing throughout, making the viewer’s heart race in anticipation.

Music and sound design also play a pivotal role in creating an immersive experience. Composed to perfection, it does an excellent job at ramping up the suspense whenever the narrative requires, releasing a series of chills down one's spine.

Absence is not your run-of-the-mill horror film. While it does explore the well-tread domain of unseen terror, it also delves into the realms of psychological and emotional trauma. The makers have taken a fresh look at the genre and transformed it into something unique, chilling, and extremely compelling.

In summary, Absence is an engaging thriller that focuses heavily on character development, plot progression, and atmospheric horror. It is a must-watch for those who enjoy a psychological thriller with a touch of the unseen horror, slow-burning suspense, and dread all rolled up into one seamless narrative. Our leading characters are left in the dark, scrambling for sense in the inexplicable, just as much as the audience, making it an aptly eerie experience from beginning to end.